Buddleja davidii 'Dartmoor'
Buddleja davidii 'Dartmoor' is arguably the most unusual B. 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][2]
Buddleja davidii | |
---|---|
Cultivar | 'Dartmoor' |
Origin | Dartmoor, UK |
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.[3] The weight of the large inflorescences causes the ends of the branches to droop, bestowing a distinctive, arching structure.
- Inflorescence
- Inchoate inflorescence, revealing the numerous panicles.
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.[2]
References
- RHS Plantfinder - Buddleja davidii ‘Dartmoor’, Retrieved 21 January 2018
- Stuart, D. D. (2006). Buddlejas. RHS Plant Collector Guide. Timber Press, Oregon. ISBN 978-0-88192-688-0
- Moore, P. (2011). List of Buddleja davidii cultivars held at Longstock Park Nursery, 2011. Longstock Park, UK.