Orange ball tree is a large shrub that can grow up to 5 m tall, with gray fissured bark. The young branches are sub quadrangular and tomentose, bearing sessile or subsessile lanceolate or elliptic leaves that are 5 to 15 cm long by 2 to 6 cm wide. The upper surface of the leaves is smooth and slightly bulgy, while the lower surface is covered in fine hairs.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Buddleja globosa, also known as the orange-ball-tree, orange ball buddleja, and matico, is a species of flowering plant endemic to Chile and Argentina, where it grows in dry and moist forest, from sea level to 2,000 m. The species was first described and named by Hope in 1782.
In common with many New World Buddlejaceae species B. globosa is dioecious: although the flowers appear hermaphrodite in having both male and female parts, only the anthers or pistils are functional in a single plant (‘cryptically dioecious’).
Buddleja globosa was first introduced to the United Kingdom from Chile in 1774, and is now commonly grown as an ornamental and landscape shrub in temperate regions. Unlike B. davidii, introduced over a century later, B. globosa is not invasive owing to its wingless seeds. Hardiness: USDA zones 5–9, RHS H5.
The plant was accorded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit (record 687) in 1993.
The leaves of the Orange Ball Tree are lance-shaped and covered with a soft, grayish-green to silvery-white fuzz. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stems and have a simple, entire margin. They are typically 5-20 cm long and 2-6 cm wide. The fuzzy texture of the leaves adds to the plant’s ornamental appeal and contrasts with the vibrant orange ball-shaped flowers. The leaves remain evergreen in milder climates but may be semi-deciduous in colder regions. Overall, the foliage of Buddleja globosa contributes to the plant’s distinctive and attractive appearance in garden settings.
The flowers of the Orange Ball Tree are one of its most distinctive features. The flowers are arranged in dense, spherical clusters, resembling orange balls, which gives the plant its common name. Each individual flower is tubular with four lobes and has a vibrant orange hue. The flower clusters are large and conspicuous, creating a striking visual impact. The fragrance of the flowers is sweet and honey-like, adding to their allure. These blossoms bloom in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as butterflies and bees. The Orange Ball Tree is particularly valued in gardens for its showy and fragrant flowers, making it a popular choice for ornamental landscaping.
Buddleja globosa, commonly known as the Orange Ball Tree, produces small, spherical fruits. The fruits are typically about the size of a cherry and have a smooth texture. They are initially green, turning to a yellow-orange hue as they mature. The fruit contains numerous tiny seeds. While not typically consumed by humans, the fruits are attractive to birds, contributing to the plant’s role in supporting local wildlife. The plant is more widely appreciated for its ornamental value, especially due to its eye-catching and fragrant orange ball-shaped flowers rather than its fruit.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Orange ball tree prefers full sun. A minimum of 8 hours of bright sunlight is required if many blooms are desired. Do not plant under trees since too much shade will affect its growth.
Temperature
Some hybrids of genus Buddleja are less tolerant of cold temperatures. Towards the fringes of their range of hardiness, they may act more like a herbaceous perennial and die back to ground level during the winter. Their rapid growth means this should not pose a problem to blooming. Alternate-leaved butterfly bush (B. alternifolia) is a good choice for cold areas, as it has more hardy roots than most others.
Watering
Orange ball tree prefers well drained to moist soil, and it’s generally drought tolerant for short periods. During its first year, water it weekly. Container plants will dry out faster than those planted in the ground, and will need more regular watering. Once firmly established, the frequency of watering can be reduced. Waterlogging of this plant can cause the roots to rot.
Soil
Orange ball tree prefers neutral to alkaline soils that are rich in nutrients. It will tolerate alkaline soils of up to 8.5, ideally within the range of 5.5-7.0. It can cope with most types of soil, even chalk, and is able to grow in coastal areas, as it is tolerant of salt. It doesn’t like heavy clay.
Fertilizing
Though orange ball tree can tolerate poor soils, the addition of fertilizer will improve growth and quantity of blooms. Using a good quality rose fertilizer is a good choice, as it will usually have a high potash (potassium) content, which encourages flowering.
Another alternative is to use fish, blood, and bone meal with the addition of homemade wood ash. Using the meal on its own would be too high in nitrogen and would result in strong growth. If many blooms are desired, the ash is a necessary addition.
Planting Instructions
Orange ball tree should be planted once the soil has warmed and the last frost has passed. Late spring or early summer would be a good time of year to plant. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the plant’s root ball (a little deeper, if additions are being used). Additions include compost, fertilizer, and limestone chippings.
Limestone chippings are not essential, but can help to keep the plant from suffering due to low pH if the surrounding soil is acidic. It can also improve drainage. Compost can be used to improve the structure of the soil and improve drainage in heavy clay soils.
The use of fertilizer when planting means that the plant should not require more fertilizer for a year or two. Applying it around the roots makes it very accessible to the plant. If the plant must be moved, the best time is late autumn or early winter. At this time, they are not in a period of rapid growth, so are more able to deal with the changes.
Pruning
Pruning should be carried out in early to mid-spring. Earlier in the spring will allow more time for the orange ball tree to recover, which should result in more blooms. Cut back flowering stems from the previous year to within 1-2 buds of the older, woodier framework of the plant. Remove anything, dead, or weak growth. Cutting the plant annually back to around 61 cm in height will keep the plant from getting too large.
If the plant is in an exposed and windy site, reduce its height by about half in the autumn to avoid wind damage. Alternate-leaved butterfly bush and orange ball tree both flower on the previous year’s growth, so spring pruning would likely reduce the number of flowers that year. These types benefit from pruning after flowering. Deadheading regularly will encourage flowering.
Propagation
Orange ball tree is excellent at self-propagation from seed, so much so that in some areas it has become invasive. Not all hybrids are like this; some have been bred to be sterile to combat this problem. Seeds can be sown indoors in the early spring, and planted in late spring or early summer, once the final frost has passed. Cuttings are also a viable method of propagation.
Overwintering
Orange ball tree may die back to ground level during the winter. To protect the plant during cold times, mulch the surface of the soil around the plants to trap both heat and moisture within the soil. This will reduce the effects of cold air temperatures on the roots.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
Orange ball tree can be used as cut flowers. It has a honey-like fragrance.
- Medicinal uses
Folk medicine attributes to B. globosa wound healing properties, and the infusion of the leaves is used topically for the treatment of wounds, burns and external and internal ulcers.
Find Where to Buy the Best Orange Ball Tree (Buddleja globosa)
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