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!

My guess is that you've overwatered it. Buddlejas can grow in very
poor, but dry, conditions (which is why you can see them growing on the
top of old walls of derelict buildings). The most common cause of yellow
leaves in almost any pot plant is overwatering. Remove it from the pot
and see if the compost is wet. Even if it isn't, I would clean off the
oil soil, and repot it in a very free-draining compost to see if it
recovers.

As to keeping a potted Buddleja on the small side, I don't know if it is
possible. You would be trying to grow it as a bonsai, and maybe it is
too vigorous for that. Going back to those growing on the top of walls,
they seem to get to a pretty decent size if you ask me!

--

Jeff