How to Grow and Care for Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

Butterfly bush (Buddleia) adds color, fragrance, and pollinator activity to any garden.

With proper care, it grows into a hardy, long-blooming shrub that thrives in sunny landscapes and attracts butterflies throughout the season.

Published: March 31, 2025.

Quick Intro to Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

Butterfly bush (Buddleia), originally native to China and other parts of Asia, is known for its long, cone-shaped flower clusters and fast-growing habit. It thrives in a range of climates and has become a popular ornamental plant in many gardens worldwide. In small gardens, it serves as a vibrant centerpiece or backdrop, offering colorful blooms from summer to early fall.

Its sweet-scented flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it ideal for creating a lively pollinator-friendly space. Dwarf varieties are especially useful for compact areas, containers, or mixed borders where space is limited but visual impact is desired.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) Varieties

Here’s a list of popular Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) varieties, with a focus on those well-suited for small gardens, backyard spaces, and container gardening:

• Buddleia ‘Miss Molly’: Compact and showy, this variety grows 4–5 feet tall and wide. It produces rich reddish-pink flowers and fits well in small landscapes or large containers.
• Buddleia ‘Lo & Behold Blue Chip’: One of the most popular dwarf varieties, growing only 2–3 feet tall. Its small size and low-maintenance nature make it ideal for containers and tight spaces.
• Buddleia ‘Pugster Blue’: A compact variety with full-size blooms on a dense 2-foot-tall plant. Known for its strong stems and fragrant blue flowers, perfect for patios and borders.
• Buddleia ‘Flutterby Petite Tutti Fruitti Pink’: This non-invasive dwarf form grows 2–3 feet tall and blooms heavily throughout the season. It’s perfect for small gardens and does well in decorative pots.
• Buddleia ‘Miss Ruby’: A slightly larger compact variety, reaching 4–5 feet, with vivid ruby-colored flowers. Its unique bloom color and neat growth habit make it a favorite in backyard gardens.
• Buddleia ‘Lo & Behold Purple Haze’: Low-growing and spreading, this 2–3 foot variety is perfect for ground cover, raised beds, or wide containers. It offers deep purple blooms and a refined appearance.
• Buddleia ‘Pugster White’: This dwarf cultivar grows about 2 feet tall and wide with full-size white blooms. A great choice for brightening small spaces or combining with colorful perennials.
• Buddleia ‘Buzz™ Lavender’: Part of the Buzz™ series, this compact plant grows up to 3 feet tall and is well-suited for pots and balconies. It produces soft lavender blooms and attracts many pollinators.

These varieties offer vibrant color, manageable size, and strong appeal to butterflies, making them excellent choices for small garden settings and container displays.

Choosing the Right Location for Butterfly Bush

Butterfly bushes thrive in locations with full sun exposure. At least six hours of direct sunlight each day helps support healthy growth and abundant blooming. In areas with partial shade, flowering may be reduced, and the plant can become leggy. Choose a spot that remains bright throughout the day to encourage compact, vigorous growth and consistent flower production.

Proper spacing is also important. These bushes can grow several feet wide and tall, depending on the variety. Planting them too close together limits air circulation, which increases the risk of fungal diseases. Leave enough space around each bush for the branches to spread naturally and for air to move freely through the foliage. In garden borders or mixed beds, place butterfly bushes near the back or middle row to give them room to grow upward without crowding shorter plants.

Good airflow not only helps prevent disease but also keeps the plant structure strong. Avoid low-lying areas where moisture and cool air tend to settle, as this can create damp conditions that hinder plant health. A slightly elevated or well-drained site allows the roots to stay healthy and oxygenated.

Preparing the Soil for Planting

Well-drained soil is one of the most important conditions for growing butterfly bushes. These plants do not tolerate soggy or waterlogged roots. Heavy clay soils may need improvement before planting to allow better drainage. Mixing in coarse sand, perlite, or well-rotted compost can help loosen compacted soil and promote better water movement.

Butterfly bushes prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, typically in the pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Soil that is too acidic or too alkaline may limit nutrient availability and affect overall growth. A simple soil test can determine the current pH, and if needed, garden lime or sulfur can adjust the levels gradually over time.

Before planting, clear the area of weeds and debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 to 15 inches and mix in compost or aged organic matter. This improves soil structure, increases fertility, and encourages strong root development. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers during this stage, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

How to Plant Butterfly Bush

Start planting in spring or early fall when the soil is workable and temperatures are moderate. Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly deeper than the plant’s root ball. This gives the roots space to spread out and establish quickly. Remove the plant from its container and gently loosen any tightly wound roots before placing it in the hole.

Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with or just slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill with the loosened soil, pressing gently around the base to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and encourage good root contact.

For multiple plants, space them about 5 to 10 feet apart, depending on the variety’s mature size. Larger cultivars need more room, while dwarf types can be placed closer together. Adding a layer of mulch around the base helps conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid piling mulch directly against the stems to prevent rot.

Watering Needs and Moisture Management

Butterfly bushes prefer soil that stays moderately moist but not wet. During the first growing season, regular watering helps the roots establish. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil type. Sandy soils may dry out faster and require more frequent watering, while clay-rich soils retain moisture longer.

Once the plant is established, it becomes more drought-tolerant and usually needs less frequent watering. Mature butterfly bushes can go for several days or even a week without water, especially after rainfall. Always check the soil before watering. If the top 2 inches are dry, it's a good time to water.

Overwatering can lead to root rot and other moisture-related issues. Avoid watering on a fixed schedule regardless of soil conditions. Instead, base watering on rainfall, temperature, and soil drainage. Good drainage is essential. Make sure containers or raised beds have proper outlets for excess water, and never let the plant sit in standing water.

Fertilizing for Healthy Growth

Butterfly bushes are not heavy feeders and often grow well in average garden soil. However, a modest amount of fertilizer can support healthy foliage and consistent blooming. Too much fertilizer, especially nitrogen-rich types, may encourage leafy growth with fewer flowers.

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. A product labeled 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 provides equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which supports both foliage and bloom production. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant and water it in well.

For continued performance, a second light feeding in midsummer can extend the flowering period. Alternatively, compost or aged manure applied as a mulch in spring can enrich the soil gradually over time. Avoid fertilizing late in the season, as this can stimulate new growth that may not harden off before winter.

Pruning to Encourage Blooms and Shape

Pruning is important for keeping butterfly bushes healthy, compact, and productive. These plants bloom on new growth, so pruning encourages fresh shoots and more flowers. Regular pruning also helps maintain a tidy shape and prevents the plant from becoming woody and overgrown.

Late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, is the best time to prune. Cut the plant back to about 12 to 24 inches from the ground, depending on the variety and the desired shape. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make smooth cuts just above healthy buds.

Remove any dead or damaged stems and thin out congested areas to improve air circulation. During the growing season, deadheading spent flowers encourages the plant to keep producing new blooms. This also helps prevent unwanted self-seeding in some regions.

Consistent pruning helps butterfly bushes remain vigorous and attractive throughout the growing season, with more blooms and a balanced, bushy form.

Protecting Butterfly Bush in Winter

Butterfly bushes are generally hardy, but winter protection may be necessary in colder regions, especially in USDA Zones 5 and below. These plants can survive freezing temperatures, but extreme cold, frost heave, or poorly drained soil can damage or kill the roots.

In late fall, avoid heavy pruning. Leaving the woody stems intact through winter helps protect the crown of the plant from cold and moisture. Once the ground has frozen, apply a thick layer of mulch—about 4 to 6 inches—around the base of the plant. Use straw, shredded leaves, or bark mulch to insulate the root zone and prevent freeze-thaw cycles from pushing the plant out of the soil.

Avoid covering the crown directly with mulch. Instead, mound it around the base without smothering the lower stems. In areas with heavy snow, the snowpack can offer some natural insulation, but mulch is still recommended as a buffer against harsh winds and rapid temperature swings.

In early spring, remove the mulch gradually and assess the plant. Once the threat of frost has passed and new growth appears, proceed with pruning to shape the bush and remove any winter-damaged branches.

Common Problems and How to Handle Them

Butterfly bushes are relatively low-maintenance, but they can encounter a few problems during the growing season. One of the most common issues is poor flowering. This is often linked to lack of sunlight, excessive nitrogen fertilizer, or pruning at the wrong time. Ensuring full sun, using balanced nutrients, and pruning in late winter encourages reliable blooming.

Pests such as spider mites and aphids may appear during warm, dry periods. These insects typically feed on the leaves, causing stippling or distortion. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap usually keeps them under control. Encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs also helps manage infestations naturally.

Root rot can become a concern in poorly drained or overwatered soil. Signs include wilting despite moist soil, darkened roots, and stunted growth. Improving drainage and adjusting watering practices can help prevent this issue. If the root rot is severe, affected plants may not recover and should be removed to protect nearby plants.

Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew can appear in humid conditions with poor airflow. To reduce the risk, space plants adequately and avoid overhead watering. If symptoms develop—typically seen as a white coating on leaves—treatment with a fungicide may be necessary.

Butterfly bushes are not invasive in all areas, but some regions classify certain varieties as invasive. Gardeners should check local guidelines and choose sterile or non-invasive cultivars where necessary. These selections offer the same beauty without the risk of unwanted spreading.

Encouraging More Butterflies and Pollinators

Butterfly bushes are known for attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators with their nectar-rich blooms. To maximize their impact in the garden, consider combining them with other plants that provide food and shelter for a wide range of beneficial insects.

Companion plants such as coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, milkweed, bee balm, and yarrow support pollinators throughout the season. These flowering plants offer nectar at different times, extending the availability of food from early spring to late fall. Including native species in the garden increases the diversity of visiting insects and helps maintain local ecosystems.

When planning the layout, plant butterfly bushes in sunny spots near seating areas, patios, or walkways where the activity of butterflies can be easily enjoyed. Grouping several pollinator-friendly plants together creates a habitat zone, making the space more attractive to butterflies and bees. Avoid using pesticides or herbicides in these areas, as chemical exposure can harm the very insects the plants are meant to support.

Incorporating a shallow water source, such as a dish with stones or a small birdbath, adds another valuable element to the habitat. Pollinators not only need nectar but also require water, shelter, and suitable places to lay eggs. A thoughtful garden design that combines structure, nectar plants, and natural resources encourages more frequent visits from pollinators throughout the growing season.

Growing Butterfly Bush in Containers

Butterfly bushes can grow successfully in containers, especially the compact or dwarf varieties. This is a great option for small gardens, patios, balconies, or areas with poor soil. Choose a container that is at least 18 to 24 inches wide and deep to give the roots enough space to spread and develop. Containers made from clay, ceramic, or heavy plastic provide stability and help prevent tipping in windy conditions.

Use a high-quality potting mix that drains well. Avoid using garden soil alone, as it can become compacted and retain too much moisture. To improve drainage further, add perlite or coarse sand to the mix. Make sure the container has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from collecting around the roots.

Container-grown butterfly bushes require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground. During hot weather, daily watering may be necessary. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, and allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer to support healthy growth and blooms throughout the season.

Overwintering container plants can be challenging in colder zones. Move the container to a sheltered area like a garage or unheated greenhouse before the first hard frost. Water occasionally during winter to keep the soil from drying out completely, but avoid soggy conditions. In spring, bring the container back outside once the risk of frost has passed and resume regular care.

Is Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) Invasive Plant?

Some butterfly bush (Buddleia) varieties are considered invasive in certain regions, especially in parts of the United States, such as the Pacific Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast. In these areas, the plant can spread aggressively by seed and outcompete native vegetation, disrupting local ecosystems.

However, many modern cultivars are now bred to be sterile or low-seeding, which significantly reduces their invasive potential. Varieties like those in the Lo & Behold and Pugster series, as well as Miss Molly and Miss Ruby, are examples of non-invasive or seedless options that are widely recommended for responsible gardening.

Before planting, it’s a good idea to check with your local extension office or native plant society to see if butterfly bush is considered invasive in your area and whether specific cultivars are approved.