Species

Buddleja davidiiButterfly Bush

58 other cultivars

shrub

Buzz Hot Raspberry Butterfly Bush

Buddleja davidii 'Buzz Hot Raspberry'

The Story

Plant Bio

Buddleia davidii, or butterfly bush, is a fast-growing deciduous shrub from China, prized for its long, arching panicles of fragrant flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. Many cultivars are considered invasive in some regions.

The 'Buzz' series are compact cultivars, reaching only about one-third the size of standard varieties, making them suitable for containers and smaller gardens. 'Buzz Hot Raspberry' features vibrant, raspberry-pink flower spikes.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides months of continuous, fragrant, colorful flowers on a compact, manageable plant. Its size makes it versatile for mixed borders, foundation plantings, and large containers.

Excellent for cut flower arrangements. Its fast growth provides quick impact in the garden, and its compact nature requires less pruning than larger varieties.

A magnet for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it a cornerstone of a pollinator garden. Note: While it provides nectar, it is not a host plant for butterfly larvae.

SpeciesBuddleja davidiiButterfly Bush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial shrub (10-20 years)

Native To

Asia (cultivar)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Early fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun with excellent drainage.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
Place the shrub in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
Water regularly during the first season to establish roots.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming.

Pro Tip

Prune hard in late winter, cutting back to 6-12 inches from the ground, to encourage vigorous new growth and abundant flowers.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Deadhead spent blooms to prevent self-seeding and encourage rebloom.
Cut back hard in late winter or early spring.
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings once established.

Don't

Don't plant in wet, poorly drained soil.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.
Don't forget to check if it's considered invasive in your area.
Don't prune in the fall, as this can encourage tender new growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Pollinator garden centerpieceCompact mixed border shrubFragrant container specimen

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia fulgida Salvia nemorosa Pennisetum alopecuroides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Buzz Hot Raspberry Butterfly Bush questions

What zones can Buzz Hot Raspberry Butterfly Bush grow in?

Buzz Hot Raspberry 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 Buzz Hot Raspberry Butterfly Bush deer resistant?

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

When does Buzz Hot Raspberry Butterfly Bush bloom?

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

Does Buzz Hot Raspberry Butterfly Bush need full sun?

Buzz Hot Raspberry Butterfly Bush does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Buzz Hot Raspberry Butterfly Bush drought tolerant?

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