The Full Spectrum of Buddleia: 17 of the Best Butterfly Bush Cultivars
The butterflies and other pollinators this plant attracts provide ample motivation to plant a row of Buddleia. But they offer more: sweet smelling, colorful, arching blooms that demand little from you as the gardener to maintain.
There are over 160 cultivars of butterfly bush, in nearly every color of the rainbow. So where in the world should you begin when you’re trying to choose which ones to pick?
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Good question. We’ve got you.
In this roundup, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite butterfly bush varieties and where possible, have provided links to our trusted affiliates.
Plus, we’ve got you covered with how to grow and care for your Buddleia once you’ve picked a few out. All the cultivars listed below are suitable for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-10.
Ready to dive in? Here’s a sneak peek at what’s ahead:
Blues and Purples
If you’re looking for something with blooms that range in color from blue to lavender, there are a plethora of purple butterfly bush varieties out there.
Here are some popular, new, and exciting cultivars to choose from.
1. Adonis Blue
Any yellow butterfly visitors will pop against the gorgeous near-true-blue blooms of B. davidii‘Adonis Blue.’
Part of the English Butterfly™ series, developed in England by Elizabeth Keep, it grows three to five feet tall and wide. You’ll sometimes find this cultivar listed as ‘Adokeep.’
2. Black Knight
By far the darkest purple variety produced by breeders today, the rich color and fragrance of the flowers is accented by bright yellow eyes and dark green leaves.
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