shrub

Woolly Butterfly Bush

Buddleia marrubiifolia 'Presidio'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

The Story

Plant Bio

Buddleia marrubiifolia, the Woolly Butterfly Bush, is a small, evergreen shrub with distinctive silvery-gray, woolly foliage. It produces small, globular clusters of fragrant, bright orange flowers from spring to fall. This cultivar is distinguished by its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides vibrant purple flowers that attract pollinators and enhance garden aesthetics.

Drought-tolerant shrub requiring minimal watering once established.

Supports butterflies and beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil
Tuck seeds or cuttings into soil, water thoroughly
Maintain consistent watering during first growing season
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring
Prune after flowering to shape plant and promote growth
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Pro Tip

Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; prune annually for best blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
Prune after flowering to encourage new growth
Apply mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
Avoid heavy fertilization late in the season
Do not cut back in late fall or winter

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Butterfly-friendly borderSunny shrubbery accentDrought-tolerant hedge

Companion Plants

Lavender Salvia Coreopsis Yarrow Gaillardia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Woolly Butterfly Bush questions

What zones can Woolly Butterfly Bush grow in?

Woolly Butterfly Bush is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Woolly Butterfly Bush deer resistant?

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

When does Woolly Butterfly Bush bloom?

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

Does Woolly Butterfly Bush need full sun?

Woolly Butterfly Bush does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Woolly Butterfly Bush drought tolerant?

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