Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) is a favorite shrub of many gardeners because of its colorful flowers and ability to attract a variety of beneficial insects. As the name implies, the shrub is particularly attractive to butterflies. Native to China, it is adapted to all regions of Illinois; however, it may be killed to the ground during harsh winters.
The butterfly bush is a beautiful, fast-growing, deciduous shrub with masses of blossoms—long, spiked trusses—that bloom from summer to autumn. Its flowers come in many colors, though butterflies seem to prefer the lavender-pink (mauve) of the species to the white and dark purple cultivars. It typically grows to 6-12’ (less frequently to 15’) tall with a spread to 4-15’ wide when not killed back by cold winter temperatures. It is noted for its bushy habit, arching stems, showy/fragrant flowers and vigorous growth.
Butterfly bush is a rapidly growing, deciduous, drought-tolerant shrub native to Asia. Plant it in the full sun in well drained soil. Flowers on new growth which appear from summer through the first frost. The best flowers appear when the plant is severely pruned in late winter. It is an excellent choice for the summer flowering shrub border to mass plant.
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Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Pollinators, Container, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edging, Extended Bloom Time, Fragrant, Fragrant Flowers, Full Sun, Full Sun, Good for Beginners, Good for Borders, Good for Butterfly Garden, Good for Cottage Garden, Good for Cut Flowers, Good for Hedges, Good for Mass Planting, Low Maintenance, Medium, Medium, Most Popular, Non-Allergenic, Normal Soil, Perennial, Prairie Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Reblooms, Showy Flowers, Shrub, Thrillers, Tolerant of Hot Dry Site, Tolerant of Loamy Soil, Tolerant of Moist Soil, Well-Drained Soil
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