Buddleja davidii Black Knight

Common Name:
Butterfly Bush 'Black Knight'

Description:
Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' is a deciduous flowering shrub renowned for its dramatic, deep violet-purple flower spikes that are among the darkest of all butterfly bush cultivars. Flowering prolifically from summer through to autumn, it produces long, arching panicles of highly fragrant blooms that attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators in large numbers. Its silvery-green foliage provides an attractive contrast to the rich flower colour, creating a striking feature in garden beds and borders. Well-suited to Melbourne's climate, 'Black Knight' thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating periods of drought once established. Regular pruning in late winter encourages vigorous new growth and abundant flowering throughout the warmer months. Its fast growth, long flowering season, and wildlife-friendly nature make it a popular choice for cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and informal landscapes.

Form:
• Shrub - Large

Mature Size:
• Height: 2–3 m
• Width: 2–3 m

Aspect:
• Full Sun

Flowering:
• Flowers in Summer
• Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:
• Deep violet-purple
• Dark purple

Key Attributes:
• Bee Attracting
• Bird Attracting
• Disease Resistant
• Perennial
• Scented flowers
• Suitable for Hedging
• Suitable for Pots
• Attracts butterflies
• Drought tolerant once established
• Fast growing
• Excellent pollinator plant
• May become weedy in some regions of Australia if not managed responsibly

Toxicity:
Generally considered non-toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion of large quantities of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

Companion Plants:
• Lavender
• Salvia
• Echinacea
• Gaura
• Verbena bonariensis
• Agastache
• Nepeta (Catmint)
• Penstemon
• Achillea (Yarrow)
• Ornamental grasses