Butterfly Bush Care Information

Scientific Name: Buddelia davidii

Category: Deciduous Shrub

Habit: Bushy

Growth rate: Fast

Landscape benefits and culture: A favorite among butterflies, this shrub has flower clusters in a variety of colors and green foliage. This plant blooms in the summer, and is known to continue producing flowers in October. In the Chicago area climate, the stems die back every winter and grow back in the spring, much like a perennial. Cut down the spent stems in the late fall or early spring. Butterfly bush can spread aggressively via seed. Therefore sterile varieties are recommended to reduce the chance of the plant becoming out of control. Butterfly bush prefers full sun and moist, well drained soil. This plant does tolerate heavy clay soil and drought, but will not tolerate wet conditions. 

Pruning: Fall, Winter or Early spring

Potential pests/issues: Can spread aggressively if non-sterile varieties are used. Can be susceptible to spider mites.