Buddleia davidii (also written as Buddleja) is available in over 100 species. Fluctuating from a dwarf at 4 to 5 feet tall to a 15 foot cascading version known as Purple Fountain Buddleia. Colors range from white to rose, to pink to lavender to deep purple with various colored eyes.
Butterfly bushes are known as a sub-shrub meaning it has a woody stem but dies back to the ground every year (like a perennial) and blooms only on new wood. Each spring as leaves start to show, you can cut it back to 6-12” from the ground. I use the green to guide me. You will be shocked at the amount of growth that happens between June and August.
- Exposure: although it blooms best in full sun, it can take a little filtered or moving shade.
- Water: varieties need low to moderate water use
- Advantages: provide nectar for birds, bees (honey and native bees), moths, butterflies
- Disadvantages: Monarchs are particularly attracted –make sure you plant Asclepius (milkweed) for the monarchs.
Learn more about this shrub and more at
PlantsForGreeley.com.