Madagascar Butterflybush

Buddleja madagascariensis

$32.00

| Hardiness Zones 8-10

Endemic to the mountain scrub of Madagascar, where it scrambles along slopes between two and six thousand feet, throwing out long arching canes that will climb to ten feet given a wall to lean on. The flowers come in late winter and spring on terminal panicles up to ten inches long, opening deep yellow and aging through orange to soft pink along the same spike, all of it carrying a honeyed fragrance strong enough to scent a courtyard. The leaves are narrowly ovate, dark green above, silvery and felted beneath, so the whole shrub seems to flicker when wind moves through it.

A plant of the subtropics. Hardy in USDA zones 9 and 10, where it grows as a substantial evergreen; reliably killed by frost below the high twenties. In zone 8 it can be sited against a south-facing wall and treated as a winter-dieback shrub, returning from the root each spring to flower on new wood. Elsewhere it belongs in a cool conservatory or a generous greenhouse, where it has been grown that way in English collections for over a century.

Worth saying plainly: this species naturalizes aggressively in frost-free climates and is listed as invasive in Hawaii, parts of Florida, coastal Australia, and several other warm regions globally. We do not ship to states where it is a documented problem. In its proper place it is a beautiful and historically beloved garden shrub. In the wrong place it becomes a thicket. Plant it accordingly.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

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Hardiness Zones USDA Zones 8-10
Sun Full Sun
Soil Well-drained
Mature size Height: 5-8 Feet / Spread: 6-10 Feet
Growth Rate Fast
Seasonality Dies back, depends on zone

Flower, Fruit and Foliage

Fragrant terminal panicles to ten inches long, opening deep yellow and shifting through orange to pink as the spike matures, with peak bloom in late winter and early spring. Narrowly ovate leaves to five inches long, glossy dark green on the upper surface and densely silver-felted beneath. Small fleshy berries follow the flowers, ripening from white to bluish black. In zones where it stays evergreen, the foliage carries the plant year-round; in colder gardens, treat it as a herbaceous dieback shrub.

Read full care instruction manual here.

Plant in full sun and well-drained soil of moderate fertility. Tolerates a range of soil types but resents heavy wet clay. Water through the first growing season to establish, then back off; mature plants are drought-tolerant and bloom more reliably on the lean side.
In zones 9 and 10, give it room — six to ten feet in any direction — and a wall, fence, or trellis if you want the climbing form rather than the sprawling one. Prune after flowering to shape and to keep the canes manageable. In zone 8 and colder, site against a south-facing wall with winter mulch and accept that it will die back; cut spent stems to the ground in late winter and let it rebuild from the crown.
Propagates readily from semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees work the flowers heavily through the bloom period.

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Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
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We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.