Butterfly bushes (Buddleia davidii) rank high on the list of hummingbird and butterfly attracting plants. They usually bloom from mid July through frost, producing abundant flower spikes which look and smell somewhat like miniature lilacs.
Butterfly bushes are hardy in zones 5-9. They sometimes die back to the ground during the winter and then sprout new growth in May or June. Even with a late start in spring though, they grow rapidly and reach a large size before blooming begins in July. Butterfly Bushes are deer resistant and drought tolerant.
Look for these varieties:
- Buddleia davidii ‘”Black Knight” – Deep blue-black flowers. Grows 5′-7’ high.
- Buddleia davidii “Attraction” – Large magenta flower spikes. Grey-green foliage. Grows 10′-12′ high.
- Buddleia davidii “Pink Delight” – Large pink flower spikes. Grows 5′-7′ high.
- Buddleia davidii “Guinevere” – Large, dark purple flower spikes. Grows 6′-10′ high.
We also carry the hard to find Lo & Behold dwarf variety see it here»