Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red'


Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red' is an old American cultivar raised by Karle A. Lucal, introduced by the Good & Reese nursery, Ohio, and patented in 1942, PP00556. Introduced to the UK after the Second World War, 'Royal Red' has become one of the most successful buddleja cultivars of all time, and still regarded as the best of the older 'reds'. The shrub was accorded the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Merit in 1950, and the Award of Garden Merit in 1993. In 1997, 'Royal Red' was placed 9th in a public poll of 57 Buddleja taxa conducted by the University of Georgia.

Synonymy

'Royal Red' is also marketed in the US as Buddleja davidii 'Burgundy'.

Description

'Royal Red' is a large, vigorous, arching shrub growing to a height of 5 m, distinguished by its large, fragrant panicles, 25-40 cm long, of reddish-purple flowers. The leaves are long and pointed, dark green with white-felted undersides.

Cultivation

'Royal Red' is widely and commonly cultivated in the US and Europe, notably the UK. Hardiness: USDA zones 5-9.