10 Butterfly Bush Varieties for a Vibrant Garden From Summer to Fall

Butterfly bushes (Buddleja davidii) are an incredibly diverse group of plants that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and stunning colors, making them a must-have for any garden looking to attract pollinators and add a burst of beauty. Known by a few other names like summer lilac or orange eye, these enchanting shrubs are native to central China and Japan, but have since become a beloved ornamental plant worldwide.

As the warm days of summer stretch into the cool embrace of fall, there’s no better way to keep your garden alive with color than by welcoming the flutter of butterflies. The best part? A butterfly bush, with its stunning blooms and vibrant hues, will not only attract these graceful creatures but will also transform your garden into a lively, fragrant oasis.

If your garden is yearning for some bold, eye-catching beauty, these 10 butterfly bush varieties are sure to make your outdoor space the envy of your neighborhood, from summer’s golden hours to the crisp autumn afternoons.

No matter your climate or gardening experience, there’s a butterfly bush for you. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of lavender, deep purple, or fiery red, these resilient beauties are ready to shine in your backyard. Keep reading to discover a variety of butterfly bushes that will help you create a lively garden that thrives all the way through the fall.

Note: While butterfly bushes are easy to grow, be mindful that some varieties may be invasive in certain regions. Check local guidelines before planting.

Table of Contents

10 Butterfly Bush Varieties

Lo & Behold® ‘Blue Chip’

If you’re short on space but still want a striking butterfly bush, look no further than the Lo & Behold® ‘Blue Chip’. This smaller variety packs a punch with its rich, lavender-blue flowers that attract a steady stream of butterflies throughout the summer and into fall. Reaching just 18-24 inches in height, it’s the perfect addition to container gardens or smaller beds. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its compact size makes it ideal for urban gardens or as a border plant.

USDA Zones: 5–9
Flower Colors: Lavender-blue
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained
Size: 1.5–2 ft tall, 2–3 ft wide

Miss Ruby™

The Showstopper with Graceful Pink Blooms
With its vibrant, rosy-pink flowers and elegant form, Miss Ruby™ is a true garden star. This butterfly bush blooms prolifically from late spring through fall, with clusters of eye-catching blossoms that butterflies can’t resist. It’s a medium-sized variety, reaching 4-5 feet tall, making it perfect for a statement piece in the back of your garden or as a colorful hedge. Whether planted alongside other perennials or standing alone, Miss Ruby™ will be a butterfly magnet all season long.

USDA Zones: 5–9
Flower Colors: Rosy pink
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic
Size: 4–5 ft tall, 3–4 ft wide

Pink Delight

If you’re looking to add a gentle pop of color, Pink Delight is one of the best butterfly bushes that delivers soft pink blooms, turning your garden into a tranquil, butterfly-filled retreat. This variety is known for its long-lasting flowers that stay vibrant from mid-summer through fall. It grows to about 5-6 feet tall, making it an excellent backdrop plant or a striking focal point in mixed borders. Its sweet fragrance adds an extra touch of charm, and the dense flowers are loved by bees and butterflies alike.

USDA Zones: 5–9
Flower Colors: Soft pink
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained
Size: 5–6 ft tall, 3–5 ft wide

Royal Red

Bring drama to your garden with the deep, ruby-red blooms of Royal Red. This butterfly bush variety stands out with its fiery color and elegant spikes of flowers, offering a striking contrast to other plants in your garden. Royal Red thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, growing to about 4-6 feet tall. It’s perfect for creating a bold statement, either as a single specimen or in clusters. Expect a steady stream of butterflies fluttering around the rich blooms throughout the summer into fall.

USDA Zones: 5–9
Flower Colors: Deep red
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained
Size: 4–6 ft tall, 4–5 ft wide

Nanho Purple

The Classic Favorite for Vibrant, Purple Blooms
For those who love classic beauty, Nanho Purple is the perfect butterfly bush. This variety produces an abundance of rich, purple flowers that remain vibrant all summer and fall. Nanho Purple grows taller than some other varieties, reaching 6-8 feet in height, making it a great choice for creating a hedge or backdrop. Its striking color and easy care make it a favorite among gardeners.

USDA Zones: 5–9
Flower Colors: Purple
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained
Size: 6–8 ft tall, 4–5 ft wide

Blue Heaven

If you’re dreaming of a garden filled with butterflies, Blue Heaven is a must-have. This variety offers striking, sky-blue flowers that butterflies adore, blooming from late summer into fall. Blue Heaven grows to about 5-6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it ideal for both small and large gardens. It’s a perfect option for planting near patios or walkways, where its heavenly color and fragrance can be fully appreciated.

USDA Zones: 5–9
Flower Colors: Sky blue
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained
Size: 5–6 ft tall, 4 ft wide

Buzz™ Ivory

The Buzz™ Ivory butterfly bush is a compact variety that brings elegance to smaller spaces. Its creamy white flowers bloom from summer into fall, attracting butterflies with ease. Reaching only 2-3 feet tall, it’s ideal for containers, smaller garden beds, or as a border plant. Despite its smaller size, it packs a punch with its fragrant, abundant blooms.

USDA Zones: 5–9
Flower Colors: Creamy white
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained
Size: 2–3 ft tall, 2–3 ft wide

Sungold Butterfly Bush

If you’re looking for a butterfly bush with a unique twist, the Sungold Butterfly Bush is your go-to. With its vibrant, golden-yellow flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall, it creates a radiant and inviting atmosphere in any garden. This variety attracts butterflies in droves and thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Growing to about 4-5 feet tall, Sungold is perfect for adding a pop of bright color to garden beds, containers, or along pathways.

USDA Zones: 5–9
Flower Colors: Bright yellow
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained
Size: 4–5 ft tall, 3–4 ft wide

Lo & Behold® ‘Dark Knight’

For a dramatic, dark-hued variety, look no further than Lo & Behold® ‘Dark Knight’. Its deep purple flowers create a striking contrast against its lush green foliage, adding mystery and elegance to your garden. This compact variety, growing to about 2-3 feet tall, is perfect for containers or as an edging plant. It’s a butterfly magnet, with blooms that last well into fall.

USDA Zones: 5–9
Flower Colors: Deep purple
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained
Size: 2–3 ft tall, 2–3 ft wide

Dwarf Butterfly Bush

Tiny but Mighty
Don’t let its size fool you—Dwarf Butterfly Bush brings all the charm and appeal of its larger counterparts but in a more compact form. This variety reaches just 2-3 feet in height, making it a perfect choice for small gardens or containers. The vibrant, purple-blue blooms attract butterflies and add a touch of color to your garden from summer to fall.

USDA Zones: 5–9
Flower Colors: Purple-blue
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained
Size: 2–3 ft tall, 2–3 ft wide

Final Tips for Butterfly Bush Care

Watering: Butterfly bushes love moisture but hate soggy roots. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Pruning: To keep your butterfly bush blooming beautifully, prune it back each spring to encourage fresh growth and more vibrant flowers.
Fertilizing: Feed your butterfly bush with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to keep it healthy and productive.
Winter Care: In cooler climates, prune back the bush after it dies back in fall and mulch around the base to protect it from frost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do butterfly bushes need full sun?
Yes! Butterfly bushes thrive in full sun. They need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day to bloom profusely.

Q: Can I grow a butterfly bush in a container?
Absolutely! Many butterfly bushes, including smaller varieties like Lo & Behold® ‘Blue Chip’, do very well in containers. Just make sure your container has good drainage.

Q: How do I know if my butterfly bush is getting enough water?
If the leaves start to yellow and drop, it could be a sign of underwatering. Make sure the soil is consistently moist but not soggy.

Q: Will butterfly bushes attract other pollinators?
Yes! In addition to butterflies, butterfly bushes are also known to attract bees, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects.

By adding these stunning butterfly bush varieties to your garden, you’ll not only create a vibrant space full of color but also support your local ecosystem by providing a haven for butterflies and other pollinators throughout the warmer months. Happy gardening!

Grasses

Shrubs

Vines

Aquatic Plants

Blog Post