Species

Buddleja davidiiButterfly Bush

58 other cultivars

shrub

Psychedelic Sky Butterfly Bush

Buddleja davidii 'Psychedelic Sky'

$31.86$63.71Save 50%

The Story

Plant Bio

Buddleia davidii, or butterfly bush, is a fast-growing deciduous shrub prized for its long, arching panicles of fragrant flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. It typically blooms from summer to fall on new wood.

'Psychedelic Sky' is a compact variety featuring exceptionally large, 7-9 inch long, violet-blue flower panicles. Its upright, arching habit makes it a standout in mixed borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides dramatic, fragrant color from summer to fall with its large, vibrant flower spikes. Its manageable size makes it suitable for many garden settings, including mixed borders and large containers.

A fast-growing shrub ideal for quickly filling gaps in the landscape or creating an informal screen during the growing season. It is exceptionally drought tolerant once established.

Serves as a crucial nectar source for a wide variety of pollinators, most famously butterflies. It also attracts bees and hummingbirds, making it a cornerstone of any pollinator-friendly garden.

SpeciesBuddleja davidiiButterfly Bush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

China

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans, mildly toxic to pets if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature HillsDEAL

In Stock$63.71$31.86

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Ensure the soil is very well-drained; amend with compost if needed.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
Plant at the same depth it was in the container.
Water thoroughly after planting and during dry spells in the first year.
Avoid fertilizing, as it can promote foliage over flowers.

Pro Tip

Prune hard in late winter to about one foot from the ground for the best flower display on new growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent drainage.
Deadhead spent blooms regularly.
Prune back hard in late winter or early spring.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.

Don't

Don't plant in wet, heavy clay soil.
Don't over-fertilize.
Don't plant in shade; it will become leggy with few flowers.
Don't allow it to self-seed in areas where it's considered invasive.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Pollinator garden focal pointFragrant mixed border shrubMass planting for summer color

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia fulgida Salvia nemorosa Panicum virgatum Perovskia atriplicifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Psychedelic Sky Butterfly Bush questions

What zones can Psychedelic Sky Butterfly Bush grow in?

Psychedelic Sky 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 Psychedelic Sky Butterfly Bush deer resistant?

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

When does Psychedelic Sky Butterfly Bush bloom?

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

Does Psychedelic Sky Butterfly Bush need full sun?

Psychedelic Sky Butterfly Bush does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Psychedelic Sky Butterfly Bush drought tolerant?

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