Butterfly bush
Drenching the air with a fruity scent, butterfly bush's flower spikes are an irresistible lure to butterflies and hummingbirds all summer long. The plants have an arching habit that's appealing especially as a background in informal flower borders. In warmer climates, butterfly bushes soon grow into trees and develop rugged trunks that peel.
To nurture butterfly bush through cold Northern winters, spread mulch up to 6 inches deep around the trunk. Plants will die down, but resprout in late spring. Prune to the ground to encourage new growth and a more fountainlike shape. Avoid fertilizing butterfly bush; extra-fertile soil fosters leafy growth rather than flower spikes. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage new shoots and flower buds.
Note: Butterfly bush can be an invasive pest in some areas; check local restrictions before planting it.
- Light:
- Sun
- Zones:
- 5-10
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Plant Height:
- 5-15 feet tall
- Plant Width:
- To 8 feet wide
- Flower Color:
- White, Pink/Rose, Blue/Violet/Lavender, Red, Yellow/Gold, Gray/Silver Leaves, Variegated Leaves
- Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Landscape Uses:
- Beds & Borders,Slopes
- Special Features:
- Flowers,Attractive Foliage,Fragrant,Cut Flowers,Attracts Birds,Attracts Hummingbirds,Attracts Butterflies,Drought Tolerant,Deer Resistant,Easy to Grow
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Planted Buddleia Davidii in front flowerbed. Took a few years to get some height, but worth the wait. Tiger swallowtail butterflies love this plant. Cold, snowy winters are no problem. Would love to plant more.
3/15/2011 06:47:32 PM Report AbuseAdd your comment
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