Chrysalis Cranberry Buddleia

Chrysalis Cranberry Buddleia (Buddleja davidii 'Chrysalis Cranberry') is a compact butterfly bush that reaches only 50cm to 70cm tall and 45cm to 60cm wide, roughly knee to thigh high. Long, honey scented spikes in a warm, vibrant magenta purple open from early summer through late autumn. It is bred for abundant flowers, a long season and resistance to downy mildew, which makes it a dependable choice for pots and small borders.

Why you'll love it

• A long run of colour. Flowers open from early summer through late autumn, which is five months of magenta purple spikes on a bush that never gets big.
• Bred for plenty of flowers. The Chrysalis range was developed for abundant blooms on compact plants.
• Resists downy mildew. Mildew is a common problem on buddleias in humid summers, and this variety is bred to shrug it off.
• Pollinator friendly. Butterflies, bees and birds visit the honey scented flowers, so even a single pot brings life to a balcony.
• Small enough for anywhere. At knee to thigh height it fits a balcony pot, a front border or a tiny urban garden.

Where it works best

Patio pots and balconies. A single plant in a large pot makes a lasting display. Use quality potting mix, and water as soon as the top of the mix dries out, because pots dry faster than garden beds.

Borders and cottage plantings. Set it near the front of a mixed border, where the cranberry colour echoes silver foliage, white flowers and soft greens.

Mass planting. Plant 50cm apart for a dense drift of magenta. At that spacing the bushes meet quickly and give a block of colour from summer to autumn.

Growing Chrysalis Cranberry Buddleia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It is frost and drought tolerant once established, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens. More sun means more flowers.

Soil. Free draining soil suits it. Avoid sites that stay wet in winter, and on heavy clay plant on a low mound with coarse compost worked in.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for around 12 weeks until the plant is established. Garden grown plants then cope with dry weather, though pots need more frequent watering. Feed with a slow release fertiliser after pruning, and give an extra boost during summer heat with a seaweed tonic.

Pruning. Hard prune once a year in late winter or early spring, as the first growth resumes. Removing the old shoots keeps the plant compact and encourages heavier flowering.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Chrysalis Cranberry Buddleia as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small and leafy and puts on growth fast in warm weather. Plant it out or pot it up soon after it arrives, and expect flowers as it fills out.

The tube comes direct from our grower, who does not always have it. A sold out tube simply means none is ready today, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More buddleja varieties
• Plants for bees and butterflies
• Plants for small gardens
• A guide to creating a waterwise garden

Common questions

How big does Chrysalis Cranberry get?

About 50cm to 70cm tall and 45cm to 60cm wide, so it stays well below most buddleias. That makes it a good fit for pots and small beds.

Do I need to worry about mildew?

Much less than with older buddleias, because this variety is downy mildew resistant. Good airflow and watering at the base rather than over the leaves still help.

Will it flower in a pot?

Yes. It is bred for patio pots and flowers just as freely as in the ground. Choose a large pot, use quality potting mix and prune hard each late winter.