Butterfly bush
Scientific name: Buddleia davidii

The Butterfly bush will attract hummingbirds. This page will explain: How to plan, How to grow and How to prune it. After looking at these considerations, you may want to include this plant in your hummingbird garden.

The name Butterfly tells us that this plant attracts butterflies. By emitting an alluring perfume, butterflies are drawn to the lovely blooms. As a result, the flower has a long history of popularity with butterfly gardeners.

(If you are interested in more information about butterflies, visit our friends at The Glorious Butterfly).

Does this same plant attract hummingbirds?
It is well known that hummingbirds do not have a sense of smell. The flowers from this bush is an attraction for hummingbirds because it has a high nectar count. Additionally, they are drawn to the long, brightly colored spikes resembling lilacs. As a result, it is possible to create a butterfly and hummingbird garden by including this gorgeous bloom.

Make a Garden Plan including this Bush

We always recommend planning a hummingbird garden.
Flowers grow in many sizes, shapes and colors. Without a garden plan your flowers will look haphazard. This is especially true when including this bush in your garden because of its size.

How to Grow a Butterfly Bush

1. Consider your planting zone - It grows best in Zone 5, Zone 6, and Zone 7 as a perennial and as a year-round plant in Zone 8 and Zone 9
2. Think about location - Okay, so now you are ready to draw a plan. Place these tall plants in the back of your garden. In the colder climates they grow 3 to 5 feet tall. In the warmer climates, they grow extremely tall, sometimes 10 to 12 feet. You might even consider planting these flowers in a separate location of your property. I admit that planning was a lesson for me. When I began gardening, planning was not a concern, What a mess!! How quickly we learn.

3.  Plan for attractive color - It is true that hummingbirds prefer red. Nevertheless, you are not confined to red flowers when planning these blooms for your garden. They are available in a variety of beautiful colors. Since they all have a high nectar count, the hummingbirds will enjoy them all. Another advantage is that bushes like these are easily spotted by Hummingbirds compared to single blooms. You can even take advantage to the plants special tri-color variety. It is wonderfully unique for a plant to have 3 separate colors. When it was introduced, gardeners who planted the flowers received a lot of attention. You will receive many compliments yourself when you plant

Purchase this Butterfly Bush, 3-N-1

4. Provide sun requirements - Full sun is needed in colder states. They are hardy and grow well in partial shade in warmer climates.

5. Soil requirements - Well drained soil is preferred. Yet, they grow well in any soil.

6. Pruning a Butterfly bush - This easy to grow plant requires little care. Water during dry periods. Pruning is necessary. In the colder climates, simply cut the plant down to the ground in the Autumn. In a warmer climate they need more pruning. Trim them to your desired height. Cut off all diseased limbs when necessary. Don’t worry, this bush is hardy.

Butterfly Bush, Mixed The Mixed Butterfly Bush has fragrant 8-10" flower spikes and grows 4-8' tall. A fragrant friend of butterflies and hummingbirds. One of the most prolific sources of massed color, blooms from July to frost. This plant is a main stay of the perennial border. The long flower trusses provide a never-ending source of cut flowers. We send assorted colors: rich purples, orchid-pinks and lilacs, vibrant reds, and pure whites. The Mixed Butterfly Bush is a strong, easy-to-grow plant. We ship sturdy ready to grow plants. In fall, after flowering, prune back to within a few inches of ground. This keeps it manageable and promotes new bloom shoots. These plants are deer and drought resistant. Plant 4-8' apart in full sun.

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Hummingbird Guide › Hummingbird Flower Garden › Butterfly Bush

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