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photo of William Smith & Mark Brand

Meet the Breeder

William Smith & Mark Brand
Storrs, CT, USA

‘Summer Skies’

Butterfly Bush

Buddleia

'Summer Skies'

PP#22,465

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Buddleia Summer Skies with variegated foliage in landscape "} Yellow and green variegation of Buddleia Summer Skies Close up of yellow and green variegation of Buddleia Summer Skies foliage Yellow and green variegation of Buddleia Summer Skies close up of the Light purple blooms of Buddleia Summer Skies
  • Bold variegation
  • Stable, burn-resistant
  • Long blooming
Description

Bright and stable variegation. A high-drama plant for the summer garden, the soft violet-blue flowers of 'Summer Skies' buddleia contrast beautifully with the showy yellow and white variegated foliage. This is a highly stable variety which is resistant to scorching even in full sun. Bold, tropical foliage makes a statement in the landscape or containers.

USDA Zone
5 - 9 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure
Full sun
Height
4 - 5'
Width
4 - 5'
Finish Time
.5 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer - frost
Flower Color
Purple
Foliage Color
Variegated
Liner Sizes
4", Quick Turn

Soil

Good drainage is essential. The combination of wet soil and cold temperatures is particularly detrimental.

Pruning

Prune only after new growth emerges in spring. Cut back to just above a set of large, healthy buds.

Uses

With its very loud and bold variegation, 'Summer Skies' buddleia offers many landscape applications. It's an especially nice foliage accent for perennial gardens and containers.

Growing Tips

Plant in full sun for best flowering. Deadheading not required for continuous bloom. In clay soils, plant a bit higher than ground level to divert moisture away from the center of the plant.

  • Benchcard: Buddleia ‘Summer Skies’
  • Tag: Buddleia ‘Summer Skies’
  • Grower Sheet: Buddleia ‘Summer Skies’
  • Spec Sheet: Buddleia ‘Summer Skies’

    • Features: Attracts pollinators, Foliage interest, Drought tolerant, Fragrant, Deer resistant, Heat tolerant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Buddleia, Common name: Butterfly Bush, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Bloom time: Summer, Purple flowers, Variegated foliage

    Features: Attracts pollinators, Foliage interest, Drought tolerant, Fragrant, Deer resistant, Heat tolerant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Buddleia, Common name: Butterfly Bush, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Bloom time: Summer, Purple flowers, Variegated foliage