The Comprehensive Guide to Selecting and Growing the Best Butterfly Bush Cultivars

Are you looking to attract colorful butterflies and other pollinators to your garden? The Buddleia plant, also known as butterfly bush, produces vibrant blooms that emit a sweet fragrance and require minimal maintenance, making them a popular choice among gardeners.

With over 160 cultivars of butterfly bush available, ranging in colors from blues and purples to pinks, reds, yellows, and whites, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. But fear not, we are here to help you navigate through the myriad of options and find the perfect butterfly bush cultivar for your garden.

In this in-depth guide, we have compiled a list of 17 of the best butterfly bush varieties, complete with descriptions and links to reputable vendors. Additionally, we will provide you with essential tips on how to grow and care for your Buddleia plants, ensuring they thrive in your garden. All the cultivars mentioned in this article are suitable for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-10.

So, get ready to embark on a colorful journey through the world of butterfly bushes. Here’s a sneak peek at what lies ahead:

17 Exceptional Buddleia Cultivars

Table of Contents

Blues and Purples

If you have a penchant for blooms in shades of blue and purple, you’re in for a treat. Here are some of the most popular purple butterfly bush varieties to consider:

Adonis Blue
A nearly true-blue cultivar with a height and spread of three to five feet, part of the English Butterfly™ series.
Black Knight
The darkest purple variety available, with rich color and fragrance, reaching heights of six to eight feet.
Blue Chip
A dwarf hybrid with blue-purple flowers that keeps blooming without deadheading, ideal for small spaces.
Glass Slippers
A light lavender cultivar with a horizontal growth habit, producing lovely periwinkle blooms contrasted by deep purple buds.
Purple Haze
A sterile hybrid with royal purple blooms, perfect as a ground cover, growing two to three feet tall.
Sky Blue
A compact variety with sweet-smelling violet blue flowers, suitable for containers or border planting.

Pinks and Reds

For a burst of color ranging from light pinks to deep reds, consider these rosy-hued butterfly bush varieties:

Hot Raspberry
A vibrant magenta cultivar growing two feet tall and wide, perfect for containers and small gardens.
Peach Cobbler
A cross between ‘Pink Delight’ and a yellow variety, showcasing peach-pink flowers that fade to yellow-orange.
Pink Delight
A true pink cultivar with bright blooms contrasting against gray-green foliage, reaching heights of five to seven feet.
Prince Charming
- A smaller variety with cherry-colored blooms, growing three to four feet tall and wide, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
Royal Red
- A vigorous variety with bright purplish red blooms, earning the RHS Award of Garden Merit, ideal for attracting hummingbirds.

Yellows and Oranges

If you’re drawn to the bright and colorful, consider adding these yellow and orange butterfly bush varieties to your garden:

Honeycomb
- Sunshine on a stem with orange-eyed yellow flowers, reaching heights of five to 12 feet, selected from the ‘Sungold’ plant.
Kaleidoscope Bicolor
- A unique hybrid with yellow-to-purple blooms, growing six to eight feet tall, not as cold-tolerant as other varieties.

Whites

For a touch of elegance and contrast, white butterfly bush varieties are a timeless choice. Consider these stunning cultivars:

Ice Chip
- A groundcover butterfly bush with bright white flowers, perfect for small gardens and containers.
Ivory
- An abundance of creamy white flowers over gray-green leaves, suitable for containers and patio gardening.
Pugster White
- A compact, fragrant variety with dense, bright white flowers, ideal for smaller spaces and borders.
White Profusion
- A vigorous cultivar with huge pure white flowers, earning multiple awards and accolades over the years.

Growing and Caring for Butterfly Bushes

Once you’ve selected your favorite butterfly bush cultivar, it’s essential to provide them with the care they need to thrive in your garden. Here are some tips to ensure your Buddleia plants flourish:

Sunlight: Plant your butterfly bushes in full sun to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Watering: While butterfly bushes are drought-tolerant once established, ensure they receive consistent moisture during the growing season.
Pruning: Regular pruning is essential to maintain the shape and health of your butterfly bushes. Prune them back every year to encourage new growth.
Soil: Plant your Buddleia in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote vigorous growth and flowering.
Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and spider mites, and treat any infestations promptly.

With these simple tips, you can enjoy a colorful and vibrant display of butterfly bushes in your garden, attracting pollinators and adding beauty to your outdoor space.

Which butterfly bush cultivar catches your eye? If you’re already growing Buddleia in your garden, share your experiences and the types of butterflies that visit them in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

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