The butterfly bush is native to China and was brought to England in the 1700s.
The Latin name for this plant is Buddleja davidii and there are over 100 species.
They also come in dwarf varieties that are about half the size of full size bushes.
The branches grow in elegant arches and look better if left untamed.
Some varieties bear flowers in uncommon colors such as red, blue or yellow.
The Black Knight variety has deep purple, almost black, flowers.
This plant grows rapidly and some types can grow up to 10 feet in a growing season.
Hummingbirds and beneficial insects like bees also make use of the butterfly bush.
This flowering shrub begins blooming in mid-summer and continues to do so until early fall.
The shrub is often sold in pots at nurseries or in home and garden centers.
It prefers full sun and well drained soil, but ordinary garden soil is fine.
Because of its spreading, arched branches, the B. davidii needs lots of space.
confirm there is about 6 feet in between it and other bushes.
Even though the butterfly bush is drought tolerant, double-check to water it once a week.
It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-10 and needs about six hours of sunlight each day.
The butterfly bush can become invasive if left unchecked.
In the fall, cut the entire plant back to a couple of feet tall.
The summer lilac takes severe pruning well and this will not harm it.
Beware of bees when working with the B. davidii as the shrub attracts them in large numbers.
The butterfly bush also spreads from seed.
Regularly deadhead flowers to control this as well as stimulate the emergence of new blooms.
