Pollination Info for Miss Molly Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii 'Miss Molly')

The Miss Molly Butterfly Bush is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. It is a popular garden plant due to its long blooming period and its ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators. Understanding its pollination needs is essential for successful gardening and to promote wildlife conservation.

Pollination Mechanism

The flowers of Miss Molly Butterfly Bush are attractive to a wide range of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, moths, and hummingbirds. The numerous tubular flowers are borne in dense panicles that can be up to 8 inches long. The flowers have bright pink to magenta-colored corollas with four lobes and are very fragrant.

The reproductive mechanism of the Miss Molly Butterfly Bush is entomophilous, which means that it is pollinated by insects. The flowers produce nectar, and the insect visitors feed on it while simultaneously transferring pollen from the anthers to the stigma of other flowers. The flowers are protandrous, which means that the anthers mature before the stigma, which reduces the chance of self-pollination.

Pollinator Preferences

The Miss Molly Butterfly Bush is particularly attractive to butterflies, especially the monarch butterfly. The plant provides a critical source of nectar for these butterflies, which is essential for their survival during migration. Other butterfly species that are attracted to the plant include the black swallowtail, painted lady, and sulphur butterfly. Bees, especially the honeybee, bumblebees, and carpenter bee, are also frequent visitors to the flowers. Moths, such as the sphinx moth and hummingbird clearwing, are attracted by the fragrant flowers that open at dusk. Hummingbirds are also known to visit the flowers, particularly in areas where they are prevalent.

Cross-Pollination

Miss Molly Butterfly Bush is not a self-fertile species, and cross-pollination between different plants is necessary for seed production. If you want to grow seeds, you need to have at least two or more plants to ensure cross-pollination. Since the plant attracts a wide range of pollinators, the chances of cross-pollination are high.

Conclusion

The Miss Molly Butterfly Bush is a sought-after garden plant due to its showy flowers and its ability to attract a wide variety of pollinators. Understanding its pollination requirements can help with gardening and promote wildlife conservation. The entomophilous nature of the flower and its attractiveness to a wide range of insects mean that it is self-sufficient for its pollination needs, which is an indicator of a healthy garden ecosystem.

Miss Molly Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii 'Miss Molly') FAQ

What is Miss Molly Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii 'Miss Molly')?

Miss Molly Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii 'Miss Molly') is a small to medium-sized deciduous shrub with fragrant pink to purple flowers. It is a hybrid cultivar of the Butterfly Bush genus and can grow up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

What are the growing conditions for Miss Molly Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii 'Miss Molly')?

Miss Molly Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii 'Miss Molly') prefers full sun exposure, well-drained soil, and regular watering. It can also tolerate drought conditions and is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9.

When does Miss Molly Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii 'Miss Molly') bloom?

Miss Molly Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii 'Miss Molly') blooms from mid to late summer and attracts butterflies and bees with its fragrant flowers.

How do you prune Miss Molly Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii 'Miss Molly')?

Pruning Miss Molly Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii 'Miss Molly') should be done in early spring before new growth appears. Cut back old wood to 6-12 inches above the ground to encourage new growth and ensure a fuller bush.

Does Miss Molly Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii 'Miss Molly') need to be fertilized?

Miss Molly Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii 'Miss Molly') benefits from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring and mid-summer. It is also recommended to add compost or organic matter to the soil to promote healthy growth.

How do you propagate Miss Molly Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii 'Miss Molly')?

Miss Molly Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii 'Miss Molly') can be propagated from seeds, softwood cuttings, or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in early summer. It is also possible to propagate it through layering or division in early spring.

Planting Miss Molly Butterfly Bush

• Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil
• Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball
• Add compost or peat moss to the hole and mix well with the soil
• Place the plant in the hole ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface
• Backfill the hole with the soil mixture and water well
• Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Caring for Miss Molly Butterfly Bush

• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system
• Water deeply during periods of drought
• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
• Prune in early spring to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms
• Monitor for pest and disease problems and address promptly