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Buddleja salviifolia



B. salviifolia is a variable species with a range across much of southern Africa, usually found growing at altitude. The blue-flowered form is the most common in horticulture; it is not necessarily representative of the species having been selected for the flowers and attractive velvety foliage.

In the wild, this species is quite variable with respect to flower colour. A very different white-flowered form is also cultivated in the UK, although this is less commonly found compared to the blue-form. The foliage of the two forms is different and a comparison of the two types is shown below.

I've also been growing this species from seed collected in South Africa by Silverhill Seeds. The foliage of these seedlings resembles the white-flowered form, and the flowers are in shades of pale lilac or violet.



Flower Colours




The blue-form is the most common in horticulture
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The white-form is encountered in cultivation ex situ
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A plant raised from South African seed, with lilac flowers
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Another seedling I've raised, this one has pale violet flowers
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Foliage Comparison


The foliage of the blue form of B. salviifolia


The leaves are sage-green and quite velvety. The undersides and the shoots are covered in a tan indumentum. The leaf margins are gently serrated.

The foliage of the 'Alba' form of B. salviifolia


The leaves of the white-flowered form are longer and a different shape. The upper surface is bullate and the underside is white tomentose, as are the branchlets.


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