Butterfly Bush
Butterfly bush is a somewhat irregularly shaped, arching shrub. The flowers are arranged in cone-shaped clusters on the end of the stems and are very fragrant.
It sometimes suffered dieback in exposed sites in the Colorado Springs area, so it needs a protected location to thrive.
The scent is very attractive to bees and butterflies. Flowers can be white, pink, blue or purple depending on the cultivar, each with a deep orange center.
Its leaf color is usually medium green. Butterfly bush is drought-tolerant, and is a colorful addition to gardens and landscapes.
Butterfly Bush
Butterfly bush is a somewhat irregularly shaped, arching shrub. The flowers are arranged in cone-shaped clusters on the end of the stems and are very fragrant.
It sometimes suffered dieback in exposed sites in the Colorado Springs area, so it needs a protected location to thrive.
The scent is very attractive to bees and butterflies. Flowers can be white, pink, blue or purple depending on the cultivar, each with a deep orange center.
Its leaf color is usually medium green. Butterfly bush is drought-tolerant, and is a colorful addition to gardens and landscapes.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Buddleia davidii
Pronunciation
BUD-lee-uh duh-VID-ee-eye
Mature Height
5 to 7 ft.
Mature Spread
3 to 5 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
purple, pink or white (depending on cultivar)
Bloom time
mid- to late summer
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
species is native to China
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 5-9
Elevation Limit
hardy to 7,000 ft.
Performance
Butterfly bush is growing at the Cottonwood Creek Garden and has been planted in a low water zone of the Mesa Water Wise Demonstration Garden for many years.
They have often died back part way over the winter. Nonetheless, the flowers are beautiful and support butterflies and bees. In a sunny, protected location, butterfly bush can be a good choice.
Maintenance
Plant in an area protected from wind and temperature extremes for best success.
Remove winter-killed branches to the ground in spring once the new leaves start to emerge.