
Butterfly Bush
Buddleia davidii 'White Profusion'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
108 inches
Width
84 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
10-20 years
Native To
China and Japan
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Buddleia davidii is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub with long, arching stems and a profusion of flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. It blooms on new wood, making it responsive to hard pruning. 'White Profusion' is renowned for its large, dense, honey-scented panicles of pure white flowers, which can reach up to 12 inches long. It is a vigorous grower with a graceful, fountain-like habit.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location with at least six hours of direct sun daily.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend with compost if needed.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
- Place the plant in the hole, with the crown level with the soil.
- Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
- Water regularly during the first season to establish a deep root system.
Pro Tip
Prune back hard in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth and abundant flowers, as it blooms on new wood.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for the best flower production.
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering.
- Prune hard in late winter or early spring.
- Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings once established.
Don't
- Do not plant in wet, poorly drained soil.
- Avoid heavy fertilization, which can lead to weak growth.
- Don't forget to check if it's considered invasive in your region.
- Do not prune in the fall, as this can stimulate new growth.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Butterfly Bush questions
What zones can Butterfly Bush grow in?
Butterfly Bush is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Butterfly Bush deer resistant?
Yes — Butterfly Bush is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Butterfly Bush bloom?
Butterfly Bush typically blooms in mid-summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Butterfly Bush need full sun?
Butterfly Bush does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Butterfly Bush drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Butterfly Bush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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