Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) BUD-lee-ah dah-VID-ee-eye Genus:  Butterfly bush

This sun-lover comes in hues from pure white to deepest purple. From midsummer until frost, butterfly bush earns its name as hordes of winged beauties flit from flower to flower in search of nectar. The lanceolate leaves are 10 to 12 inches long and white or grayish underneath. The honey-scented flowers are deep purple and grow in spikes, from July to October.

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

This plant and its hybrids attract butterflies and bees greatly and are valuable shrubs for town and suburban gardens and for seaside planting. Listed as a weed in some parts of the U.S. and Canada.

Care: 

Cut back hard in spring. Hardy below Zone 6, but most aerial portions will winter kill and need to be hard pruned in spring.

Propagation: 

Cuttings that are made from half-ripe or semi-woody side shoots, 5 or 6 inches long, can be inserted in a closed cold frame, or outside under a hand light in July or early August.

Problems: 

Capsid bug, caterpillars, weevils, mullein moth and spider mites. Fungal leaf spot and dieback are possible.

Overview

Height 6 ft. to 10 ft. Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Invasive/Aggressive Grower, Moderate Grower Light Full Sun Only Moisture Dry to Medium Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Early Fall, Late Summer, Summer Flower Color Purple, Salmon Uses Beds and Borders Style Cottage Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant Type Shrubs