shrub

Blue Chip Butterfly Bush

Buddleja 'Blue Chip'

The Story

Plant Bio

Buddleia, or butterfly bush, are fast-growing deciduous shrubs prized for their long, conical flower spikes that are highly attractive to pollinators, especially butterflies. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.

'Blue Chip' is a revolutionary dwarf variety from the Lo & Behold series that is non-invasive. It blooms continuously from summer to frost without the need for deadheading, forming a tidy mound of fragrant, lavender-blue flowers.

Uses & Benefits:

Its compact, mounding habit and continuous display of fragrant lavender-blue flower spikes provide vibrant color from summer through fall. It's an ideal choice for adding long-season appeal to small spaces, containers, and borders.

As a sterile, non-invasive cultivar, 'Blue Chip' offers the beauty of a butterfly bush without the risk of unwanted spread in regions where the species is problematic. Its dwarf size requires no pruning to stay small.

The nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for a wide range of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it a cornerstone plant for any wildlife or pollinator garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

5-10 years

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Mid-fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sun
Ensure the soil is very well-drained; amend if necessary
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the pot
Gently tease the roots and place the plant in the hole
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle
Water regularly the first season, then only in extreme drought

Pro Tip

Do not fertilize butterfly bushes; rich soil can lead to weak, floppy growth and fewer flowers. They perform best in average to lean soil.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the best flower production
Plant in well-drained soil; they hate wet feet
Prune back hard in early spring to encourage a strong, bushy habit
Allow soil to dry out between waterings once established

Don't

Don't plant in shade, which results in poor flowering
Avoid planting in heavy, wet clay soil
Don't overwater; they are very drought tolerant
Do not fertilize, as it can reduce blooming

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Compact anchor for pollinator gardensContinuous color in mixed bordersLow-maintenance container planting

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia fulgida Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'Nepeta faassenii 'Walker's Low'Pennisetum alopecuroides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Blue Chip Butterfly Bush questions

What zones can Blue Chip Butterfly Bush grow in?

Blue Chip 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 Blue Chip Butterfly Bush deer resistant?

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

When does Blue Chip Butterfly Bush bloom?

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

Does Blue Chip Butterfly Bush need full sun?

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

Is Blue Chip Butterfly Bush drought tolerant?

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