Ruby Chip Butterfly Bush
Buddleja davidii 'Ruby Chip'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
30 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Humidity
Prefers moderate to dry air
Lifespan
10+ years
Native To
Cultivated hybrid
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Buddleja davidii 'Ruby Chip' is a deciduous shrub distinguished by its dense, bushy habit and elongated clusters of vibrant, ruby-red flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Its slender, arching branches are lined with narrow, green leaves. This cultivar is notable for its compact size, making it suitable for smaller gardens, while still producing striking, deep red flower spikes that bloom profusely in summer.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck well-draining soil around roots, ensuring good contact.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity for 4 weeks.
- Plant in full sun for optimal flowering, spacing 3 feet apart.
- Water deeply after planting, then weekly during first summer.
- Prune back in early spring to promote bushy growth.
- Mulch around base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun and well-draining soil for best blooms and health.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Overwater, avoid soggy soil ❌
- Prune in late fall or winter ❌
- Use high-nitrogen fertilizer late in season ❌
- Ignore pests and diseases ❌
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
Ruby Chip Butterfly Bush questions
What zones can Ruby Chip Butterfly Bush grow in?
Ruby 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 Ruby Chip Butterfly Bush deer resistant?
Yes — Ruby Chip Butterfly Bush is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Ruby Chip Butterfly Bush bloom?
Ruby Chip Butterfly Bush typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Ruby Chip Butterfly Bush need full sun?
Ruby Chip Butterfly Bush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Ruby Chip Butterfly Bush drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Ruby Chip Butterfly Bush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Bicolor Butterfly Bush
Buddleja davidii 'Bicolor'
Butterfly Bush
Buddleja davidii
Butterfly Bush
Buddleja davidii 'Butterfly Haven'
Butterfly Bush Sky Blue
Buddleja davidii 'Sky Blue'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Ruby Chip 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.
