Species

Buddleja davidiiButterfly Bush

58 other cultivars

shrub

Butterfly Bush Dartmoor

Buddleja davidii 'Dartmoor'

The Story

Plant Bio

Buddleia davidii 'Dartmoor' is a deciduous shrub with arching branches, featuring elongated, lance-shaped leaves and producing tall, airy panicles of fragrant, lavender-blue flowers that attract butterflies in summer.

This cultivar is renowned for its vigorous growth and extended flowering period, making it a popular choice for wildlife gardens and visual impact.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides vibrant summer blooms and attracts pollinators, enhancing garden beauty and ecological health.

Drought tolerant and low-maintenance, reducing water and care needs.

Supports butterfly and hummingbird populations, contributing to local biodiversity.

SpeciesBuddleja davidiiButterfly Bush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

China

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck well-draining soil around roots, water thoroughly.
Plant in full sun for best flowering results.
Water regularly during first growing season, then reduce.
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage blooms.
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in early spring.

Pro Tip

Prune back hard in early spring to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
Prune annually after flowering ❌
Apply mulch to conserve moisture 🌱
Fertilize in spring for best blooms 🌱

Don't

Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
Prune in late fall or winter ❌
Ignore pests or disease signs ❌
Use heavy soil that retains water ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Butterfly-filled garden borderSunny shrubbery hedgeFragrant garden accent

Companion Plants

Lavender EchinaceaRussian sage SalviaYarrow

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Butterfly Bush Dartmoor questions

What zones can Butterfly Bush Dartmoor grow in?

Butterfly Bush Dartmoor 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 Dartmoor deer resistant?

Yes — Butterfly Bush Dartmoor is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Butterfly Bush Dartmoor bloom?

Butterfly Bush Dartmoor typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Butterfly Bush Dartmoor need full sun?

Butterfly Bush Dartmoor does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Butterfly Bush Dartmoor drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Butterfly Bush Dartmoor handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.