Chrysalis White Buddleia

Chrysalis White Buddleia (Buddleja davidii 'Chrysalis White') is a compact butterfly bush with pure white flowers and a tiny golden eye. It reaches only 50cm to 70cm tall and 45cm to 60cm wide, and its honey scented spikes cover it from early summer to late autumn. It is bred for generous flowering on a small, mildew resistant plant.

Why you'll love it

• Clean white, golden eye. Each small flower is pure white with a tiny golden centre, which gives the spikes crisp detail up close.
• Light in the evening. White flowers show up well at dusk, so the plant earns its place beside outdoor seating.
• A long, generous season. The spikes arrive in early summer and run to late autumn on a bush that stays under a metre.
• Insects and birds love it. Honey scent and nectar attract butterflies, bees and birds.
• Tough and mildew resistant. It handles frost and dry spells once established and resists downy mildew.

Where it works best

White and pale gardens. Plant 60cm apart for a soft white sweep that sits comfortably with grey foliage, blue flowers and green hedges.

Patio pots. A medium container beside a seat or an entry shows off the scent and the visiting butterflies. Water pots more often than garden plants.

Cottage borders. It slots into an informal mixed bed, brightening darker plants without taking much space.

Growing Chrysalis White Buddleia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It tolerates frost and drought, so it suits cool, temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical gardens. Plant it where it gets the most sun for the best flowering.

Soil. Free draining soil suits it. In heavy clay, add coarse compost or raise the bed.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks, then it manages dry spells in the garden. Feed with slow release fertiliser after pruning and add a seaweed tonic in summer heat.

Pruning. Hard prune once a year in late winter or early spring when first growth resumes. This removes old shoots, maintains compact growth and boosts flowering. Remove faded spikes, because buddleias can self seed in some districts.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Chrysalis White Buddleia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. The potted sizes give a quicker display in containers, while tubes suit a drift in the ground. Expect rapid growth in warm weather and flowers in the first summer.

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

• Small courtyard garden ideas
• See every buddleja variety
• Plants for full sun
• Fragrant plants

Common questions

How does it differ from the other Chrysalis colours?

Only in colour. It shares the compact size, long season and mildew resistance of the rest of the range, and it is pure white with a tiny golden eye.

Is it suitable for pots?

Very. At 50cm to 70cm it is compact enough for a medium pot. Use a good potting mix, water often in summer and prune hard each late winter.

Does it spread or self seed?

Buddleias can self seed in some districts and are treated as environmental weeds in parts of Australia. Check local weed lists, and deadhead the spent spikes to limit seed.