Buddleia davidii 'Black Knight’

Buddleia davidii ‘Black Knight’: Midnight Nectar for the Garden

Unmistakably bold, ‘Black Knight’ produces long, arching panicles of deep violet-purple flowers that draw butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees from midsummer to early fall. Its rich, velvety colour is among the darkest of all buddleias, standing out against grey-green foliage and bright summer backdrops. This fast-growing, deciduous shrub has a graceful, upright form and thrives in sunny, well-drained sites. Fragrant, drought tolerant, and endlessly floriferous, it adds drama and wildlife value in equal measure.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 180–240 cm (6–8 ft)
• Spread: 150–180 cm (5–6 ft)
• Flower Colour: Deep violet-purple
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to early fall
• Foliage: Narrow, grey-green; deciduous
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained; tolerates poor or sandy soils

Uses and Benefits: A powerful addition to sunny borders, pollinator gardens, and naturalized plantings. ‘Black Knight’ brings height, movement, and fragrance to the summer garden while supporting a wide variety of beneficial insects. It pairs well with ornamental grasses and late-blooming perennials, and can also be used as a seasonal hedge or backdrop for lower-growing companions.

Care Instructions: Prune hard in early spring to encourage compact growth and abundant flowering. Requires full sun and well-drained soil—avoid overly wet or clay-heavy conditions. Water regularly during establishment, then only during prolonged dry periods. Deadheading can extend the bloom period.

History: ‘Black Knight’ is a long-standing and popular cultivar of *Buddleia davidii*, valued for its rich flower colour and strong performance. Native to China, the species was introduced to Western gardens in the 19th century and has since become a pollinator favourite worldwide.

Final Thoughts: With its saturated colour, summer-long bloom, and magnetic pollinator appeal, ‘Black Knight’ is a commanding presence in any full-sun garden—and a vital nectar source for late-season wildlife.