Butterfly Bush Care Guide: How to Grow Butterfly Bush at Home

A butterfly bush (Buddleia Davidii) is a deciduous shrub that grows long, long spiked flower trusses in lavender, white, dark purple, or pink. You can plant a butterfly bush alongside other host plants like dill, milkweed, and aster to create a butterfly garden that attracts pollinators, though it is important to note that only adult butterflies can eat the nectar of the butterfly bush.

Butterfly bushes typically grow to a height between six to 12 feet, but their growth can be controlled with regular pruning. It is important to note that many butterfly bush cultivars are considered invasive plants in most of the United States, and it may be illegal to plant in certain areas like Oregon. Many garden centers sell non-invasive, sterile versions of butterfly bushes, which are legal to plant.

Here are a few of the most popular varieties of butterfly bush.

1. 1. Adonis blue butterfly bush: This cultivar of Buddleia Davidii was developed in England and is popular for its vibrant blue flowers. The Adonis Blue is also a dwarf butterfly bush that doesn’t grow higher than five feet.
2. 2. Alternate leaf butterfly bush: The alternate leaf butterfly bush has flower spikes with a drooping willow quality. It has long thin leaves and bright purple flowers that bloom in early spring.
3. 3. Asian moon butterfly bush: This seedless cultivar of butterfly bush is non-invasive and sterile, making it safe to plant in many locations. It has deep purple flower spikes, and can grow up to seven feet tall.
4. 4. Black knight butterfly bush: The black knight butterfly bush has vertical flower spikes of deep purple blooms. Unlike certain other varieties which may prefer partial shade, the black knight needs full sun to thrive.
5. 5. Blueberry cobbler butterfly bush: Blueberry cobbler butterfly bush grows large conical flower spikes with variegated periwinkle and orange blooms. It is a sterile, non-invasive form of butterfly bush.
6. 6. Blue chip butterfly bush: Blue chip butterfly bush, also called “lo and behold,” is a dwarf butterfly bush variety that grows light purple flower spikes. It is a sterile species of butterfly bush, making it non-invasive and safe to plant.
7. 7. Flutterby butterfly bush: These sterile, non-invasive butterfly bushes grow light pink spiked flower clusters that stick straight up.
8. 8. Hever castle butterfly bush: Hever castle butterfly bush has lavender, orange-eyed flowers in its upright panicles. It is seedless and therefore non-invasive, making it safe to plant.
   
9. 9. Ice chip butterfly bush: Ice chip butterfly bush is a dwarf variety of Buddleia, growing to a mature height of two to three feet. It is also a sterile and non-invasive butterfly bush.
10. 10. Miss Ruby butterfly bush: Miss Ruby butterfly bush is a mid-sized variety that grows vibrant fuschia flower spikes. It is also a sterile, non-invasive species of butterfly bush.
11. 11. Orange ball tree: Instead of the typical mounded bloom clusters found on butterfly bushes, these bushes grow swirled, puffy flowers in a tangerine tue. They are seedless and non-invasive.
12. 12. Peach cobbler: Peach cobbler butterfly bush has pink variegated flowers with orange eyes, similar to the blueberry cobbler bush. It is seedless and non-invasive.
13. 13. Santana butterfly bush: The Santana butterfly bush has bright reddish-purple flowers and leaves with a variegated yellow and green pattern.
14. 14. Snow White butterfly bush: The Snow White butterfly bush has large, draping clusters of white blossoms. Like the Santana, its leaves are also variegated. It is seedless and therefore non-invasive.

You can plant butterfly bushes in the spring (after the last frost has passed) or in the fall (before the frost). You can plant your butterfly bush in spring for a summer growing season. If you’re planting a bush in the early fall, you will need to protect your new plant's roots during the winter with a thick layer of mulch. These flowering shrubs grow well in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8. If you’re planting these bushes in your garden, choose a spot that gets full sun for most of the day and has rich, well-draining soil.

You can propagate butterfly bushes from seed or plant division, but the quickest way is to use stem cuttings. If you want to grow a butterfly bush in your own backyard, you can follow this step-by-step guide to learn how.

1. 1. Confirm that you can grow butterfly bush in your area. Many areas in North America list butterfly bushes as an invasive plant, and they may be illegal to grow in some areas. Check local rules and regulations in your area to see whether you are permitted to plant butterfly bushes. Only plant a butterfly bush if it is legal to do so in your area. Many species of butterfly bushes sold in garden stores are non-invasive and sterile, which are a more environmentally-friendly option to plant.
2. 2. Make your stem cuttings. Cut a three-inch-long stem from an established butterfly bush, and remove the leaves that are near the bottom.
3. 3. Choose your planting location. Butterfly bushes need lots of full sun and well-draining soil. Whether you’re planting your cuttings in a large pot or directly into your garden, you should choose a location where your butterfly bush will get lots of natural light. Plant butterfly bushes at least five feet apart.
4. 4. Prepare your soil. Butterfly bushes will grow in any type of soil, provided that is nutrient-rich soil. Before you plant your cutting, loosen the soil a bit to make sure it drains well. This will help you prevent root rot.
5. 5. Plant your stem cutting. Dip the bottom of your stem cutting in rooting hormone, then plant it in your soil. Gently pat the soil down to make sure the stem is supported without packing the earth down too firmly. Water your stem immediately. Within a few weeks, your bush should establish its roots.

Once your butterfly bush has established itself, it will likely grow quickly. They’re deer-resistant, low-maintenance growers that will establish themselves quickly. Caring for it is more of a question of controlling its growth rather than encouraging it. Follow these instructions to care for your butterfly bush.

1. 1. Water your bush deeply when it’s growing. When your butterfly bush is growing, you should water it multiple times a week. The bush is relatively drought-resistant once it has established itself. In summer, you should water it once a week if the rainfall is less than one inch a week.
2. 2. Avoid fertilizing your bush. Fertilizing your butterfly bush can lead to an overgrowth in leaves and flowers. It is best to not fertilize the soil around your butterfly bush because it is an invasive species and could take over your entire garden.
3. 3. Prune your bush liberally. Butterfly bushes can withstand severe pruning to get them to your desired size and shape. This is a helpful way to control the size of your butterfly bush, which can become quite large if left unchecked.
4. 4. Protect your butterfly bush in winter. To protect your butterfly bush’s roots from frost during the winter, cover its root system with a layer of mulch around 6 inches deep surrounding the butterfly bush's trunk.
5. 5. Dead-head your spent flowers. Dead-heading means to remove or prune the spent or wilting flowers from your plant. This encourages new blossoms to thrive and prevents the bush’s seeds from spreading and overtaking your garden.
6. 6. Cut your bush to the ground in early spring. New blooms grow best on new wood, so it's best to cut your butterfly bush all the way back to the ground in early spring, even if there has been no die-back by late winter. This will set your bush up for healthy new growth by the summer.

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