Buddleja davidii

Butterfly Bush
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of 8-10' tall and 8' wide. Some cultivars can be taller, and newer more compact cultivars have been developed. Fast growing species - when cut to ground in spring, most cultivars will reach 5-8' by fall.

Native Range

Species native to China, cultivated 1890.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are perfect, highly variable in color depending on cultivar: white to pink to blue to purple, each flower 0.25-0.33", borne in 6-8"+ long upright panicles with variable fragrance. June through frost on new growth, attracts butterflies and bees. Fruits are small brown capsules, 0.25-0.33" long, seeds freely and can become weedy/invasive.

Leaf and Bark Features

Leaves lanceolate, 4-10" long, 1-3" wide. Leaf color among cultivars varies significantly, typically shades of gray-green to blue-green. No fall color.

Culture and Care

Easily transplanted. Prefers well-drained, moist, fertile soil in full sun. Mites problematic when plants are drought stressed, nematodes when in sandy soil, some viruses.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Fine for cut flowers, lasting two days in vase.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA

The following taxa are (or were) represented in the collections at Boone County Arboretum. Additional taxa may be available in the trade that are not included here.

  • Buddleja davidii // Butterfly Bush ("straight species")
    Shrub.
    Bed 92

  • Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' // Black Knight Butterfly Bush
    Shrub. Deep-violet to dark-purple flowers. May be slightly hardier than other cultivars.
    Bed 92

  • Buddleja davidii 'Nanho Blue' // Nanho Blue Butterfly Bush
    Shrub. Mauve-blue flowers with a low fragrance. Compact cultivar to 8' tall.
    -- not currently in our collection --

  • Buddleja davidii 'Pink Charming' // Pink Charming Butterfly Bush
    Shrub. Lavender-pink flowers. Average size 8' tall, upright-arching-rounded habit.
    Bed 94

  • Buddleja davidii 'Pink Delight' // Pink Delight Butterfly Bush
    Shrub. True pink flowers. Average mature size 5' tall and wide - a compact grower.
    Bed 98

  • Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red' // Royal Red Butterfly Bush
    Shrub. Rich purple-red flowers. Average mature size 10' tall, strong upright-growing habit.
    Bed 90

  • Buddleja davidii 'Sun Gold' // Sun Gold Butterfly Bush
    Shrub. Orange-yellow flowers. Average mature size 10-15' tall.
    -- not currently in our collection --

  • Buddleja davidii 'White Bouquet' // White Bouquet Butterfly Bush
    Shrub. White flowers. Average mature size 10-15' tall.
    -- not currently in our collection --

  • Buddleja davidii 'White Profusion' // White Profusion Butterfly Bush
    Shrub. White flowers. Average mature size 6-10' tall and 7' wide, upright growth habit.
    Bed 96

  • Buddleja davidii var. nanhoensis 'Mongo' // Petite Indigo™ Butterfly Bush
    Shrub. Lilac-blue flowers. Average mature size 6' tall - a compact grower that is heavily-branched.
    Bed 98