Buddleia

Buddleja spp.

Categories:

Shrubs ·

Flowering Shrubs

Light

Full sun

Water

Water deeply, then allow the upper several inches of soil to dry. B. davidii needs regular irrigation during Phoenix summers; established desert-adapted species need less. Avoid constantly wet soil.

Size

4-10 ft tall × 4-8 ft wide

Habit

Mounded – spreading shrub

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Description

Butterfly bush is a flowering shrub with arching branches, narrow leaves, and fragrant flowers attractive to butterflies. Species and cultivar selection are important in Phoenix; desert-adapted types such as Buddleja marrubiifolia generally tolerate local conditions better than common B. davidii.

Bloom Time

Spring through fall

Deciduous / Evergreen

Semi-evergreen

Special Features

Attracts Bees / Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Heat Tolerant

Growth Rate

Fast

Growth Habit

Mounded – spreading shrub

Mature Size

4-10 ft tall × 4-8 ft wide

Flower Color

Purple / lavender / pink / white / yellow / or orange depending on species/cultivar

Foliage Color

Gray-green to dark green

Landscape Use

Border / Bed, Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Hedge / Screen, Pollinator / Wildlife Garden

Garden Style

Desert / Xeriscape, Hedge / Formal, Pollinator / Wildlife

Soil

Alkaline Tolerant, Amended / Rich, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained

Companion Plants

Autumn sage, Globe mallow, Lantana

Non-toxic

Care Instructions

Light: Full sun to light afternoon shade. In Phoenix, provide afternoon protection for B. davidii; desert-adapted species tolerate stronger sun.

Water: Water deeply, then allow the upper several inches of soil to dry. B. davidii needs regular irrigation during Phoenix summers; established desert-adapted species need less. Avoid constantly wet soil.

Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. Desert-adapted species tolerate sandy, rocky, alkaline soils; modest compost additions benefit B. davidii in poor soil.

Mature size: Common garden selections reach 4–10 feet tall and 3–8 feet wide. Dwarf cultivars stay around 2–4 feet; some species grow larger.

Bloom: Generally spring through fall, depending on species and cultivar; extreme summer heat may reduce flowering.

Evergreen / deciduous: Varies by species: B. davidii is deciduous to semi-evergreen in Phoenix; B. marrubiifolia is generally evergreen.

Growth rate: Moderate to fast, depending on species, irrigation, and growing conditions.