B. ‘Purple Friend’ is a compact small shrub growing to a height of 1.2 m and bearing relatively short (10–15 cm) panicles of deep-purple flowers complemented by grey-green foliage.

 History

One of the first Buddleja cultivars to be bred by Andrew Bullock at The Lavender Garden, Tetbury, England in 2002. B. ‘Purple Friend’ was raised from B. ‘Black Knight’.

Named by Natasha Bellamy as a “Good Purple Friend” for Butterflies.

• Flower Colour: Very deep purple with an orange throat
• Habit: Compact
• Eventual height: 100-120cm (3-4ft) Spread: 100-150cm (3-5ft)
• Hardiness: Very hardy - 20°C USDA zones 5-9
• Leaf colour: Small grey green
• Flowering: Very floriferous in July and August. The flowers are 15-20cm (6-8") in length
• Fragrance: Scented
• Situation: Prefers a sunny position
• Wildlife: Good for bees, butterflies and other insects
• Later in the year some close up images of the flowers and leaves will be added along with a botanical description.