Butterfly bushes, belonging to the Buddleja genus, are deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs celebrated for their vibrant, fragrant flower spikes that bloom from summer to fall. Native to regions like Asia, Africa, and the Americas, these fast-growing plants are a magnet for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making them a favorite in pollinator-friendly gardens. Their flowers come in a wide range of colors, including purple, pink, white, yellow, and orange, adding bold color and life to landscapes.
These shrubs are highly adaptable, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, though they tolerate a variety of conditions. Butterfly bushes range in size from compact, dwarf varieties under 3 feet to larger shrubs over 10 feet, offering options for small gardens, containers, or expansive borders. Many modern cultivars are sterile, reducing their invasiveness, which has been a concern with some species like Buddleja davidii in certain regions. Regular pruning is recommended to maintain shape and encourage prolific blooming.
Butterfly bushes are also valued for their ecological role in supporting pollinators and their ease of care. They are drought-tolerant once established and require minimal maintenance, making them suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether used as a focal point, hedge, or part of a mixed border, butterfly bushes bring vibrant color, fragrance, and wildlife activity to gardens, enhancing biodiversity and seasonal interest.
Types of Butterfly Bush
Common Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
The common butterfly bush, native to China, is one of the most widely cultivated species, growing to a height of 6 to 12 feet with a similar spread. It features long, arching branches adorned with lance-shaped, gray-green leaves and dense, conical flower spikes that range in color from purple and pink to white and yellow. Blooming from midsummer to fall, its fragrant flowers are a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds. This species thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for borders, cottage gardens, or as a focal point. Its vigorous growth requires regular pruning to maintain shape and encourage blooming.
Globe Butterfly Bush (Buddleja globosa)
Native to South America, the globe butterfly bush is distinct for its rounded, ball-shaped flower clusters, which are typically bright orange or yellow, adding a unique tropical flair to gardens. It grows to about 6 to 10 feet tall and wide, with oval, dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop to its vibrant blooms. This species blooms in late spring to early summer, earlier than many other butterfly bushes, and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Its compact, rounded habit makes it suitable for smaller gardens or as a specimen plant, and its unusual flower shape adds visual interest.
Weyer’s Butterfly Bush (Buddleja weyeriana)
A hybrid between Buddleja davidii and Buddleja globosa, Weyer’s butterfly bush combines the best traits of both parents, offering long, conical flower spikes in shades of orange, yellow, or pink. It grows to about 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, with arching branches and gray-green foliage. This hybrid blooms from midsummer to fall and is highly attractive to pollinators, making it a favorite for wildlife gardens. Weyer’s butterfly bush thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its vibrant flowers add a bold splash of color to borders or mixed shrub plantings.
Dwarf Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii ‘Nanho Blue’)
A compact cultivar of the common butterfly bush, ‘Nanho Blue’ grows to about 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for smaller gardens, containers, or as a low hedge. Its slender, arching branches bear narrow, gray-green leaves and long, fragrant flower spikes in shades of lavender-blue. Blooming from midsummer to fall, this dwarf variety is perfect for attracting butterflies and other pollinators to smaller spaces. ‘Nanho Blue’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its compact size requires less pruning than larger varieties, making it a low-maintenance option.
Lo & Behold Butterfly Bush (Buddleja ‘Lo & Behold’ Series)
The ‘Lo & Behold’ series is a group of dwarf, sterile butterfly bush hybrids designed for compact spaces and continuous blooming. Growing to only 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, these shrubs are perfect for containers, borders, or small gardens. Available in colors like purple, pink, and blue, the ‘Lo & Behold’ series produces abundant, fragrant flower spikes from early summer to frost without setting seed, reducing invasiveness. These cultivars thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and their non-invasive nature makes them a sustainable choice for eco-conscious gardeners.
Black Knight Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii ‘Black Knight’)
A striking cultivar of the common butterfly bush, ‘Black Knight’ is known for its deep, velvety purple-black flower spikes, which provide a dramatic contrast against its silvery-green foliage. Growing to about 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, this shrub blooms from midsummer to fall, attracting a wide range of pollinators. Its arching branches and bold flowers make it a standout in borders or as a focal point. ‘Black Knight’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its dark blooms add a rich, sophisticated touch to gardens.
Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush (Buddleja ‘Miss Ruby’)
Part of the ‘Miss’ series of compact butterfly bushes, ‘Miss Ruby’ is a hybrid that grows to about 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Its vibrant magenta-pink flower spikes are highly fragrant and bloom from midsummer to fall, drawing butterflies and hummingbirds. The foliage is a soft gray-green, complementing the bold flowers. ‘Miss Ruby’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its compact size and sterile nature make it ideal for smaller gardens or containers, offering vibrant color without the risk of invasiveness.
Pink Delight Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii ‘Pink Delight’)
A popular cultivar of the common butterfly bush, ‘Pink Delight’ features long, conical flower spikes in soft shades of pink, adding a delicate, romantic touch to gardens. It grows to about 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, with arching branches and gray-green foliage. Blooming from midsummer to fall, its fragrant flowers are a favorite of pollinators. ‘Pink Delight’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its pastel blooms make it a perfect choice for cottage gardens, mixed borders, or as a backdrop for other flowering plants.
White Profusion Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion’)
Known for its pure white flower spikes, ‘White Profusion’ is a cultivar of the common butterfly bush that grows to about 6 to 8 feet tall and wide. Its arching branches bear dense, fragrant blooms from midsummer to fall, creating a bright, airy display that attracts butterflies and bees. The foliage is a soft gray-green, providing a subtle contrast to the crisp white flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its luminous blooms make it ideal for moon gardens, borders, or as a focal point in mixed plantings.
Flutterby Petite Butterfly Bush (Buddleja ‘Flutterby Petite’ Series)
The ‘Flutterby Petite’ series offers ultra-compact butterfly bushes, growing to only 1.5 to 2 feet tall and wide, making them perfect for small gardens, containers, or groundcovers. Available in colors like lavender, pink, and purple, these dwarf shrubs produce abundant, fragrant flower spikes from early summer to frost. Their sterile nature prevents invasiveness, and their petite size makes them easy to maintain. ‘Flutterby Petite’ cultivars thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, offering a pollinator-friendly option for even the smallest spaces.
Adonis Blue Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii ‘Adonis Blue’)
A compact cultivar of the common butterfly bush, ‘Adonis Blue’ grows to about 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Its deep blue-violet flower spikes are highly fragrant and bloom from midsummer to fall, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. The foliage is a soft gray-green, complementing the bold flowers. ‘Adonis Blue’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its compact size and vibrant blooms make it ideal for smaller gardens, borders, or containers, adding a rich, jewel-toned accent.
Silver Anniversary Butterfly Bush (Buddleja ‘Silver Anniversary’)
A unique hybrid, ‘Silver Anniversary’ is celebrated for its silvery-white foliage, which provides a striking contrast to its creamy-white flower spikes. Growing to about 5 to 6 feet tall and wide, this shrub blooms from midsummer to fall, attracting pollinators with its fragrant flowers. The silvery foliage adds year-round interest, making it a standout in mixed borders or as a specimen plant. ‘Silver Anniversary’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its distinctive foliage and blooms make it a sophisticated choice for modern or Mediterranean-style gardens.
Royal Red Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii ‘Royal Red’)
A striking cultivar of the common butterfly bush, ‘Royal Red’ is known for its deep, reddish-purple flower spikes that add a regal touch to gardens. Growing to about 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, this shrub features arching branches and gray-green foliage, with fragrant blooms that appear from midsummer to fall. The rich, bold color of its flowers makes it a favorite for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, while its vigorous growth habit suits borders, cottage gardens, or as a focal point. ‘Royal Red’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and regular pruning keeps it shapely and encourages prolific blooming.
Miss Violet Butterfly Bush (Buddleja ‘Miss Violet’)
Part of the ‘Miss’ series, ‘Miss Violet’ is a compact, sterile hybrid that grows to about 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Its vibrant violet-purple flower spikes are highly fragrant and bloom from midsummer to fall, drawing pollinators to the garden. The foliage is a soft gray-green, providing a subtle backdrop to the bold flowers. ‘Miss Violet’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its compact size and non-invasive nature make it ideal for smaller gardens, containers, or mixed borders, offering vibrant color without the risk of spreading.
Honeycomb Butterfly Bush (Buddleja weyeriana ‘Honeycomb’)
A cultivar of Weyer’s butterfly bush, ‘Honeycomb’ is distinguished by its unique, honey-colored flower spikes that blend shades of yellow, orange, and cream, creating a warm, glowing effect. Growing to about 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, this shrub has arching branches and gray-green foliage, with blooms appearing from midsummer to fall. Its fragrant flowers are a magnet for butterflies and bees, making it a standout in wildlife gardens. ‘Honeycomb’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its warm-toned blooms add a sunny, cheerful vibe to borders or mixed shrub plantings.
Blue Heaven Butterfly Bush (Buddleja ‘Blue Heaven’)
A compact hybrid, ‘Blue Heaven’ grows to about 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Its soft lavender-blue flower spikes are highly fragrant and bloom from midsummer to fall, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. The foliage is a silvery-green, complementing the delicate flower color. ‘Blue Heaven’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its compact size and sterile nature make it ideal for smaller gardens, containers, or as a low hedge. Its pastel blooms add a serene, calming touch to landscapes.
Flutterby Grande Butterfly Bush (Buddleja ‘Flutterby Grande’ Series)
The ‘Flutterby Grande’ series offers slightly larger, sterile butterfly bushes, growing to about 5 to 6 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Available in colors like purple, pink, and lavender, these cultivars produce abundant, fragrant flower spikes from early summer to frost. Their sterile nature prevents invasiveness, and their slightly larger size makes them suitable for borders, mixed shrub plantings, or as focal points. ‘Flutterby Grande’ cultivars thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, offering a pollinator-friendly option for medium-sized gardens.
Empire Blue Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii ‘Empire Blue’)
A cultivar of the common butterfly bush, ‘Empire Blue’ is known for its deep, violet-blue flower spikes that add a bold, jewel-toned accent to gardens. Growing to about 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, this shrub has arching branches and gray-green foliage, with fragrant blooms appearing from midsummer to fall. Its vibrant flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, making it a favorite for wildlife gardens. ‘Empire Blue’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its striking color makes it ideal for borders, cottage gardens, or as a focal point.
Miss Molly Butterfly Bush (Buddleja ‘Miss Molly’)
Another member of the ‘Miss’ series, ‘Miss Molly’ is a compact, sterile hybrid that grows to about 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Its bright magenta flower spikes are highly fragrant and bloom from midsummer to fall, drawing butterflies and hummingbirds. The foliage is a soft gray-green, providing a subtle contrast to the bold flowers. ‘Miss Molly’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its compact size and non-invasive nature make it perfect for smaller gardens, containers, or mixed borders, offering vibrant color without spreading.
Purple Haze Butterfly Bush (Buddleja ‘Purple Haze’)
A compact hybrid, ‘Purple Haze’ grows to about 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Its deep purple flower spikes are highly fragrant and bloom from midsummer to fall, attracting pollinators to the garden. The foliage is a silvery-green, complementing the rich flower color. ‘Purple Haze’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its compact size and sterile nature make it ideal for smaller gardens, containers, or as a low hedge. Its deep, rich blooms add a dramatic, sophisticated touch to landscapes.
Santana Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii ‘Santana’)
A unique cultivar of the common butterfly bush, ‘Santana’ is prized for its variegated foliage, featuring green leaves with creamy-yellow margins, adding year-round interest. Growing to about 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, this shrub produces deep purple flower spikes from midsummer to fall, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Its fragrant blooms and striking foliage make it a standout in borders or as a focal point. ‘Santana’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its variegated leaves add a bright, decorative touch to gardens.
Flutterby Flow Butterfly Bush (Buddleja ‘Flutterby Flow’ Series)
The ‘Flutterby Flow’ series offers compact, sterile butterfly bushes that grow to about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, with a mounded, cascading habit. Available in colors like lavender, pink, and purple, these cultivars produce abundant, fragrant flower spikes from early summer to frost. Their sterile nature prevents invasiveness, and their cascading growth makes them ideal for hanging baskets, containers, or as groundcovers. ‘Flutterby Flow’ cultivars thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, offering a pollinator-friendly option for small spaces.
Peacock Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii ‘Peacock’)
A compact cultivar of the common butterfly bush, ‘Peacock’ grows to about 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Its deep magenta-pink flower spikes are highly fragrant and bloom from midsummer to fall, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. The foliage is a soft gray-green, complementing the bold flower color. ‘Peacock’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its compact size and sterile nature make it ideal for smaller gardens, containers, or mixed borders, adding vibrant color without spreading.
Sunshine Butterfly Bush (Buddleja weyeriana ‘Sunshine’)
A cultivar of Weyer’s butterfly bush, ‘Sunshine’ is known for its bright, golden-yellow flower spikes that add a sunny, cheerful vibe to gardens. Growing to about 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, this shrub has arching branches and gray-green foliage, with blooms appearing from midsummer to fall. Its fragrant flowers are a magnet for butterflies and bees, making it a standout in wildlife gardens. ‘Sunshine’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its warm-toned blooms make it ideal for borders, cottage gardens, or as a focal point.