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 92Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' // Black Knight Butterfly Bush
Shrub. Deep-violet to dark-purple flowers. May be slightly hardier than other cultivars.
Bed 92Buddleja 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 94Buddleja davidii 'Pink Delight' // Pink Delight Butterfly Bush
Shrub. True pink flowers. Average mature size 5' tall and wide - a compact grower.
Bed 98Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red' // Royal Red Butterfly Bush
Shrub. Rich purple-red flowers. Average mature size 10' tall, strong upright-growing habit.
Bed 90Buddleja 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 96Buddleja davidii var. nanhoensis 'Mongo' // Petite Indigoâ„¢ Butterfly Bush
Shrub. Lilac-blue flowers. Average mature size 6' tall - a compact grower that is heavily-branched.
Bed 98