How big do dwarf butterfly bushes get?
There are tons of different variations of dwarf butterfly bushes, which are usually identifiable by their color. While the dwarf butterfly bush ranges from two to three feet in height, the smallest member of the group is the ‘Pink Micro Chip’ which only grows to a maximum height of two feet.
How tall do maroon butterfly bushes grow?
For maroon blossoms on a compact shrub, consider ‘Royal Red.’ It doesn’t grow past 6 feet. If butterfly bush types with purple flowers intrigue you, look for ‘Purple Ice Delight,’ a dense shrub that gets 8 feet high and offers dark flowers with touches of pink.
What does a butterfly bush look like?
Lindley’s Butterfly Bush ( Buddleja Lindleyana ): This butterfly bush has small dark green leaves and lavender-purple flowers. It is a smaller shrub (4-5 feet) with gracefully arching branches and fragrant panicles. This species will spread by suckers to colonize large areas.
How long does it take a butterfly bush to grow?
Spacing Requirements. Butterfly bushes grow quickly and reach their mature size in two years or less. Ensure the planting site for this shrub has adequate space for the plant to reach its full height and width.
How tall and wide do butterfly bushes get?
This deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub typically grows from 6 to 10 feet tall by 4 to 10 feet wide with a rather open, arching form.
How fast do butterfly bushes grow?
two feet per yearButterfly Bush Characteristics Native from central China to Tibet, it is a cold-hardy deciduous shrub. It grows at a fast rate of up to two feet per year, and it can grow into a butterfly tree as high as 15 feet in some climates.
Where is the best place to plant a butterfly bush?
full sunLight: Butterfly bushes grow and flower best in full sun. They will grow fine in part shade, especially in warmer climates, but their flowering may be reduced. Soil: Butterfly bushes are not particular about the soil conditions, as long as it drains well. Poorly-drained soils can cause root rot.
How wide does butterfly bush get?
between 3 to 5 feetButterfly bushes come in 2 general categories- a “larger” size that grows between 3 to 5 feet in width and 5 to 10 feet in height and the “dwarf” size that grows between 2 to 4 feet in width and 2 to 4 feet in height. There are various colors and bloom shapes that come in both categories.
Should I cut my butterfly bush to the ground?
Most standard butterfly bushes (B. davidii) look best if pruned close to the ground in late winter; other types, such as small or dwarf varieties like Lo and Behold, require lighter pruning. Look for older, dead stems and cut them close to the ground.
How long does it take for a butterfly bush to reach full size?
Butterfly Bush Characteristics The fast-growing butterfly bush reaches a mature height of 6 to 10 feet tall in one or two growing seasons.
Should a butterfly bush be cut back?
Butterfly bushes do not need to be pruned every year. In fact, you only need to prune them when they get too large for the space allotted. But since butterfly bushes only bloom on new growth many gardeners prune them severely each spring to encourage lots of new growth and lots of flowers.
Should you deadhead butterfly bush?
1:262:25Deadheading Butterfly Bushes. A look at how to do it. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd by cutting off the old dead flowers you encourage those to grow. So that's why it's a good ideaMoreAnd by cutting off the old dead flowers you encourage those to grow. So that's why it's a good idea to go ahead and deadhead them when they need it.
What time of year do you cut back butterfly bushes?
Prune in spring, after the new growth emerges. Many people cut their butterfly bush back in autumn, as part of their fall clean up. But particularly in cold climates, this can leave your butterfly bush more susceptible to damage over winter. Do not prune until you see green buds on the stems.
How long do butterfly bushes live?
Its popularity has real reasons: the plant grows fast, flowers very early on in its life cycle, and produces flowers throughout its life span of up to 30 years. The flowers smell good, are very showy and pretty, with large clusters that bloom for several days.
Do hummingbirds like butterfly bushes?
Buddleia also known as Buddleja or Butterfly Bush These fast-growing shrubs bloom all summer and fall and are one of the easiest ways to attract lots of butterflies and hummingbirds.
Are butterfly bush roots invasive?
Although eye-catching, hardy, and seemingly helpful to butterflies and other pollinators, Butterfly Bush is far from beneficial; in fact it's actually an invasive species that can impair the health of our local ecosystems.
Do butterfly bushes make a good hedge?
Planting. Butterfly bushes tolerate close planting to form a hedge. They grow between 6 and 10 feet tall and wide, depending on the cultivar, and should be spaced 5 to 10 feet apart. Young plants benefit from soil tilled to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, with 2- to 4-inch layer of compost mixed in before planting.
Do butterfly bushes spread?
Do butterfly bushes spread? Yes, they do. The wild species Buddleia davidii spreads rapidly, invading riverbanks, reforested areas, and open fields. It forms thick, shrubby thickets that preclude the development of other native species such as willow.
How long does it take for a butterfly bush to bloom?
The shrub usually begins blooming in early to midsummer, and should continue blooming through fall, depending on growing zone and weather. Gardeners have little to do in order to get a butterfly bush to bloom, even in its first year.
Do butterfly bushes need full sun?
Butterfly bush need full sun. When we say full sun, we mean it – butterfly bush require a minimum of 8 hours of bright sunlight. Even in warm climates, plant them where they get no fewer than 6 hours of sun.
Types of Butterfly Bushes For Cool Climates
If you live somewhere that gets winter frost and temperatures get into “minus” territory, you can still plant selected butterfly bush types. Althou...
Butterfly Bush Varieties For Warmer Regions
Some butterfly bushes grow well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. In these zones, the different butterfly bushe...
Noninvasive Butterfly Bush Types
Better yet, put Mother Nature before your personal preferences. Butterfly bush is an invasive species that has escaped cultivation in many states b...
Why are my butterfly bushes yellow?
Planting the shrub in well-drained soil usually eliminates the chances of root rot. The symptoms are yellowing leaves, and in severe cases, twig or stem dieback.
How big do butterfly bushes get?
Butterfly bushes grow from 6 to 12 feet (2-4 m.) tall with a spread of 4 to 15 feet (1-4.5 m.).
What do Japanese beetles eat?
Japanese beetles sometimes feed on butterfly bushes. Using insecticides to control Japanese beetles is usually ineffective, and more likely to destroy the abundance of beneficial insects attracted to the shrub than the beetles. Use traps and handpick the insects, and treat the lawn for grubs, which are the larval form of Japanese beetles.
What is a butterfly bush?
Butterfly bushes ( Buddleia davidii) are grown for their long panicles of colorful flowers and their ability to attract butterflies and beneficial insects.
When do seed pods emerge?
Seed pods develop when the flower clusters are left on the plant. When the pods mature and release their seeds , weedy young plants emerge. The seedlings should be removed as soon as possible. Young shrubs that are cut off at ground level may re-emerge, so remove the roots along with the top growth.
Can caterpillars be left alone?
In most cases the damage is minimal and you will have to stand close to the shrub to notice it. It’s best to leave the caterpillars alone unless their feeding activity does substantial damage to the shrub. Japanese beetles sometimes feed on butterfly bushes.
Is butterfly bush an invasive plant?
NOTE: Butterfly bush is considered an invasive plant in many regions. Check with your local extension office prior to planting to ensure that the plant is permitted in your area.
What is a butterfly bush?
Butterfly bush ( Buddleja/Buddleia) is a genus of hardy flowering plants that produce appealing fragrant flower heads known for attracting butterflies and other insects. Despite being considered invasive by many ecologists, their striking appearance has helped them maintain their popularity in ornamental gardening.
What are the bugs that eat butterfly bush?
Despite having a good resistance against most bugs, the plant can be susceptible to conditions like downy mildew (fungal disease), and spider mites. Aphids, wasps, and flies may also infest a butterfly bush.
How big do wooly butterfly bush flowers get?
Wooly Butterfly Bush ( Buddleja marrubiifolia) Yet another species in the genus, it produces globule-shaped flowerheads, about ½ inch in diameter, with the plant growing up to 5 feet. Hardiness Zone: 7.
What is the best seedless plant to pick?
The seedless or sterile types like ‘Miss Ruby’, ‘Asian Moon’, and ‘Blue Chip’ are often preferred for this reason.
How tall are yellow orange flowers?
With striking yellow-orange fragrant flowers, these 5-6 feet high plants are suitable for large gardens but do not survive in wet, cold conditions
How tall is a sage plant?
A relatively new variety, 4-5 feet high when mature, it is ideal for mixed borders and small gardens, also suitable to be grown in containers
How tall is a dwarf sage?
A dwarf variety (2-3 feet), it has a compact appearance with sturdy branches that can survive cold weathers better than most other short varieties; considered non-invasive
How tall does a maroon flower get?
For maroon blossoms on a compact shrub, consider ‘Royal Red.’ It doesn’t grow past 6 feet (2 m.). If butterfly bush types with purple flowers intrigue you, look for ‘Purple Ice Delight,’ a dense shrub that gets 8 feet (2.5 m.) high and offers dark flowers with touches of pink. For more pink, look at Pink Delight, offering bright pink blossoms on its 8 foot (2.5 m.) stems.
How tall do butterfly bushes grow?
These shrubs grow to 20 feet (6 m.) tall. They are amazingly tough, hardy to minus 20 degrees F. (-28 C.), yet tolerant of far warmer climates.
What color are butterfly bushes?
You can also choose different butterfly bushes by flower color; blossom hues range from dark purple through pink to white. For example, the very darkest butterfly bush flowers are found on the variety ‘Black Night,’ an open-structured shrub that grows to 15 feet (4.5 m.) tall. For maroon blossoms on a compact shrub, consider ‘Royal Red.’.
How cold can butterfly bush plants get?
They are amazingly tough, hardy to minus 20 degrees F. (-28 C.), yet tolerant of far warmer climates. This makes them attractive garden plants in cold, medium, and warm zones, so there are butterfly bush varieties that would work well in nearly any region.
How tall does Lochinich grow?
If fragrance is important to you, consider Buddleia asiatica. This tall shrub grows to 15 feet (2.5 m.) and offers white flowers with a scent so sweet and powerful that you can smell it from across the yard.
What zone do lilacs grow in?
The tiny lilac flowers wink at you with orange eyes. If you want a butterfly bush with large, white flowers, go for White Profusion that grows up to zone 10. Its white flower clusters are enormous and the bush itself rises to 10 feet (3 m.).
Do butterfly bushes die back?
Types of Butterfly Bushes for Cool Climates. If you live somewhere that gets winter frost and temperatures get into “minus” territory, you can still plant selected butterfly bush types. Although butterfly bushes are evergreen in warmer climes, in cool areas they die back in fall, then regrow rapidly in spring.
What is the difference between a sageleaf butterfly bush and a bicolor butterfly bush?
Large Cultivars (greater than 6 feet tall): Soft, felted leaves of sageleaf butterfly bush. ‘Attraction’ has magenta, nearly red flowers with attractive foliage. ‘Bicolor’ ( B. x Weyeriana) has lavender flower buds that open to a peachy-pink with a yellow cast as they age.
Why is my Buddleja x Weyeriana shrub getting mildew?
Downy mildew, caused by the fungus Peronospora hariotii, may occur during cooler temperatures with extended leaf wetness on Buddleja x Weyeriana cultivars. Pesticide use on these shrubs is discouraged, particularly when in bloom, because of the wide variety of beneficial insects present at that time.
What is the name of the plant with white flowers?
Flower heads are white to lavender and 6 to 8 inches long. ‘Alba ’, the most commonly seen cultivar, is more compact than the species, with white flowers. Sageleaf Butterfly Bush ( Buddleja salviifolia ): This species is grown primarily for its foliage. It has highly textured leaves that are coppery-green.
What is a Lindley's butterfly bush?
Lindley’s Butterfly Bush ( Buddleja Lindleyana ): This butterfly bush has small dark green leaves and lavender-purple flowers. It is a smaller shrub (4-5 feet) with gracefully arching branches and fragrant panicles. This species will spread by suckers to colonize large areas.
How to contact HGIC?
If this document didn’t answer your questions, please contact HGIC at [email protected] or 1-888-656-9988.
What is a butterfly bush?
Butterfly bush ( Buddleja davidii – often spelled Buddleia) is a favorite shrub of many gardeners because of its colorful flowers and ability to attract a variety of beneficial insects. As the name implies, the shrub is particularly attractive to butterflies. Native to China, it is adapted to all regions of South Carolina; however, ...
What is the best soil for butterfly bushes?
Full sun is needed to ensure adequate flowering, and they prefer a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Like most shrubs, they benefit from a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch. Once established they are fairly drought tolerant and only require moderate fertilization.
Mature Height/Spread
Landscape Use
- Butterfly bushes form the foundation for numerous butterfly gardens and are prized for their long, summer bloom period. Many cultivars will flower from June through October (if deadheaded) with peak bloom in July and August. They produce 5- to 12-inch-long panicles (i.e. long, slender flower clusters) in white, blue, lavender, pink, purple, yellow and many intermediate shades. The flower…
Cultivation
- Butterfly bushes are amazingly tough plants and grow well under a variety of conditions. The one critical requirement is well-drained soil as their roots will quickly rot when waterlogged. Full sun is needed to ensure adequate flowering, and they prefer a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Like most shrubs, they benefit from a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch. Once established they are fairly drought t…
Problems
- Butterfly bushes are relatively trouble free when the proper conditions are provided. However, spider mites can be a problem when the plants are drought stressed. Nematodes are also a problem, particularly in the sandy soils of the coastal plain. Downy mildew, caused by the fungus Peronospora hariotii, may occur during cooler temperatures with extended leaf wetness on Bud…
Cultivars
- There are an overwhelming number of cultivars available and also a number of related species and hybrids. The list below contains some of the most commonly available cultivars. It is advisable to buy from reputable nurseries as plants of his species are often mislabeled.
Related Species
- Buddleja fallowiana:This is one of the best butterfly bushes for foliage interest. The leaves are 2 to 4 inches long and heavily felted, giving a decidedly silver-gray overall appearance. Plants can reach 10 to 15 feet tall, but can easily be maintained lower. Flower heads are white to lavender and 6 to 8 inches long. ‘Alba’, the most commonly seen cultivar, is more compact than the speci…