Also known as False Olive · Olive Buddleja · Square-Stem Butterfly-Bush
Squarestem Butterflybush (Buddleja saligna) is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant shrub or small tree native to southern Africa, known for its fragrant flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings once established. Reduce in winter.
Loam, Sand, Clay
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers warm to hot climates, but can tolerate some frost.
Low
25% intensity
Light feeding in spring is sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially when young, to establish a good root system. Once established, Buddleja saligna is quite drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering in cooler months to prevent waterlogged roots, which can lead to rot.
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and size, and to encourage reblooming. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Hard pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to rejuvenate the plant and promote vigorous flowering.
Propagation is best done from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or hardwood cuttings taken in winter. Root cuttings in a well-draining propagation mix, kept moist and in a warm location.
Successful rooting may take several weeks.
Young plants may require repotting every 1-2 years in spring to accommodate their growth. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.
After repotting, water thoroughly and place in a shaded location for a few days.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Squarestem Butterflybush (Buddleja saligna)
Where Squarestem Butterflybush (Buddleja saligna) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus | Buddleja |
| Species | Buddleja saligna |
Similar in genus Buddleja
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
