Buddleia davidii - purple - „Black Knight”

**Butterfly Bush – Buddleia davidii "Black Knight" Variety Description**

Buddleia davidii "Black Knight," commonly known as the butterfly bush, is an ornamental shrub belonging to the Buddleiaceae family, popular among gardeners for its flowering and fragrant blooms. This hybrid plant is particularly attractive due to its dark purple flowers, which provide a striking display in gardens and landscapes. Below, we provide a detailed description of the "Black Knight" butterfly bush, including its characteristics, requirements, care needs, and uses.

### Appearance
The "Black Knight" butterfly bush is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that typically reaches heights of 1.5 to 3 meters, with similar widths. The leaves are elongated, green, and measure between 10 and 30 cm long, densely arranged on the branches, giving the plant a lush appearance. The characteristic flowers, which bloom during the summer months, typically between July and September, are fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers form dense flower clusters that are dark purple and create a stunning contrast against the green foliage.

### Site and Soil Requirements
The "Black Knight" butterfly bush is a sun-loving plant that thrives best in sunny locations. It requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day for abundant blooming. This plant adapts well to various soil types but grows best in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils. The soil pH is flexible, ideally ranging from neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.5), helping to support the plant's healthy development.

### Care
Buddleia davidii "Black Knight" requires relatively low maintenance, making it an ideal choice for beginner gardeners. The plant needs regular watering, especially during the blooming season, but established specimens can withstand drier periods well. Autumn pruning is recommended as it stimulates the growth of young shoots and helps maintain the plant's attractive shape. After flowering, it is advisable to remove spent blooms to encourage continuous blooming performance.

### Resistance
The "Black Knight" butterfly bush is well resistant to most common diseases and pests; however, attention should be paid to aphids and fungal infections. Proper care conditions and good air circulation can significantly reduce the risk of diseases. The plant is frost-resistant, requiring minimal care during the cold winter months.

### Use Cases
The "Black Knight" butterfly bush can be used in a variety of landscaping applications. It is excellent for creating hedges, mixed flower beds, or borders, making it a beautiful focal point in any garden. Its colorful and attractive blooms are a favored choice in gardens designed to attract pollinators, as the flowers are particularly appealing to bees and butterflies. Additionally, it looks stunning in urban gardens and parks, where its popularity continues to grow.

### Summary
Buddleia davidii, or the "Black Knight" butterfly bush, is an impressive ornamental plant that enhances any garden with its rich flowering and aromatic fragrance. Its adaptability and low maintenance requirements make it a valuable addition to any outdoor space. With its striking appearance and robust nature, the "Black Knight" butterfly bush is a wonderful addition to gardens and landscapes.