Ellen's Blue Butterfly Bush
Buddleia davidii 'Ellen's Blue'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
60 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Low to moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
China
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Ellen's Blue is a compact, butterfly bush cultivar known for its fragrant blue flowers that attract pollinators. This cultivar is noted for its exceptional blue color and a long blooming period, making it a standout in gardens.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck young plants into well-drained soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly until roots form, about 6 weeks.
- Prune back in late winter to promote flowering.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer.
- Water deeply during dry spells for healthy growth.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Choose a sunny location with good airflow to prevent mildew and encourage vibrant blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune annually to shape and promote more flowers
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and midsummer
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Don't overwater, avoid root rot ❌
- Don't prune in late summer or fall
- Avoid planting in heavy, poorly-drained soil
- Don't fertilize with high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season
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
Ellen's Blue Butterfly Bush questions
What zones can Ellen's Blue Butterfly Bush grow in?
Ellen's Blue 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 Ellen's Blue Butterfly Bush deer resistant?
Yes — Ellen's Blue Butterfly Bush is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Ellen's Blue Butterfly Bush bloom?
Ellen's Blue 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 Ellen's Blue Butterfly Bush need full sun?
Ellen's Blue Butterfly Bush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Ellen's Blue Butterfly Bush drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Ellen's Blue Butterfly Bush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Buddleia to compare
Pugster Pink Butterfly Bush
Buddleia davidii 'Pugster Pinker'
Grand Cascade Butterfly Bush
Buddleia davidii 'Grand Cascade'
Butterfly Bush Purple Prince
Buddleia davidii 'Purple Prince'
Honeycomb Butterfly Bush
Buddleia davidii 'Honeycomb'
Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush
Buddleia davidii 'Pugster Blue'
Butterfly Bush Attraction
Buddleia davidii 'Attraction'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Ellen's Blue 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.
