On 20/07/2014 20:13, Kate wrote:
Hi

I've grown buddlejas in the past and really loved them for the scent and
all the bees and butterflies. But they would just get crazily out of
control and in the end I got rid of them and decided to grow a dwarf
buddleja in a pot instead.

I got a Blue Chip 18 months ago, so this is its second year, and it's not
doing well. Barely a foot tall, some yellowing leaves (but still alive),
no flowers. Last year there were 2 or 3 small flower heads that appeared
very late (maybe even in October?).

Obviously I don't expect it to be as vigorous as I'm used to with non-
dwarf varieties, but it's doing so badly that I'm about ready to give up
on it. I've fed it and watered it, but I feel like I'm wasting my time.

My question is: would it be out of the question to grow a full-size
buddleja (Black Knight say) in a pot, and try to keep it in control by
pruning during the flowering season? I'm guessing that the restricted
space for the roots would limit its growth somewhat. I'd like to keep it
to 4 foot and not too bushy. Is it a waste of time even trying??

Thanks!

Kate x


Set the poor thing free.
Plant it into open ground ASAP and water and feed it well.
Once it has got its self established they you can prune it back hard
each spring.
It won't go berserk like your old budleija