Buddleja paniculata

Buddleja paniculata is a species of flowering plant in the figwort family Scrophulariaceae, endemic to a wide upland area from northern India to Bhutan, growing along forest margins, in thickets, and on rocky slopes at elevations of 500–3,000 m (1,600–9,800 ft). The species was named by Wallich and introduced to the UK in 1823 as seed sent by Major Madden from the Himalayas to the Glasnevin Botanic Garden.^[1]

Buddleja paniculata
Buddleja paniculata inflorescence
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Scrophulariaceae
Genus:	Buddleja
Species:	B. paniculata
Binomial name
Buddleja paniculata Wall.
Synonyms
Buddleja acutifolia C.H.Wright Buddleja lavandulacea Kraenzl. Buddleja gynandra C.Marquand Buddleja mairei H.Lév. Buddleja mairei var. albiflora H.Lév.

Description

B. paniculata in Nepal

Buddleja paniculata is a variable deciduous shrub or tree of bushy habit, occasionally reaching 6 m (20 ft) high. The sparse terminal panicles comprise white or pale lilac flowers, some forms pleasantly scented, others not, from December to mid-spring. The bright green lanceolate leaves are opposite, up to 25 cm (9.8 in) in length, and covered in fine hairs.^[1] 2n = 38.^[2]

Cultivation

Owing to its limited horticultural merit, B. paniculata is rarely cultivated. Moreover, it demands dry soils and frost protection over winter. In the UK, it is grown under glass as part of the NCCPG national collection at Longstock Park Nursery, near Stockbridge. Hardiness: USDA zone 8.^[1]