The Butterfly Bush Guide

Buddleia, often referred to as Butterfly Bush, is a genus of deciduous and semi-evergreen shrubs in the Scrophulariaceae family. Native to Asia, Africa, and the Americas, Buddleia species are renowned for their nectar-rich flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The most commonly cultivated species, Buddleia davidii, has given rise to a wide array of garden hybrids.

Popular cultivars include Buddleia davidii 'Black Knight', known for its rich purple blooms, and Buddleia davidii 'White Profusion', which offers crisp white flowers in contrast-heavy designs. Compact varieties such as Buddleia 'Blue Chip Jr.' and Buddleia 'Pink Micro Chip' are excellent for small gardens and containers. New introductions in the Pugster series, including Pugster White and Pugster Pink, offer full-size flowers on compact plants. For bicolor interest, Buddleia x weyeriana 'Bicolor' provides two-toned blooms of lavender and yellow.

Because of its long flowering period, drought tolerance, and pollinator value, Buddleia is a top pick for adding seasonal impact and supporting biodiversity in the landscape.

Butterfly Bush is easy to establish and grows quickly when given the right conditions. Proper site selection is key to maximizing its performance and minimizing maintenance.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: Most Buddleia varieties are hardy in Zones 5–9. Some newer cultivars have been bred for improved cold tolerance.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal. Avoid planting in areas with consistently wet or compacted soil, which can cause root rot.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun—at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day—for optimal blooming and growth.
• Watering: Water regularly after planting until established. Once mature, Buddleia is quite drought-tolerant and typically only needs watering during prolonged dry spells.
• Spacing: Space plants 4 to 6 feet apart for full-sized varieties, and 2 to 3 feet for dwarf types like Lo & Behold 'Purple Haze' or Miss Molly.
• Planting Time: Plant in spring or early fall to allow roots to establish before the growing season or winter dormancy.

Prepare the planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep. Amend heavy soils with compost or organic matter to improve drainage and root development.

Butterfly Bush requires minimal maintenance once established but benefits from some seasonal attention to keep it blooming at its best.

• Watering: Keep soil moderately moist during the first season. After establishment, water only during drought or extreme heat.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
• Pruning: Prune hard in early spring (late March to early April in most regions) once new growth appears. Cutting Buddleia down to 12–24 inches encourages fuller growth and more abundant flowering.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flower spikes to encourage continuous blooms into fall.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it a few inches from the crown to prevent rot.
• Winter Protecthing: In colder zones, mulch heavily in late fall. Some dieback is normal in Zone 5 and below.

Buddleia is not prone to many pests, but spider mites and aphids may appear in dry weather. Ensure good airflow and rinse foliage with water as needed.

Butterfly Bush is best used where its floral display and wildlife-attracting qualities can shine. Its presence in the garden creates movement, fragrance, and vibrant seasonal color.

• Pollinator Gardens: As the name suggests, Buddleia is one of the best plants for attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
• Focal Point Planting: Use upright cultivars like Buddleia davidii 'Royal Red' or Buddleia 'Grand Cascade' as standalone specimens or bold backdrops.
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Combine with hydrangea, spirea, or ninebark for layered interest.
• Sunny Perennial Beds: Pair with perennials like echinacea, rudbeckia, salvia, or Russian sage to extend bloom time and support pollinators.
• Containers and Small Gardens: Compact varieties like Buddleia 'Miss Violet' or Lo & Behold Ruby Chip work beautifully in large pots or tight spaces.

The architectural form and late-season blooms of Buddleia make it a valuable focal point in any sunny garden bed.

• How do you propagate Buddleia? Buddleia can be propagated through softwood cuttings in spring or hardwood cuttings in fall. Cuttings root easily in moist potting mix.
• How to care for Buddleia plants? Provide full sun, well-drained soil, and prune annually in early spring. Deadhead regularly to keep flowers coming.
• Do deer eat Buddleia? Butterfly Bush is generally deer-resistant, though young growth may occasionally be sampled.
• How to grow a Buddleia bush? Plant in full sun, prune back in spring, and avoid overly wet soil. These plants thrive on neglect once established.
• When to plant a Buddleia bush? Plant in early spring after frost, or in early fall with time to establish roots before winter.
• Where to plant Buddleia bush? Choose a location with full sun and good drainage—along fences, in pollinator beds, or as a back-border anchor.
• How to plant Buddleia? Dig a wide hole, enrich the soil if needed, plant at the same depth as the pot, backfill, and water thoroughly.
• Is Buddleia toxic to dogs or cats? Buddleia is considered non-toxic to both dogs and cats, but ingestion of large amounts may cause mild stomach upset.
• Do rabbits eat Buddleia? Rabbits tend to avoid Butterfly Bush due to its fuzzy leaves and woody stems.
• Why is Buddleia called Butterfly Bush? The plant’s fragrant, nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to butterflies, which frequently feed on the blooms throughout the summer.