Buddleja (Buddleia) x weyeriana Moonlight

An unusual variety with pale cream yellow flowers, Buddleja x weyeriana Moonlight is a standout in any garden. This hybrid was bred in Dorset during the First World War by Major William van de Weyer of Smedmore House, at Corfe Castle. It is a cross between Buddleja davidii Magnifica and Buddleja globosa, resulting in a unique and beautiful plant.

There are three notable varieties of Buddleja x weyeriana, each with its own distinct features. Buddleja x Sungold has a strong yellow color with orange centers and pale yellow buds, making it the most popular variety. Buddleja x Moonlight has pale cream flowers with a yellow center and blueish buds, while Buddleja x Golden Glow combines features from both Sungold and Moonlight with its golden flowers and blueish buds. All three varieties are worthy of a place in any garden.

• Height:Flowering to 4m (easily kept to 2m)
• Spread:Easily maintained to 2m
• Foliage Colour:Rounded grey green
• Flower Colour:Pale pink with an orange centerround clustersloaded with small flowers
• Soil Type:Well drained, sandy, loam, chalk, clay
• Position:Full Sun – Partial Shade
• Hardiness:Hardy H6 (-15)
• Type:Deciduous Shrub

Buddleja x weyeriana Moonlight is not only visually stunning, but it is also highly attractive to insects and butterflies. It can reach a height of 4m, but can easily be kept to 2m. The foliage is a rounded grey green, and the flowers are pale pink with an orange center in round clusters. This deciduous shrub thrives in well-drained soil and can be planted in full sun or partial shade.

While Buddleja x weyeriana is a relatively low-maintenance plant, it can suffer from a few problems. Pruning is key to keeping the plant healthy and promoting proper growth. It is important to prune established plants in October/November to loosely shape the shrub, and then again in late March/April to encourage new growth. This will not affect flowering and can actually improve it.

Another issue that may arise is eelworm, which can cause yellow or brown blotches on the leaves and deformed shoots. The best way to treat this is by cutting out affected branches or shoots and discarding them away from the garden. Over time, this will help to eliminate the problem.