Butterfly bushes, also known as summer lilacs, are fast-growing flowering shrubs that produce colorful and fragrant blooms that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators With over 160 cultivars to choose from, butterfly bushes come in a wide array of sizes, flower colors, and growth habits
We will talk about the different kinds of butterfly bushes and some of the best ones to grow in your garden in this article.
Overview of Butterfly Bushes
Butterfly bushes are from Asia and Africa and are in the genus Buddleia. The species that is grown the most is Buddleja davidii, which comes from China.
These deciduous shrubs grow quickly, reaching anywhere from 2 to 15 feet tall depending on the variety. They bloom continuously from summer through fall on current year’s growth. The flowers grow in panicles ranging from 4 to 24 inches long.
Butterfly bushes do best in full sun and like soil that is rich and doesn’t stay soggy. They are drought and heat tolerant once established. To keep their shape and get more flowers, they should be cut back hard every spring before new growth comes up.
Flower Colors
Butterfly bushes come in every color except true red. Here are some of the most popular flower color varieties:
- Whites: Ice Chip, Ivory, White Profusion, Pugster White
- Pinks: Pink Delight, Miss Molly, Pink Micro Chip
- Purples: Black Knight, Blue Chip Jr., Nanho Purple, Pugster Periwinkle
- Blues: Empire Blue, Pugster Blue, Sky Blue
- Yellows: Honeycomb, Sungold
Plant Sizes
Butterfly bushes range greatly in mature size:
- Dwarf varieties under 3 feet tall: Lo & Behold series, Pugster series
- Compact varieties 3-5 feet tall: Adonis Blue, Miss Molly, Nanho Purple
- Mid-size varieties 5-8 feet tall: Pink Delight, Ivory, Honeycomb
- Large varieties over 8 feet tall: Black Knight, Sky Blue, White Profusion, Sungold
Butterfly bushes that are small and dwarf are great for pots and smaller gardens. Mid-sized and large types look great as border plants or privacy screens.
Special Features
Beyond flower color and size, there are some butterfly bushes prized for their unique features:
- Variegated foliage: Gold Splash, Pink Pagoda
- Bicolored blooms: Kaleidoscope Bicolor
- Dwarf habit: Lo & Behold series, Pugster series
- Hardiness: Pugster series
- Fragrance: Black Knight, Sky Blue
- Prolific blooms: Pink Delight, Adonis Blue
Top Butterfly Bush Varieties
Here is an overview of some of the most popular butterfly bush cultivars for gardens:
Pink Delight
One of the top picks, Pink Delight lives up to its name producing abundant bright pink blooms from summer into fall. It has an upright vase-shaped form growing 5-7 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide.
Pugster Blue
Part of the Pugster series bred for hardiness and compact size, Pugster Blue only reaches 2 feet tall and wide but pumps out full-sized blue flowers all season long. It’s perfect for containers.
Miss Violet
This compact butterfly bush grows 4-5 feet tall and wide and is loaded with violet-purple blooms contrasted with silvery-green leaves. It has excellent powdery mildew resistance.
Lo & Behold Blue Chip Jr.
One of the smallest varieties, Blue Chip Jr. is a dwarf butterfly bush reaching just 1-2 feet tall and wide. It produces soft blue-purple flowers continuously without deadheading. Great for rock gardens.
Sungold
If you want a bold splash of color, you can’t go wrong with Sungold and its bright golden yellow blooms. This is one of the largest varieties maturing at 8-15 feet tall with a spread of 4-10 feet wide.
White Profusion
Arguably the most popular white variety, White Profusion flowers from summer until frost with large, honey-scented panicles up to 12 inches long. It grows vigorously to 6-12 feet tall and wide.
Butterfly Bush Care Tips
To keep your butterfly bushes healthy and flowering profusely:
- Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
- Prune back by at least 1/3 each spring to encourage new growth
- Water weekly the first year, then only during droughts
- Apply fertilizer in early spring and again 6 weeks after spring pruning
- Stake tall varieties to provide support and prevent wind damage
Attract More Butterflies to Your Garden
By adding different types of butterfly bushes to your landscape, you’ll have non-stop flowers to attract a kaleidoscope of winged beauties to your yard. Be sure to include other nectar plants like coneflowers, lantana, and verbena for diversity. Then sit back and enjoy the fluttery show all season long!
When to seeJanuary to December
The UKs gardens provide more space for nature than all the National Nature Reserves put together.
6 Proven Winners Butterfly Bush varieties – Buddleia
FAQ
What are the negatives of the butterfly bush?
The primary negative of the butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) is its invasive nature. Its nectar attracts butterflies, but it’s not a host plant for North American butterflies and can push out native plants that butterflies depend on.
Which butterfly bush is not invasive?
Several butterfly bush (Buddleia) varieties are considered non-invasive, primarily those that have been bred to produce fewer or no viable seeds. These include the Lo & Behold® and Flutterby® series, as well as cultivars like ‘Miss Molly’, ‘Miss Pearl’, ‘Miss Ruby’, and ‘Miss Violet’.
Which butterfly bush attracts the most butterflies?
Ultra Violet™ Buddleia True to their common name, butterfly bush, buddleias are pollinator magnets. From skippers and sulphurs to monarchs and swallowtails, Ultra Violet™ swarms with activity. A few showy visitors include zebra, eastern tailed blue, and painted lady butterflies.
What is the difference between Miss Molly and Miss Ruby butterfly bushes?
“Miss Molly” and “Miss Ruby” are both popular varieties of Buddleja (Butterfly Bush), known for their vibrant colors and ability to attract pollinators. “Miss Molly” boasts deep, dark red-purple flowers, often described as a “sangria” shade, while “Miss Ruby” is renowned for its bright, rich pink blooms.