The Lo & Behold ‘Blue Chip Jr.’ Butterfly Bush, botanically referred to as Buddleia ‘Blue Chip Jr.’, is a dwarf cultivar of the larger butterfly bush species. It is part of the Lo & Behold series, which is known for compact, smaller-sized plants with the same attractive qualities as their larger relatives. This particular variety offers several advantages for gardeners and landscapers looking for a less sprawling butterfly bush that still provides plenty of aesthetic appeal and pollinator benefits.
Here are some of the key characteristics of the Lo & Behold ‘Blue Chip Jr.’ Butterfly Bush:
– **Flowers:** It produces abundant, continuous blooms without the need for deadheading. The flowers are a beautiful, intense blue to purple in color and form in small, compact panicles. They are fragrant and attractive to butterflies and other pollinators.
– **Foliage:** The foliage is typically a silvery-green or green, providing a nice contrast with the blue-purple flowers. The leaves are smaller and more refined than those of full-sized butterfly bushes, in proportion with the plant’s dwarf stature.
– **Size:** ‘Blue Chip Jr.’ is known for its miniature size, which makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or spaces. It typically grows to about 18 to 30 inches tall and wide, which is much smaller than traditional butterfly bush varieties.
– **Blooming Season:** This plant has a long blooming season, starting in mid-summer and continuing until the first frost. This feature makes it a valuable addition to any garden for prolonged color and interest.
– **Attracting Wildlife:** Despite its small size, ‘Blue Chip Jr.’ is still effective at attracting butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens.
– **Care:** One of the benefits of this smaller cultivar is that it requires less pruning than larger varieties. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, but like other butterfly bushes, it thrives best in full sun with well-drained soil.
– **Hardiness:** It is generally hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. Because of its smaller size, it may be more susceptible to harsh winter conditions and benefit from some protection in the colder areas of its growing range.
The Lo & Behold ‘Blue Chip Jr.’ Butterfly Bush is also appreciated for its non-invasive nature. Unlike traditional Buddleia davidii varieties that can self-seed aggressively, the ‘Blue Chip Jr.’ is less likely to spread, making it a more environmentally friendly option in areas where butterfly bushes are considered invasive. It’s an ideal plant for urban gardens, mixed borders, containers, and even as a ground cover due to its low-growing habit.
