Description

Family Scrophulariaceae
Originating from Brazil

• Large exotic grey-green deciduous leaves are borne on a vigorous open shrub.
• Outstanding long tubular orange flowers appear near the tips of the stems.
• Easy to grow in any soil, best in sunny woodland shelter.

Chunky, silvery, and wildly exotic are not terms usually used when referring to buddlejas, but this species encompasses all of those and more. Its leaves have a rugged-looking texture, with deeply veined upper surfaces and densely hairy undersides. The same silvery hairs cover the new shoots, giving the whole plant a downy, fuzzy appearance. This remarkable species is relatively new to horticulture in Europe, and there is much to learn about growing it in the UK. Its qualities demand attention; certainly, its foliage alone is a reason to plant it due to its unique character. It forms a loose, open shrub, but like all butterfly bushes, it responds well to hard pruning, which also promotes larger leaf growth.

However, the Mountain Buddleja’s primary attraction lies in its stunning, fleshy-looking, tubular orange flowers, which can reach up to 10cm in length. These emerge from downy pod-shaped bracts, elongating their structure even further. Blooming from early spring and persisting until early summer, they nestle among the young leaves at the tips of the branches, projecting well beyond them creating an exceptionally eye-catching display.

Originating from high-altitude regions of Brazil, where it reportedly encounters very low temperatures, we hope this species proves hardy enough to thrive in sheltered gardens.

Easy to grow in all but heavy wet soils in a sunny, sheltered woodland location.

Height and spread after 5 – 10 years 3m x 2m.