Mi Meng Hua
Buddleia officinalis

Family: Buddleiaceae

What it is like

Buddleia officinalis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from December to February. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

River valleys of Szechwan in dry rocky areas to 1000 metres. Cliffs, scrub and waste places at elevations up to 1,000 metres.

E. Asia - western China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

Febrifuge. The flowers and flower buds are antispasmodic, slightly cholagogue and ophthalmic. They have an action similar to vitamin P, reducing the permeability and fragility of the blood vessels of the skin and small intestine. They are used in the treatment of various eye problems. They are also used in the treatment of gonorrhoea, hepatitis and hernia. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of collyrium. Also used in the treatment of gonorrhoea, hepatitis and hernia.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a sunny position. Prefers a rich loamy soil but succeeds in most well-drained soils. Very tolerant of alkaline soils. Requires a site sheltered from the wind because the leaves are easily damaged. Tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c, this species is hardy in Cornwall but not in most parts of Britain. It resprouts freely from the base if cut back by severe weather. A very ornamental plant, it hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants flower on the current years growth and can be pruned back hard in spring to encourage freer flowering. An excellent plant for bees and butterflies. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagating it: Seed - cold stratify for 4 weeks at 4°c and surface sow the seed in February/March in a greenhouse (the pre-chilling might not be required for this species). Germination usually takes place within 3 - 4 weeks at 21°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Seedlings are inclined to damp off and so should be watered with care and kept well-ventilated. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Use short side-shoots. Very high percentage. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 15 - 20cm long, October/November in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Buddleja officinalis