Blue Butterfly Bush – 5 Seeds

Blue Butterfly Bush (Rotheca myricoides) is a fast-growing, evergreen, or semi-deciduous shrub, typically reaching 2–3m in height, but can grow up to 4m in height. It has glossy green foliage and striking, two-toned butterfly-shaped violet-purple flowers with long, curved, violet anthers. Flowering takes place from spring to summer/autumn. This is followed by small, round green fruits that ripen to dark purple/black and are attractive to birds.

Excellent for small gardens, mixed shrub borders, container gardening, and informal, low-screening hedges. It is considered a weak-stemmed shrub that can act as a small tree if not pruned, but then the plant will need support due to its sprawling nature. It responds very well to regular pruning to encourage a bushy, dense, and flowering form. It thrives in hot, humid climates. In areas with extremely hot summers, it prefers some partial shade.

Common names: Blue Butterfly Bush, Blue Cat’s Whiskers, Blue Glory Bower, Bloutontelhout, Umbozwa, Blue Oxford/Cambridge Bush.

The plant has traditional uses and is a significant medicinal plant in various African traditional healing systems. It is widely used by communities in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and other parts of Africa.

Safety Warning: It is generally recommended to keep the plant out of reach of pets and children.The fruit is considered safe for wildlife but not for people, and the plant should be treated as toxic if ingested.

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Traditional Medicinal Uses:

• Powdered Bark: Extensively used in traditional medicine to treat snakebites, reduce bodily swellings, and relieve indigestion. It is also applied to treat colds, chest pains, headaches, and bleeding gums.
• Root Bark: Used to treat fevers in cattle and diarrhea in calves. It is also used as an antipyretic and analgesic.
• Leaves: Used in a decoction to treat epilepsy, arthritis, typhoid, coughs, eye problems, tonsillitis, rheumatism, gonorrhea, and as an aphrodisiac.
• Stem: Used to treat pneumonia, constipation, and malaria.

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Insect Repellent Uses

• Leaves and Twigs: When crushed, the leaves and twigs emit a strong, pungent, or rank odor that acts as a deterrent to insects and pests.
• Application: The aromatic leaves can be rubbed on the skin (especially around ankles and arms) to repel mosquitoes. They are also used as a fragrant, natural pest-repellent spray in gardens to reduce the need for chemical spraying.
• Garden Use: It is highly valued as a pest-free, ornamental shrub that helps keep surrounding plants free from insect

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Growing Blue Butterfly Bush

Indoor Sowing: Early Spring.

Direct Sowing: Spring and Summer.

• Use a well-drained, organically rich seed-sowing mix, such as a combination of compost and river sand (1:2 ratio).
• Sow seeds shallowly, about 1–3mm deep.
• Place in a warm, bright, and sheltered location.
• Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
• Germination in about 60 days, although germination can be very erratic and it may take much longer, so patience is required.
• Transplant seedlings to the garden once they have their first true leaves and are large enough to handle.