Cultivar 'Dartmoor' | Origin Dartmoor, UK | |
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Similar Buddleja davidii 'Harlequin', Buddleja davidii 'African Q, Buddleja davidii 'White Bo, Buddleja davidii 'Markeep, Buddleja davidii 'Pink Spr | ||
Buddleja davidii 'Dartmoor' is arguably the most unusual davidii cultivar ever raised. Reputedly cloned from a plant found growing in a small ravine on Dartmoor near Yelverton by a retired American gardener by the name of Hayles, the shrub was introduced to commerce in 1973 and accorded the RHS Award of Garden Merit (record 678) in 1993 (reaffirmed 2010). [1]
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Description
'Dartmoor' is instantly recognizable by its unique magenta inflorescences comprising compound, branched panicles, 20–30 cm long, instead of the typical single, terminal spike. The shrub can grow up to 5 m in height, the green foliage unremarkable and all but identical to the type. The weight of the large inflorescences causes the ends of the branches to droop, bestowing a distinctive, arching structure.
Cultivation
'Dartmoor' is now very common in cultivation on both sides of the Atlantic, and is hardy to - 15° C. Like most other davidii cultivars, it responds well to heavy pruning in spring. Hardiness: RHS H5, USDA zones 5–9.