Butterfly Bush

Will Ship Spring 2024

Plant Type: Dormant, bare-root

Zones: 4-9

Soil Type: Clay, Loamy & Sandy Soils

Site Selection: Full Sun, Partial Sun

Mature Height & Width: 5-7' Height and 5-7' Spread

Growth Rate: Fast - 24" or more per year once established

Moisture Requirements: Average

Plant Characteristics

$9.07

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Details

Butterfly Bush

Buddleja

The Butterfly Bush does exactly what you would guess by it's name, attracts butterflies. It also attracts hummingbirds. This is your grandparents Butterfly Bush, it has been around forever! The flowers on this perennial are elongated purple blossoms, nearly the same color as a Lilac. The Butterfly Bush will bloom in summer and continue blooming well into fall. In the midwest, cut it back to the ground in the fall or spring to keep it compact. Use as a landscape plant or windbreak filler. The Butterfly Bush is a perennial; it will grow and bloom each year.

More Info

The Butterfly Bush puts on a beautiful display of elongated flowers which various butterflies and hummingbirds truly enjoy. Long spikes of flowers make this a beautiful choice as part of the landscape or areas you want to naturalize. This is a good addition to your butterfly garden. While this bush provides nectar for mature butterflies, it does not provide food for butterfly larvae. The Butterfly Bush will grow about 5 to 7' high and wide if left untrimmed.

Uses

Common uses for the Butterfly Bush include:

Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Beautiful flowers
Perennial plant in the landscape
Naturalizing an open space

Wildlife Value

The Butterfly Bush if a heavy flowering bush that attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to your home and garden.

Product Questions

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Is this drought tolerant once established?

Question by: Lindsey on Jan 8, 2021, 3:22 PM

Yes, once established, Butterfly Bush is drought tolerant. During the first year, however, we recommend regular watering in the event you aren't receiving about 1" precipitation per week.

Answer by: Chief River Nursery on Jan 11, 2021, 10:26 AM

What is the plant spacing for this plant?

Question by: Rodney W Sukalski on Jan 11, 2022, 3:52 PM

Depending on what you want to achieve in your landscape, you can space anywhere between 3-10' apart. If you are making a hedge you could space about 3-4' apart.

Answer by: Chief River Nursery on Jan 11, 2022, 4:02 PM

I have never found a butterfly bush hardy for zone 4. Is this a misprint? Would it need special mulching to survive the winter in mid-western Wisconsin? Thanks.

Question by: Gary on May 14, 2022, 6:21 PM

Indeed, Butterfly Bush is hardy in Zone 4. We suggest mulch for all trees and shrubs. Just be sure to keep it away from the stem.

Answer by: Chief River Nursery on May 16, 2022, 1:15 PM

Is this a native plant and is it invasive?

Question by: William on Aug 9, 2022, 9:17 PM

Native is a term that depends regionally, is it native to where you are located? Since I do not have your location, I cannot answer that question. Butterfly bush is invasive in many states, you should check your local resources to see if it is invasive in your state and if it is I would suggest not ordering it. Many states in the northern areas it is not considered invasive. You could also plant instead some of the following butterfly bush varieties considered sterile.
Lo and Behold Series Butterfly Bushes (Sterile)

Blue Chip Butterfly Bush

Blue Chip Jr Butterfly Bush

Ice Chip Butterfly Bush

Lilac Chip Butterfly Bush

Pink Micro Butterfly Bush

Purple Haze Butterfly Bush
Miss Series Butterfly Bushes (Sterile)

Miss Molly Butterfly Bush

Miss Pearl Butterfly Bush

Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush

Miss Violet Butterfly Bush

Answer by: Chief River Nursery on Aug 10, 2022, 11:02 AM