Melinda Myers

Butterfly Bush

Botanical Name

Buddleia davidii

Min Zone

5

Max Zone

9

Height

5 to 10 feet

Width

5 to 10 feet

Flowers

Summer through frost: 6 to 12 inches long - resemble lilac flowers, fragrant, orange thoated in purple, lavender, white, pink or golden-yellow

Light

Full to part sun

Soil

Moist, well-drained

Planting & Care

• Plant bare-root shrubs in the spring before new growth begins
• Plant container grown plants in the spring and early summer
• Space plants 4 to 5 feet apart
• Will benefit from regular fertilizing - follow soil test recommendations
• Leave plants stand for winter
• Mulch around base of plant for added insulation in winter
• Prune plants back to 4 to 6 inches in late winter or early spring

Problems

Mites when drought stressed, nematodes, winter kill

Varieties

• Petite series - 3 to 4 feet, variety of colors
• Black Knight - dark purple flowers, may be hardier than other varieties
• Lo and Behold series - compact 1 to 2 feet, variety of colors