Butterfly Bush
Buddleja davidii 'Hot Raspberry'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
48 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
China
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Buddleja davidii 'Hot Raspberry' is known for its vibrant raspberry-colored flowers and ability to attract butterflies. This cultivar features a compact growth habit and prolific flowering from mid-summer to fall, making it ideal for garden settings.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-draining soil for planting.
- Tuck young plants into the ground early spring after the last frost.
- Water thoroughly after planting to establish roots.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
- Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
- Prune back in late winter to encourage vigorous blooming.
Pro Tip
Pinch out growing tips to promote bushier growth and more flowers.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 💧
- Prune annually to shape and remove dead wood ✂️
- Feed with organic compost in spring 🌱
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not prune in late summer as it may reduce flowering ❌
- Keep away from heavy clay soils without proper drainage ❌
- 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 | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| 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
Butterfly Bush questions
What zones can Butterfly Bush grow in?
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 Butterfly Bush deer resistant?
Yes — Butterfly Bush is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Butterfly Bush bloom?
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 Butterfly Bush need full sun?
Butterfly Bush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Butterfly Bush drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Butterfly Bush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Buddleja to compare
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Buddleja davidii 'Pugster Amethyst'
Trio Butterfly Bush
Buddleja davidii 'Trio'
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
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow 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.
