Butterfly Bush Varieties: A Comprehensive Guide
Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) is a popular garden shrub known for its fragrant flowers that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. With over 140 species and countless cultivars available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right butterfly bush for your garden. In this guide, we'll go over some of the most popular butterfly bush varieties and their unique characteristics.
The Many Colors of Butterfly Bushes
Purple Butterfly Bush Varieties
One of the most popular butterfly bush colors is purple. 'Black Knight' is a cultivar with deep, dark purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. Another favorite is 'Royal Red', which has magenta-purple flowers and a compact growth habit.
If you're looking for something more unusual, consider 'Purple Haze'. This variety has lavender-purple flowers with a white eye, and its leaves have a slightly silvery tint.
White Butterfly Bush Varieties
If you prefer a more classic look, white butterfly bushes are a great choice. 'White Profusion' is a cultivar with dense clusters of pure white flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. Another option is 'Ice Chip', which has small, delicate-looking flowers that open to reveal a yellow center.
Pink Butterfly Bush Varieties
For a softer, more romantic look, pink butterfly bushes are a great choice. 'Pink Delight' has light pink flowers that bloom in mid-summer and attract both butterflies and hummingbirds. 'Miss Ruby' is another popular cultivar with deep magenta-pink flowers and silver-green foliage.
Yellow Butterfly Bush Varieties
While not as common as other colors, there are a few yellow butterfly bush varieties worth considering. 'Honeycomb' has bright yellow flowers that bloom from summer through fall, and its leaves have a slightly fuzzy texture. Another option is 'Sungold', which has golden-yellow flowers and a compact growth habit.
The Best Butterfly Bush Varieties for Small Gardens
'Blue Chip'
If you have limited space, 'Blue Chip' is a great choice. This dwarf variety only grows up to 2 feet tall and wide, but it produces an abundance of fragrant blue-purple flowers from mid-summer to early fall.
'Nanho Purple'
Another small butterfly bush variety is 'Nanho Purple'. It grows up to 5 feet tall and wide and produces fragrant purple flowers from mid-summer to early fall. Its compact size makes it a great choice for containers or small gardens.
The Most Fragrant Butterfly Bush Varieties
'Miss Molly'
If fragrance is a top priority, consider 'Miss Molly'. This cultivar has deep red-pink flowers with a sweet, honey-like scent that attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds.
'Nanho Blue'
Another fragrant variety is 'Nanho Blue'. It has lavender-blue flowers and a spicy, clove-like scent that's sure to delight your senses.
'Royal Red'
While not as strongly scented as some other varieties, 'Royal Red' still has a pleasant fragrance that's worth noting. Its magenta-purple flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall and are a favorite of pollinators.
The Best Butterfly Bush Varieties for Attracting Pollinators
'Buzz Lavender'
'Buzz Lavender' is a compact butterfly bush variety that produces dense clusters of lavender-colored flowers from summer through fall. Its nectar-rich blooms attract both butterflies and bees.
'Lo and Behold Blue Chip Jr.'
This dwarf variety produces masses of blue-purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. Its small size makes it ideal for container gardens or small spaces.
'Pink Micro Chip'
Another great option for attracting pollinators is 'Pink Micro Chip'. This miniature butterfly bush has pink flowers that bloom from summer through fall and are a favorite of bees and butterflies alike.
How to Care for Your Butterfly Bush
Light Requirements
Butterfly bushes thrive in full sun, so be sure to plant them in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil Requirements
Butterfly bushes prefer well-draining soil that's slightly acidic (pH 6.0 to 7.0). If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
Watering
While butterfly bushes are drought-tolerant once established, they still need regular watering during their first year of growth. Water deeply once a week, and be sure to mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
Pruning
To encourage bushier growth and more blooms, prune your butterfly bush in early spring before new growth appears. Cut back the previous year's growth by half, making cuts just above a set of healthy buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How fast do butterfly bushes grow?
A: Butterfly bushes can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide, but their growth rate varies depending on factors such as soil quality, light conditions, and pruning practices.
Q: When should I prune my butterfly bush?
A: Prune your butterfly bush in early spring before new growth appears. This will encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
Q: Do butterfly bushes attract bees?
A: Yes, butterfly bushes are a favorite of both bees and butterflies due to their nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Can I grow butterfly bushes in containers?
A: Yes, many butterfly bush varieties are well-suited for container gardens. Just be sure to choose a compact variety and provide ample sunlight and water.
Q: Are butterfly bushes invasive?
A: While some states consider butterfly bushes to be invasive, many cultivars are sterile and do not produce seeds that can spread. Be sure to check with your local extension office before planting butterfly bushes in your area.
Butterfly bushes are a beautiful and beneficial addition to any garden, attracting pollinators and delighting the senses with their fragrant blooms. With so many varieties available, there's sure to be a butterfly bush that's right for you.
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