Buddleja species, especially Buddleja davidii and interspecific hybrids, are commonly known as butterfly bushes and are frequently cultivated as garden shrubs. [5] In this guide, we’ll help you plant, grow, prune, and responsibly care for Buddleja—so you can enjoy its beauty while being a smart steward of your garden. Also called “summer lilacs,” butterfly bushes (Buddleia davidii) are hardy to Zone 5 and remain evergreen from Zone 8 south.

Understanding the Context

To plant or not to plant has been the question surrounding butterfly bush (Buddleia or Buddleja davidii) for years. Its many blossoms, although irresistible to butterflies, can lead to aggressive re-seeding. All butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) types produce large clusters of flowers or abundant flowering spikes that require little maintenance. However, note that the nectar-rich blossoms of the butterfly bush attract adult butterflies but do not support or host the larvae of butterfly caterpillars.

Key Insights

The genus, Buddleja, includes 111 species of shrubs and trees native to Tropical and Subtropical America, Northeast and South Africa, Madagascar, and Asia. Plants in this genus are often found along river banks, roadsides, forest margins, and other disturbed areas. Find out how to grow buddleja, including choosing, planting, watering, pruning and propagating. Learn how to plant, grow, and prune Buddleja (Butterfly Bush). This guide covers sun needs, drainage, deadheading, hard pruning techniques, and its role as a pollinator magnet.

Final Thoughts

Butterfly bushes, belonging to the Buddleja genus, are deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs celebrated for their vibrant, fragrant flower spikes that bloom from summer to fall.