Buddleia  'Pugster Pink'
shrub

Pugster Pink Butterfly Bush

Buddleia 'Pugster Pink'

$18.95
Expertly Curated
Real-Time Pricing
Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

24 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Deciduous shrub, 10-15 years

Native To

Asia, Africa, Americas (species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Buddleja, or butterfly bush, is a fast-growing deciduous shrub celebrated for its long, conical flower panicles that are highly attractive to pollinators. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Pugster Pink ('SMNBDPT') is a dwarf variety that produces exceptionally large, full-sized, fragrant pink flower trusses on a compact frame. Its thick, sturdy stems improve winter hardiness and reduce dieback.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesIts dwarf stature and enormous flowers make it a high-impact plant for small gardens, containers, and the front of mixed borders. It provides vibrant color from summer through fall.
Practical UsesThe compact size requires no pruning to control height, making it a low-maintenance choice. It is also deer resistant and drought tolerant once established.
Ecological BenefitsAs its common name suggests, it is a premier food source for butterflies. It also attracts bees, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

In Stock$18.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a location that receives at least six hours of direct sun.
  2. Ensure the soil is very well-drained; amend with grit if needed.
  3. Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the container.
  4. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
  5. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
  6. Avoid excessive fertilizing, which can inhibit flowering.

Pro Tip

Prune hard in late winter or early spring, as this plant blooms on new wood and aggressive pruning encourages more flowers.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide full sun for the best flower production.
  • Deadhead regularly to promote a longer blooming season.
  • Prune back hard in early spring to encourage strong new growth.
  • Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Don't

  • Do not plant in soggy, poorly drained soil.
  • Avoid heavy fertilization, especially high-nitrogen formulas.
  • Do not prune in the fall, as this can reduce winter hardiness.
  • Don't worry about winter dieback; it's normal in colder zones.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Compact pollinator magnet for small spacesVibrant container thriller plantContinuous color for sunny borders

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pugster Pink Butterfly Bush questions

What zones can Pugster Pink Butterfly Bush grow in?

Pugster Pink 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 Pugster Pink Butterfly Bush deer resistant?

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

When does Pugster Pink Butterfly Bush bloom?

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

Does Pugster Pink Butterfly Bush need full sun?

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

Is Pugster Pink Butterfly Bush drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Pugster Pink Butterfly Bush with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

Download Sow on the App StoreGet Sow on Google Play