The Buddleia davidii, also known as butterfly bush, is a deciduous shrub that has an arched habit and impressive flowers in warmer climates. In colder regions, it grows like a perennial and reappears in spring after dying back to the root crown each winter. With its striking flower spikes that attract pollinators and rather coarse leaves, butterfly bush comes in a wide range of colors thanks to cultivar developers. There are varieties available to suit different gardening preferences, with some growing up to 12 feet tall while others are relatively small. The bushes require little attention, making them perfect for even weekend gardeners. However, it is important to exercise caution as this plant self-seeds easily and is considered a noxious weed in some areas.
Butterfly bush is usually planted from potted nursery starts or seeds in the spring. It is a fast-growing plant that reaches full maturity within a single growing season. Butterfly bushes are hardy, beautiful, and easy to care for, making them popular among gardeners. They thrive in harsh environments such as polluted urban settings and are resistant to insect pests, drought, and stress. Plant them in well-drained soil and full sun, spacing them 5 to 6 feet apart. In colder climates, they can be treated like a herbaceous perennial by pruning them back, while in warm climates, they can be pruned to keep them under control and stimulate better blooming. However, exercise caution as butterfly bushes have a tendency to aggressively spread through self-seeding. To control the plant, remove spent flower clusters before they scatter seeds.
It is important to note that butterfly bush is categorized as an invasive plant in certain areas of the US, defined as a non-native species that pushes out native plants. As a result, many experts caution against planting butterfly bush. If you are unsure about the status of this plant in your area, check with your local agricultural extension office before adding it to your landscape. If you do choose to grow butterfly bush, give preference to varieties that are sterile or seedless to prevent spreading.
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The Butterfly bush requires at least six hours of full sun and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. It also needs medium moisture levels, thriving on approximately 1/2 inch of water per week. The plant is hardy in zones 5 to 9 but will die back to ground level in winter in zones 5 and 6. Named varieties of Butterfly bush hint at their color variations such as ‘Pink Delight’ or ‘White Profusion’. However, it’s best to choose a seedless variety to avoid invasiveness. Pruning is necessary to stimulate ongoing blooming and reduce self-seeding. Propagation through branch cuttings is best for non-patented varieties, while direct sowing is suitable for sterile cultivars. Spider mites and nematodes can be an issue when growing Butterfly bush. To get the plant to bloom, make sure it receives enough sun and moisture, and isn’t planted too deeply. The most significant problem with Butterfly bush is its aggressive spreading, which can be minimized by removing flower heads before they dry out and clipping stems at the end of each growing season.