Species

Buddleja davidiiButterfly Bush

58 other cultivars

shrub

Bonnie Butterfly Bush

Buddleja davidii 'Bonnie'

The Story

Plant Bio

Buddleia davidii 'Bonnie' is a deciduous shrub known for its arching branches, elongated gray-green leaves, and tall spikes of fragrant, lavender-blue flowers that attract butterflies throughout summer.

A vigorous, large, deciduous shrub prized for its profuse, fragrant, arching panicles of lavender-blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall, attracting hordes of butterflies.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides vibrant purple flower displays throughout summer, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, enhancing garden aesthetics.

Drought tolerant once established, reducing water needs, and easy to prune for shaping.

Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.

SpeciesBuddleja davidiiButterfly Bush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate, drought tolerant once established

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

China and Japan

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck young plants into well-drained soil in spring.
Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks.
Prune back in early spring to promote vigorous growth.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring and mid-summer.
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide every 3-4 years in early spring for best vigor.

Pro Tip

Prune hard in early spring to encourage flowering and maintain shape.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
Prune to shape after flowering
Fertilize annually with a balanced fertilizer
Mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

Avoid overwatering ❌
Don’t prune in late summer or fall
Avoid planting in poorly drained soil
Don’t neglect winter protection in colder zones

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful shrub borderButterfly-attracting hedgeDrought-tolerant foundation plant

Companion Plants

Lavender Russian Sage CoreopsisYarrow Sedum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bonnie Butterfly Bush questions

What zones can Bonnie Butterfly Bush grow in?

Bonnie 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 Bonnie Butterfly Bush deer resistant?

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

When does Bonnie Butterfly Bush bloom?

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

Does Bonnie Butterfly Bush need full sun?

Bonnie Butterfly Bush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Bonnie Butterfly Bush drought tolerant?

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