Bai Bei Feng (Buddleia asiatica)

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Full sun
Frost limit: −12.2 °C

Cultivation

Requires a sunny position, succeeding in most reasonably good soils so long as they are well-drained. Of doubtful hardiness in most of Britain, it is likely to be damaged or killed by temperatures lower than 0°c. A very ornamental plant. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Any pruning is best done after flowering. An excellent plant for bees and butterflies. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagation

Seed - cold stratify for 4 weeks at 4°c. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 15 - 20cm long, October/November in a frame.

Edible uses

The dried and powdered root is used in the preparation of a fermented liquor.

Medicinal uses

The plant has been used as an abortifacient and also in the treatment of skin complaints.

Material uses

Wood - tough, moderately hard. It could be used for making walking sticks.

Habitat

Second growth forest, sandy river banks, grass, savannah, landslips and deserted village sites.

Native range

E. Asia - India to the Philippines.