Butterfly lilac (Buddleia spp.) is not only a beautiful plant in the garden that bursts with flowers, but it is also a useful perennial because it attracts pollinators. The shrub is a fragrant, hardy, deciduous shrub that attracts butterflies with its sweet nectar and blooms profusely in the heat of summer when many other garden plants are not blooming. Butterfly bush reaches a height of up to 3.5 m. Fortunately, it is an easy-care and robust shrub that is usually not a heavy feeder. However, the buddleia needs nutrients to thrive. We explain when and how to fertilize butterfly lilac and which fertilizer is best suited. Read on!
What soil for healthy growth
The shrub is not too picky about soil pH, although it prefers slightly acidic soil. Butterfly lilacs thrive in average soils as long as they are well drained. These plants tend to prefer dry conditions and can quickly develop severe root rot in wet soil. Therefore, be careful not to overwater the plant. Butterfly bushes grow best in sandy soil, but can also be grown in clay soil as long as there is no standing water. The plant doesn't need much fertilizer, but if your butterfly bush is growing in poor soil, you may want to consider a fertilizer.
Which fertilizer for butterfly lilac
How to fertilize the butterfly bush? The best fertilizer can be as simple as organic compost. Many gardeners use organic compost because it nourishes the soil and fertilizes the plants. Organic compost from the compost bin in your garden will be sufficient because it increases the fertility and organic content of the soil.This natural fertilizeris rich in organic matter and beneficial microbes that help improve soil structure, promote healthy root growth and improve nutrient absorption.
If you use organic compost as mulch by applying an 8 cm thick layer on the soil under the plant, it can not only fertilize the butterfly bush, but also reduce weed growth and retain moisture in the soil around the roots. Mulch also protects the roots from the cold.
When to fertilize butterfly lilac
When and how often should butterfly lilac be fertilized? Fertilize in early spring, then again in late spring and early summer. Never fertilize a butterfly bush after July as this can disrupt the dormancy period. Established butterfly bushes in pots need fertilizing in the spring when new growth begins near the base of the plant. Avoid fertilizing on hot days.
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How to properly fertilize your butterfly bush? It is best to work organic compost into the soil before planting a butterfly lilac. Simply mix in a layer of organic matter like compost and water. We recommend resilient plants for thesean organic fertilizer, so that the bushes are not damaged. Add additional compost every year as mulch to help keep soil nutrients at good levels. Then you don't need to use any additional fertilizer for the butterfly bush.
Another way to fertilize the shrub is to sprinkle a handful of balanced granular fertilizer around the base of the plant in spring. Water it well, making sure it doesn't touch the foliage.
Caution: Do not over-fertilize the shrub
Be careful not to over-fertilize, because if you over-fertilize, the plant will start to grow too quickly and this will lead to weak stems. Over-fertilization can also result in more energy being put into producing leaves, and the shrub will then produce fewer flowers.
Fertilize butterfly lilac in the pot
If you are growing a butterfly bush in a container, it can benefit from a balanced fertilization each year after the first year in a fresh potting mix. Using a slow-release fertilizer for potted butterfly lilacs in the second and subsequent years of growth can helpthat the plant blooms,but not growing too fast. The bushes only need to be fertilized once a year. Be sure to ensure good drainage for potted plants so that they do not become susceptible to root rot and you can enjoy the butterfly lilac blooms in summer.
Which home remedies are suitable for fertilization?
You can also make easy homemade butterfly lilac fertilizers so you can enjoy a sustainable garden. Here are some simple and effective ways:
- You can fertilize butterfly lilac with coffee grounds because it is a good source of slowly released nitrogen. It can be worked directly into the soil around the plants.
- Eggshells can also be used as fertilizer for butterfly lilacs. Sprinkle broken eggshells into small pieces around the roots of the plant or grind them into powder. This way you can naturally fertilize lime-loving plants such as buddleia.
- You can fertilize buddleia with horn shavings. They act as a long-term fertilizer and the bushes benefit from it.
