Buddleja davidii 'Empire Blue'

Buddleja davidii

'Empire Blue', Longstock Park, UK
Cultivar 'Empire Blue'
Origin Good & Reese nursery, Ohio, USA

Buddleja davidii 'Empire Blue' is an old cultivar, raised by Karle A. Lucal and introduced by the Good & Reese nursery, Ohio, in 1941 (patented 1942). [1] 'Empire Blue' was accorded the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) in 1993 [2] but has become eclipsed by more recent cultivars such as 'Blue Horizon', another AGM winner, with larger panicles of a superior hue. Accordingly, 'Empire Blue' has been entered onto the RHS 'Sunset List' for rescission of its AGM. [3]

Description

'Empire Blue' grows to a height of 2 m, and produces rich violet-blue terminal panicles 15–20 cm long; the foliage is unremarkable, and typical of the species. [4]

Cultivation

'Empire Blue' remains in commerce on both sides of the Atlantic. Hardiness: USDA zones 5–9. [2]

References

  1. ↑ Hatch, L. (2007). Cultivars of Woody Plants. Vol. 1 (A-G) 2007 Edition. TCR Press Horticultural PDF. books.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Stuart, D. D. (2006). Buddlejas. RHS Plant Collector Guide. Timber Press, Oregon. ISBN 978-0-88192-688-0
  3. ↑ Royal Horticultural Society. (2010). Trials Report 2008 - 2010 Buddleja davidii and its close hybrids. RHS, Wisley, UK.
  4. ↑ Moore, P. (2011). List of Buddleja davidii cultivars held at Longstock Park Nursery, 2011. Longstock Park, UK.