Plant identification

[fblake]

Hi there. Does anyone know what this plant is that's grown in my garden? Thanks

A type of buddleia I think? A weed, basically, but beneficial for insects (esp butterflies).

I may be wrong though!

Its a buddleia - butterflies love them. It will have self seeded there i expect. They are shrubs so if its in the wrong place you might need to take it out but otherwise they are easy - just prune back really hard in autumn and it will come back next year.

I agree with ferret. Buddleia. Might not be a weed, you can get some very pretty cultivars. We have a dark purple one. They are really good for bees and butterflies.

Yes, that's a very good point, you can get lovely ones so if it's in a good place then you can leave it. Your wildlife will thank you!
We just get them self seeding and going rampant in all the wrong places 🙄

Buddleia I have one I planted ( Black Knight)and three I didn’t. Probably a common mauve one. The can grow quite big and if the roots grown into the foundations it might cause a problem. I would enjoy it this year and think about taking it out or moving it. Bees and butterflies do love them. If the common one prune it in autumn. Black Knight is pruned in spring. Enjoy!

The can grow quite big and if the roots grown into the foundations it might cause a problem. I would enjoy it this year and think about taking it out or moving it.
Was just about to post the same! They can be thugs.

If it's arrived by self seeding I'd be inclined to deadhead it rigorously - you'll get more flowers (good for the later butterflies) but avoid too many others appearing.

I've got a cultivar which must be sterile as although I do deadhead it I inevitably miss a few heads. I love it for the butterflies it attracts but it smells good too. Mine is just starting to come out now, next to the arbour with sweet peas.... ok, I've got to go out and inhale now......

....ahh.

Thanks everyone 😊