Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) is a total classic in the home garden. You’ll spot it everywhere from public parks to rugged, open fields because it’s just so resilient. Whether you want it to stand alone as a show-stopping focal point or mix it into a perennial bed with other blooms, it’s a fantastic addition to your landscape.
Appearance and Uses for Butterfly Bush
There are quite a few varieties of Butterfly Bush out there. Some grow incredibly tall and wide, while dwarf varieties stay compact and are perfect for container gardening. No matter the size, you’ll recognize them by those long, gracefully arching branches that erupt into spikes of purple, pink, or white flowers starting in July. The leaves are fairly large, lance-shaped, and have a soft, slightly fuzzy underside.
Most gardeners love to plant Butterfly Bush as a standalone shrub in a sunny spot. This gives it the perfect conditions and plenty of elbow room to spread out. When it’s in full bloom from July through September, it’s a real head-turner—and not just for us! It’s a magnet for pollinators, especially butterflies and moths.
Keep in mind that some of the smaller, container-grown varieties aren’t always winter-hardy, so you’ll want to move those pots to a frost-free spot when the temperature drops. On a patio or balcony, these pots look amazing paired with ornamental grasses, low-growing bamboo, mixed annuals, or evergreen shrubs.
Best Companion Plants for Your Perennial Bed
Butterfly Bush plays well with others, including perennials, groundcovers, shrubs, and grasses. Just make sure you give everyone enough breathing room when planting so each plant has space to thrive and reach its full potential.
Great Grasses to Pair With
Depending on the look you’re going for, you can choose from a huge variety of low or tall ornamental grasses, such as:
- Maiden Grass (Miscanthus)
- Feather Grass
- Moor Grass
- Giant Cane
- Switchgrass
Perennial Partners
When it comes to underplanting your Butterfly Bush, the options are endless. Roses are always a win if you coordinate the colors. Lavender, Spirea, and Coneflowers (Echinacea) also look stunning alongside it. For a pop of contrast, try planting some bright white Shasta Daisies or colorful Phlox.
Groundcover Options
Groundcovers stay low to the earth and create a beautiful “carpet” for your Butterfly Bush. Here are a few favorites:
- Clumping Sage (Salvia) in deep violet tones
- Cranesbill (Geranium) with white, pink, or purple blooms
- St. John’s Wort for a splash of yellow
- Yellow Stonecrop (Sedum)
