Meet the Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Bush | Buddleia davidii
How do you know it’s me?:
I am a medium-large woody shrub.
I have an open, loose form, sometimes with arching branches.
My leaves are opposite, and rough-textured with hairy undersides. They are shaped like long, pointed ovals and have finely serrated edges.
My blooms are long spikes - dense cluster of tiny, tube-shaped flowers with orange centers.
How big do I grow?: 2’ - 12’ height, 3' - 10' spread.
Sun-seeker or shade-lover: Full Sun
Where I prefer to put my roots: Well-drained soil. I am moderately drought tolerant and thrive in a variety of soil types.
Hardiness: Zone 5-9
Original home: I am native to China.
Colors: My flowers are typically purple. Pink, yellow, blue, and white varieties also exist.
When I bloom: Long-lasting blooms through the summer months.
Wildlife friends: Butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators are highly attracted to me, as I am a rich source of nectar.
Flora Fun Facts: Unfortunately, I have landed myself on the do-not-invite list, as I am an invasive plant in Washington, Oregon, California, and many of the eastern US states. There are some sterile varieties that are unlikely to spread, but it is generally recommended that gardeners consider alternative plants.
More Info: You'll often find the butterfly bush surrounded in a haze of bees and butterflies, who can't seem to stay away from the fragrant flower panicles. Due to its status as an invasive plant, a new dawn has risen for the popular shrub. Many new seedless and sterile varieties are on the market.
A member of the Scrophulariaceae (Figwort) family
Because this plant is considered invasive in some areas, it is recommended that gardeners consider other options for supporting pollinators in their landscapes.
Many varieties of this plant are sterile. This includes the popular "Lo & Behold" varieties, which are not as cold-hardy as the species.
This shrub tolerates heavy pruning and will bloom more vigorously if spent flowers are removed.
Can easily naturalize through self-seeding (lending to its status as an invasive plant). Removing spent flowers can also hep prevent this behavior.
