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Butterfly Bushes

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Butterfly Bushes for Sale at Nature Hills Nursery

butterfly bush in bloom

Bring your landscape to life with colorful, fragrant blooms and graceful visitors! Butterfly Bushes, also known as Summer Lilacs, are among the most beloved flowering shrubs for attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. These easy-to-grow garden classics feature arching branches covered in long, bottlebrush flower clusters in shades of blue, purple, pink, red, and white from midsummer until frost.

Fast-growing and low-maintenance, Butterfly Bushes fill garden beds, borders, and containers with reliable color. Their sweet fragrance and constant blooms make them a staple in pollinator gardens and mixed landscapes alike.

Key Benefits of Butterfly Bushes

The terms Buddleja and Buddleia describe the same genus of Butterfly Bushes. Buddleja is the historically accurate, scientific spelling given by Linnaeus, whereas Buddleia emerged later as a simplified, modern form that has become popular in everyday horticulture.

  • Bright, fragrant blooms from midsummer through frost
  • Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinators
  • Fast-growing and low-maintenance once established
  • Modern sterile cultivars are non-invasive and eco-friendly
  • Versatile in borders, hedges, or large containers
  • Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant

Why Gardeners Love Butterfly Bushes

butterfly on butterfly bush

Native to Asia and naturalized throughout the U.S., Butterfly Bushes earned fame for the flurry of butterflies they attract. While some early species self-seeded aggressively, modern breeding has produced sterile and seedless cultivars that are well-behaved, non-invasive, and environmentally responsible choices for today’s gardens.

At Nature Hills Nursery, we take plant stewardship seriously. Through our partnership with Plant Sentry™, we follow all state and federal shipping regulations to ensure plants are only shipped where they can thrive responsibly. You can learn more about our environmental commitment and why responsible growing matters.

Vibrant Varieties for Every Garden Style

Our selection of  Buddleia davidii and hybrid cultivars includes everything from compact container-sized plants to grand, garden-dominating specimens. Choose from richly colored favorites like:

Plant them in sunny garden beds, mixed borders, or as informal hedges to add structure and fragrance. Combine Butterfly Bushes with Swamp Milkweed and Butterfly Weed for a pollinator paradise that supports every stage of the butterfly life cycle. For extra impact, try adding accent plants nearby for contrast and balance.

Easy Care and Fast Growth

Butterfly Bushes thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They tolerate heat, drought, urban pollution, and less-than-ideal soil once established. For the best results, keep the soil slightly acidic (pH 4.5–6) and water regularly until plants are established.

In cold climates, Buddleia may die back to the ground in winter but will regrow vigorously from the roots each spring. Apply an arborist mulch layer to conserve moisture and protect the crown in winter.

Prune hard in late winter or early spring to encourage lush, new growth and prolific blooms. Deadheading spent flowers can extend the blooming season even longer.

Bring Home the Beauty of Butterfly Bushes

Support pollinators and enjoy non-stop summer color with these easy-care shrubs. Whether you’re filling a pollinator garden, softening a fence line, or decorating a patio, Butterfly Bushes deliver vibrant blooms and endless activity all season long.

Order from Nature Hills Nursery today and get healthy, field-grown Butterfly Bushes shipped right to your door. Use our Plant Zone Map to confirm which varieties thrive in your area.

Family-owned and operated since 2001, Nature Hills Nursery is proud to offer plants backed by our Product Guarantee and a commitment to responsible growing. Learn more in our Planting Guide and let us help you grow happy, healthy gardens for years to come.

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FAQ's for Buying Butterfly Bushes Online

Are butterfly bushes good for pollinators like bees and butterflies?

Yes, butterfly bushes (Buddleja) are beloved by butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds thanks to their nectar-rich blooms. These shrubs bloom continuously from mid-summer to frost, offering a critical food source during the growing season, especially when other blooms have faded.

Do butterfly bushes come back every year?

Butterfly bushes are deciduous perennials in most USDA hardiness zones. Even if the tops die back in northern climates, Buddleja is root hardy and will regrow from the crown each spring. With proper pruning and care, they return stronger year after year.

How do you care for a butterfly bush?

Butterfly bushes thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established and perform best with occasional pruning. For prolific blooms, deadhead spent flowers and prune in late winter or early spring to encourage vigorous new growth.

Can you grow butterfly bush in containers?

Absolutely! Compact butterfly bush varieties like ‘Pugster White’ and ‘Lo and Behold Blue Chip Jr.’ are perfect for container gardening. Just ensure your pot has good drainage, water consistently, and fertilize annually to support flowering and growth.

Are butterfly bushes invasive?

Some older Buddleja varieties can be invasive in certain regions. However, many modern butterfly bushes sold at Nature Hills Nursery are sterile or seedless cultivars bred to be non-invasive. Our Plant Sentry™ system ensures that regulated varieties are not shipped to restricted areas.

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