Royal Red Butterfly Bush
Buddleia davidii 'Royal Red'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
60 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
10+ years
Native To
China
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Buddleia davidii 'Royal Red' is a deciduous shrub known for its vibrant red flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It is a hardy and drought tolerant plant. This cultivar is distinguished by its deep red flower spikes and longer blooming period compared to other Buddleia varieties.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into moist soil, ensuring good contact.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during establishment.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring for vigorous growth.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new blooms.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Pinch back young shoots to promote bushier growth and more flowers.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune annually after flowering to shape the shrub
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter when the plant is dormant
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season to avoid weak, leggy growth
- Don’t ignore pest or disease signs early
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
Royal Red Butterfly Bush questions
What zones can Royal Red Butterfly Bush grow in?
Royal Red Butterfly Bush is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Royal Red Butterfly Bush deer resistant?
Yes — Royal Red Butterfly Bush is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Royal Red Butterfly Bush bloom?
Royal Red Butterfly Bush typically blooms in mid-summer to fall through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Royal Red Butterfly Bush need full sun?
Royal Red Butterfly Bush does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Royal Red Butterfly Bush drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Royal Red Butterfly Bush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Buddleia to compare
Pugster Pink Butterfly Bush
Buddleia davidii 'Pugster Pinker'
Grand Cascade Butterfly Bush
Buddleia davidii 'Grand Cascade'
Butterfly Bush Purple Prince
Buddleia davidii 'Purple Prince'
Honeycomb Butterfly Bush
Buddleia davidii 'Honeycomb'
Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush
Buddleia davidii 'Pugster Blue'
Butterfly Bush Attraction
Buddleia davidii 'Attraction'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Royal Red 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.
