Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight'


Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' has been one of the most successful B. davidii cultivars ever released. A selection made by Ruys at the Moerheim Nursery, Dedemsvaart, Netherlands, circa 1959, it was accorded the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 1993. Seed is very viable, germination per 0.1 gram averaging 100, or approximately 600 fertile seeds per panicle.

Description

'Black Knight' grows to a height of 4.0 m. The cultivar is distinguished by its deep purple flowers, reckoned to be the darkest of all the B. davidii cultivars, but the panicles, at 15-20 cm in length, are smaller than the type. Moreover, the medium-green leaves do not complement the flowers.

Cultivation

'Black Knight' is widely cultivated on both sides of the Atlantic. Hardiness: RHS H5, USDA zones 5-9.