Buddleja davidii
Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac
Description
Butterfly bush is a fast growing deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub ranging from 3' up to 10', with an open, rangy growth habit. It should be cut back nearly to the ground in fall for size control and appearance. Purple, pink, white or red flowers appear in spring and summer, attracting butterflies. Sterile varieties are required in Oregon because of invasive issues. Use 'Asian Moon','Blue Chip', or 'Purple Haze' for example.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
6-12'
Flower Color
Pink, Purple, Red, White
Flower Season
Spring, Summer
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Rocky
Soil Condition
Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
English Cottage, Wild Garden, Woodland
Accenting Features
Fragrance, Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Background, Foundation, Patio
Special Uses
Mass Planting
Attracts Wildlife
Butterflies
Consider replacing some lawn areas with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs.
Good candidates for removal are portions of large lawns, areas where no one uses the grass, patches that don't grow well, or spaces too small to water without overspray.