Buddleja davidii 'Attraction'
shrub

Attraction Butterfly Bush

Buddleja davidii 'Attraction'

The Story

Plant Bio

Buddleja davidii 'Attraction' is a deciduous shrub known for its fragrant purple flowers that attract pollinators, especially butterflies and hummingbirds.

This cultivar is particularly noted for its extended blooming period and the density of its flower spikes, making it a favorite for attracting wildlife.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesBuddleja davidii Attraction provides striking, fragrant flowers that attract butterflies, enhancing garden aesthetics and ecological value.
Practical UsesServes as a colorful, low-maintenance hedge or border plant requiring minimal pruning.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinator populations by providing nectar during blooming season.
SpeciesBuddleja davidiiButterfly Bush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

84 inches

Width

60 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

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into moist soil in spring, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact.
  2. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote root growth.
  3. Transplant seedlings when they are sturdy and have developed a healthy root system.
  4. Prune after flowering to shape the plant and encourage new growth.
  5. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring for optimal blooming.
  6. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Use well-draining soil and full sun for best flowering performance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply during dry spells to support healthy growth 🌱
  • Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
  • Feed with a balanced fertilizer annually.
  • Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t prune in late summer or fall, as it may reduce next year's blooms.
  • Refrain from using heavy, nitrogen-rich fertilizers late in the season.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant butterfly attractor in sunny bordersFragrant hedge along garden pathwaysColorful backdrop for perennial beds

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Attraction Butterfly Bush questions

What zones can Attraction Butterfly Bush grow in?

Attraction 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 Attraction Butterfly Bush deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Attraction Butterfly Bush, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Attraction Butterfly Bush bloom?

Attraction 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 Attraction Butterfly Bush need full sun?

Attraction Butterfly Bush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Attraction Butterfly Bush drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Attraction 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.