Lookalike guide
Buddleia vs Lilac
Both have purple cone flowers, so buddleia on old walls and railways is often called lilac.
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris): Garden shrub — harmless.
| Feature | Buddleia | Lilac |
|---|---|---|
| Flowering | July–September | May |
| Leaves | Long, lance-shaped, felted white underneath | Heart-shaped, smooth |
| Where | Walls, chimneys, rail lines | Gardens |
Quick test
Butterflies and long felted leaves in summer mean buddleia.