Orange Ball Tree
Buddleia globosa

Family: Buddleiaceae

What it is like

Buddleia globosa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 5 m (16ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 5

Where it is found

Found at altitudes up to 2000 metres.

S. America - Argentina, Chile, Peru.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

One report says that it is cultivated as a medicinal plant in S. America but gives no more details.

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Other

Rating:

Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a sunny position. Prefers a rich loamy well-drained soil. Very tolerant of alkaline soils. Grows well by the sea, tolerating maritime exposure. Plants are hardy to about -15°c if they are sheltered from cold winds. They resprout freely from the base if cut back by cold weather and are deciduous in cold winters. Plants flower on the previous year's growth. The flowers scent the air for a considerable distance with their sweet honey-like fragrance.

Propagating it: Seed - cold stratify for 4 weeks at 4°c and surface sow the seed in February/March in a greenhouse. 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: 6-9

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Buddleja globosa