Buddleja davidii 'Empire Blue'


Buddleja davidii 'Empire Blue' is an old cultivar, raised by Karle A. Lucal and introduced by the Good & Reese nursery, Ohio, in 1941, and patented in 1942, PP00557. 'Empire Blue' was accorded the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 1993 but has become eclipsed by more recent cultivars such as 'Blue Horizon', another AGM winner, with larger panicles of a superior hue. Accordingly, 'Empire Blue' has been entered onto the RHS 'Sunset List' for rescission of its AGM.

Description

'Empire Blue' grows to a height of 2 m, and produces rich violet-blue terminal panicles 15-20 cm long; the foliage is unremarkable, and typical of the species.

Cultivation

'Empire Blue' remains in commerce on both sides of the Atlantic. Hardiness: USDA zones 5-9.