High Five Purple Buddleia

High Five Purple Buddleia (Buddleja davidii 'High Five Purple') is a petite butterfly bush, about 60cm tall and 50cm wide, with unusual double flowers. Scented purple cones cover it from summer through autumn, and it draws bees, butterflies and birds. It is dwarf enough for a pot, tough enough for the garden and cold hardy besides.

Why you'll love it

• Double flowers. Unlike single flowered buddleias, this one carries double blooms, packed into long purple cones that look fuller and richer.
• Knee high. At 60cm tall and 50cm wide it fits a patio pot, a narrow border or the front of a bed.
• A long, fragrant season. Scented flowers appear from summer through autumn, until the first frost in cold areas.
• Insects and birds visit. Bees, butterflies and birds come for the nectar, so it earns its place in a small wildlife garden.
• Cold hardy and drought tolerant. Once established it takes frost and dry spells in its stride.

Where it works best

Pots and courtyards. A single plant fills a medium pot beside a door, and a trio makes a pleasing display on a courtyard table or step.

Low borders. Plant 50cm apart along the front of a sunny bed. The plants knit into a soft purple band that stays below knee height.

Small cottage gardens. It brings the butterfly bush look to spaces too tight for a full size shrub, and it mixes easily with daisies and herbs.

Growing High Five Purple Buddleia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It is frost and drought tolerant, so it suits cool, temperate and subtropical gardens, and it flowers best with plenty of light.

Soil. Free draining soil is best. In heavy ground raise the bed or add coarse compost.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks, then rely on rainfall in the garden. Keep potted plants watered. 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 to remove old shoots and keep it compact. Buddleias can self seed in some districts, so cut spent cones before seed sets.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell High Five Purple 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 packs suit instant patio displays, and tubes suit larger plantings. Expect quick growth in warm weather and the first flowers in the opening 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
• More butterfly bush varieties
• Plants for balconies and patios
• Plants that bees and butterflies love

Common questions

What does double flowered mean?

Each little flower has extra layers of petals, so the purple cones look fuller than on ordinary buddleias. It is the feature that sets High Five apart.

Is it tall enough for a hedge?

No. It is dwarf, around 60cm, so it suits pots, edges and the front of beds. For a taller screen choose a full size buddleia.

How often should it be pruned?

Once a year, hard, in late winter or early spring. That keeps the plant compact and the flowering heavy.