Butterfly bush Buddleja davidii
Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Scrophulariaceae family, native to Central and western China. It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -23 °C (-9 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
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Butterfly bush at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -23 °C (-9 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central and western China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇳 China |
| Invasive in | US (Oregon and Washington noxious weed lists), Australia (environmental weed), New Zealand (pest plant), UK (naturalised on waste ground and railways): check local rules before planting |
Is Butterfly bush toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Buddleja davidii is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Butterfly bush
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Butterfly bush
- How far apart should I plant Butterfly bush?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Butterfly bush need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Butterfly bush need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Butterfly bush?
- It tolerates about -23 °C (-9 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Butterfly bush flower?
- From about July for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Butterfly bush poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Buddleja davidii is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
- What grows well with Butterfly bush?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Butterfly bush. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Blooms on new wood, so prune hard in early spring; very prolific self-seeder, so use sterile cultivars or deadhead where it is invasive.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bacopa (sutera) Chaenostoma cordatum
- Texas sage (cenizo) Leucophyllum frutescens
- Fountain butterfly bush (alternate-leaved buddleja) Buddleja alternifolia
- Spotted emu bush Eremophila maculata
- Creeping boobialla Myoporum parvifolium
- Olympian mullein Verbascum olympicum
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron