shrub

Butterfly Bush Empire Blue

Buddleia davidii 'Empire Blue'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate once established, drought tolerant

Humidity

Prefers dry to moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

China and Japan

Toxicity

Can cause stomach upset if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Buddleia davidii is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub with an arching habit. It features lance-shaped, gray-green leaves and produces dense, terminal panicles of fragrant flowers from summer to fall, which are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. This cultivar is distinguished by its particularly vibrant, deep blue flower spikes and its vigorous, long-flowering display, making it a striking addition to butterfly gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides vibrant purple flowers that attract butterflies and pollinators, enhancing garden color and ecological health.

Drought tolerant shrub requiring minimal water once established, ideal for water-conserving landscapes.

Supports beneficial insects and birds, contributing to local biodiversity.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Tuck young plants into well-drained soil in spring.
Water regularly until established, then reduce frequency.
Prune in late winter to maintain shape and promote blooms.
Fertilize with a balanced shrub fertilizer in early spring.
Mulch around base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Monitor for pests and diseases, treat organically if possible.

Pro Tip

Ensure good drainage and full sun for best flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
Prune annually after flowering
Apply mulch to retain soil moisture

Don't

Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
Prune in late summer or fall
Use heavy fertilizers that can burn roots

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

Colorful butterfly attractorScented hedge borderWildlife-friendly shrub

Companion Plants

Lavender Salvia Yarrow Echinacea Russian Sage

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Butterfly Bush Empire Blue questions

What zones can Butterfly Bush Empire Blue grow in?

Butterfly Bush Empire Blue 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 Empire Blue deer resistant?

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

When does Butterfly Bush Empire Blue bloom?

Butterfly Bush Empire Blue typically blooms in summer 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 Butterfly Bush Empire Blue need full sun?

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

Is Butterfly Bush Empire Blue drought tolerant?

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