Butterfly Bush
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Fast (2-3 ft/year)
- Full Sun
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Deer resistant
Secure checkoutLicensed & insured installation crew
About Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) earns its common name honestly, producing long, fragrant flower spikes from summer through fall that reliably draw swallowtails, monarchs, and other pollinators to a Gwinnett County garden more consistently than almost any other flowering shrub. It grows fast, 2-3 feet per year, reaching 5-8 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide in a single season in good conditions, and blooms on new wood, so it can be cut back hard in late winter without sacrificing summer flowers. It requires full sun and tolerates poor, dry soil well once established, making it a good choice for a hot, sunny spot where fussier shrubs struggle. Note that Buddleja davidii has shown invasive tendencies via self-seeding in some regions of the Southeast; deadheading spent flower spikes before they set seed reduces this risk and also encourages more continuous blooming. Its vigorous growth, deer resistance, and pollinator value make it a popular choice for cutting gardens and butterfly-focused plantings.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 5-8 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 4-6 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Low to Moderate — drought tolerant once established |
| Bloom Season | Summer through Fall |
| Growth Rate | Fast (2-3 ft/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Pet Safe | Check with a vet |
| Native to Georgia | No |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Plant Butterfly Bush in full sun in well-drained soil; it tolerates poor, dry Georgia soil once established and does not need rich amendment. Cut back hard, to 12-18 inches, in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth and the best summer bloom, since flowers form on new wood. Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly through summer to encourage continued blooming and reduce self-seeding.
Great For
Fast Facts
- Highly attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinators
- Fast growth: 2-3 ft per year, blooms on new wood
- Mature size: 5-8 ft tall, 4-6 ft wide
- Requires full sun, tolerates poor dry soil
- Deer resistant; deadhead to reduce self-seeding
- Toxic if ingested by pets
Pairs Well With
Butterfly Bush FAQs
Does Butterfly Bush attract hummingbirds too?
Yes, Butterfly Bush attracts hummingbirds in addition to butterflies, drawn by its long, nectar-rich flower spikes that bloom continuously from summer through fall. Its combination of pollinator and hummingbird appeal makes it a strong choice for wildlife-focused Georgia gardens.
Should I cut back Butterfly Bush in fall or spring?
Cut Butterfly Bush back hard in late winter, not fall, to about 12-18 inches from the ground, since it blooms on new wood produced that same season. Pruning in fall removes winter structure without any bloom benefit and can expose cut stems to cold damage.