(Hence the name that stuckbutterfly bushrather than its Latin name,Buddleja davidii.)
Tamara Hogan is a plant expert atFast Growing Trees, an online nursery.
Should You Plant a Butterfly Bush?
Photo:Roger Tidman/Getty Images
Who wouldn’t want to plant a bush thatbrings all the butterfliesto the yard?
It’s a great way to encourage pollination and add beauty to your garden.
“It also could be considered semi-invasive in states around the Great Lakes.”
“This can include stretching leaves and plants growing at an angle toward the sunlight.”
(It’s definitely not a great choice for arain garden.)
Too much moisture can lead to root rot in your butterfly bush.
Water Accordingly
Consider the butterfly bush the “Goldilocks” of your garden.
It prefers a not-too-dry, not-too-wet level of water.
So, check the soil before watering and onlywater when necessary.
(Removing spent blooms will also help encourage new flowers on your butterfly bush.)
If you see any pests, simply remove them with a splash of water.
Avoid pesticides since they’ll harm pollinators that visit the butterfly bush.
In reality, the plant doesn’t die but instead enters a dormant period for the winter months.
Once spring begins, you should see new growth sprouting.
Standard butterfly bush varieties grow to about five to 10 feet tall.
Dwarf varieties grow between two to four feet tall.
Because of this, ensure to plant in a spacious area.
Typically, a butterfly bush will live about 10 years.
You may find some plants that live longer than that, but it’s a rare case.
Proper care of a butterfly bush will help it live longer and thrive in your garden.
