The Summer Lilac (Buddleja davidii) is a flowering shrub in the Scrophulariaceae family. It is also known as the Butterfly-Bush or the Orange Eye.
It is native to central China and Japan.
It grows in an arch-shape, up to 5 metres (16 feet) tall. The pale-brown bark becomes fissured with age.
Its leaves are 7-13 centimetres (3-5 inches) long. The flowers are lilac to purple inflorescences that are 20 centimetres (8 inches) long.
The flowers are hermaphroditic, having both male and female parts on the same plant. The flowers are sweet and attract many species of butterflies that feed on the nectar.
Photographed in the Botanical Garden, Paris, June 2021.
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
MARTINA NICOLLS