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26 Types Butterfly Bush Varieties for Your Backyard 

 May 9, 2022

By  admin

The butterfly bush is a tough and versatile plant that thrives in the shade. They can be used to create privacy or as an accent flower. There are 26 different varieties of butterfly bushes, so you can find one for your home landscape!

The “butterfly plant varieties” are a great addition to any backyard. These plants can be used as an ornamental or for pollinators. They come in many shapes and sizes, so there is something for everyone.

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Do you want to add some color to your yard?

Don’t want to be watering and trimming all the time?

Do you need anything to enhance volume? 

Do you want to keep deer out of your yard?

One of the various butterfly bush kinds provides the solution to all of these questions.

These beautiful, vivid, low-maintenance, and easy-to-grow plants will bring some life to your garden.

Don’t forget about the scents, either. A pleasant scent will pervade your outside space, making it a pleasure to be there.

Are you ready to discover the many sorts of butterfly bushes?  

Contents

Shrub Lovers: 26 Butterfly Bush Types 

1. Buddleja davidii ‘Adokeep’ (Adonis Blue Butterfly Bush)

The name alludes to the deep blue hues. It’s one of the tiniest types, with an average height of of 5 feet.

It is one of the most popular butterfly bushes. It may be found in backyards, gardens, and even commercial landscaping.

The dark-blue blooms bloom in late spring and last until early October. 

ALSO KNOW: As the blossoms fade, they may take on a crimson hue. 

2. Butterfly Bush with Alternate Leaves (Buddleja alternifolia)

It’s also known as the Weeping Butterfly Bush, and it’s hard to miss. Its drooping blossoms have a willow-like look.

The flowers are usually bright blue, although they may also be light grey. Furthermore, these blooms are often narrower than butterfly bush blossoms.

It can reach a height of 15 feet without difficulty. With a span of up to 20 feet. 

PLUS, it blooms sooner in the spring than other types. 

3. Buddleja’ Asian Moon’ (Buddleja’ Asian Moon’)

The Asian Moon is one of the biggest types, reaching a height of 10 feet.

It has purple blossoms with one of the deepest tones. Having said that, certain blooms may have orange splashes on them.

It usually blooms from June to September, although it may occasionally linger longer. 

INTERESTING FACT: It favors warm surroundings with lighter-colored flowers. 

4. Buddleja davidii ‘Black Knight’ (Buddleja davidii ‘Black Knight’)

The Black Knight is the darkest of all butterfly bushes, with an almost black purple tint that sparkles in the light.

It’s a medium-sized type that doesn’t go much more than 8 feet tall and 5 feet broad.

It may also be found with some of the biggest blooms, which bloom from June to September.

BE AWARE: The plant becomes dormant over the winter and reappears in the spring. 

5. Buddleja x ‘Blue Chip’ (Buddleja x ‘Blue Chip’)

Despite its name, the Blue Chip’s blossoms are pink.

It’s one of the tiniest types, seldom exceeding 3 feet in height and breadth.

It also flowers late. The blooms bloom in July and fade away in October.

ALSO WORTH NOTING: Because of its modest size, it does not spread as fast as other butterfly bushes, making it ideal for flower gardens. 

6. Weeping Butterfly Bush in China (Buddleja lindleyana)

Because of its light hue and weeping blooms, many people consider it to be one of the most appealing butterfly bushes.

It is a medium-sized cultivar, reaching an average height of 8 feet. However, it tends to take up a lot of room, reaching a width of almost 10 feet.

It’s even better since it’s one of the most hardy varieties.

BE AWARE: It thrives in humid environments, so you’ll have a lot of fun cultivating it in foggy alpine areas. 

7. Buddleja davidii ‘Harlequin’ (Harlequin Butterfly Bush)

While most butterfly bushes are drought resistant, this one is significantly more so. 

It grows to be about 6 feet tall and forms spherical bushes. The span is usually about 5 feet.

This cultivar blooms late, with dark-purple or reddish flowers appearing in July and lasting until late September. 

FUN FACTOR: This variety’s leaves have a light-green border that makes them stand out (sometimes beige or white). 

Himalayan Butterfly Bush (number 8) (Buddleja crispa)

The ‘Himalayan’ cultivar, like many other mint plants, has hairy leaves and a light leaf tone.

Its blooms are pink and develop in a compact spherical group rather than being huge and drooping. 

It gets its name from where it was born, and it is one of the most cold-hardy types. It’s also known as the ‘Giant Woolly,’ since it may grow to be over 15 feet tall. 

If you allow it, this kind will bloom in the summer and cover a big area of your property.

EVEN BETTER: It has a powerful perfume, which makes it an excellent partner for other fragrant plants. 

9. Buddleja x weyeriana ‘Honeycomb’ (Buddleja x weyeriana ‘Honeycomb’)

Cluster blooms have somewhat distinct forms than regular Buddleja flowers. These clusters prefer to develop in golden tones with little bunches.

It is one of the finest for hot climates, since it thrives in temperatures over 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

In the appropriate spot, this butterfly bush may grow to be over 12 feet tall and spread over 8 feet wide.

DON’T MISS: The term originates from the fact that the plant attracts a LOT OF POLLINATORS, particularly bees. 

10. Butterfly Bush Kewensis (Buddleja colvilei)

The blossoms have a dark-pink or red tone to them, making them one of the most vibrant of their kind.

The actual highlight, though, is its cold-hardy construction. It can withstand low temperatures of 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s also rather huge, reaching a height of 9 feet. Despite its size, it tends to cover tiny areas because to its shrubby growth.

LOOK AT THIS: The blooms tend to fall off in a weeping pattern. 

11. Buddleja davidii ‘Ivory’ (Ivory Butterfly Bush)

Its name comes from the fact that it is one among the whitest members of the Buddleja family.

Its leaves may become brownish, although they usually seem bright green.

This is one of the tiniest types, seldom reaching more over 5 feet tall. Some individuals have successfully grown it in containers.

AN INTERESTING FACT: This kind was created by humans. It was developed to produce a smaller kind of butterfly bush than other varieties. 

12. Buddleja davidii ‘Les Kneale’ (Buddleja davidii ‘Les Kneale’)

The plant was named for the guy who found it. As a result, it’s become one of the most popular names for butterfly bushes.

Apart from its name, the plant has a special capacity to thrive in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s no wonder that the plant grows practically anyplace, given its cold-hardiness. It’s also one of the tiniest, with a maximum height of only 6 feet.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The blooms might be light purple or completely white (the colder the place, the paler the blossoms). 

Buddleja ‘Miss Ruby’ (13. Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush)

Its name refers to its vibrant fuchsia color. It is distinguished not just by its tone, but also by its enormous cone.

A single blossom may grow to be over 5 inches long and has a drooping habit. Late in the spring, these blooms emerge. 

It is not as invasive as other butterfly bushes, although reaching a height of roughly 5 feet.

PRACTICAL DETAIL: The blooms last until early autumn, so you have up to four months to enjoy them. 

Buddleja davidii ‘Nanho Blue’ (14. Nanho Blue Butterfly Bush)

This butterfly bush, sometimes known as the Dwarf Blue, may grow up to 12 feet tall.

While the name is incomprehensible, the hue is. It’s a dark blue plant with purple or pink undertones.

The plant prefers warm climates, although it may survive temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit (though it will likely become dormant).

DON’T MISS THIS: It has thinner and smaller leaves than a regular butterfly bush, giving it a less thick appearance. 

Buddleja davidii ‘Nanho White’ (15. Nanho White)

The Nanho White is another narrow-leaf cultivar. 

In comparison to the Nanho Blue, this is a little cultivar that seldom grows more over 6 feet tall.

The white color comes from the blossoms, which typically have a dazzling blank appearance. Its neck becomes orange with time, making it even more appealing.

EXTRA: Because it is cold-hardy and thrives in practically any soil or temperature, it is one of the simplest butterfly bushes to cultivate. 

16. Butterfly Bush Orange (Buddleja globosa)

Given its spherical blossoms, the Chilean Orange Ball Tree (as it’s sometimes known) is a brightly colorful butterfly shrub.

The plant is one among the tallest, reaching 15 feet or more, and has vivid orange flowers.

The foliage is thick and prefers warm climates (it can resist frost nonetheless).

BEST FACT: It can grow in both damp and dry conditions without issue. 

Buddleja’ Pink Delight’ (17. Pink Delight Butterfly Bush)

Do you want to add some color to your backyard? Then add a Pink Delight butterfly bush to the mix.

It has some of the most beautiful brilliant pink-to-purple blooms. 

The plant is still little, reaching around 9 feet in height. Even so, the foliage is dense, making it an even more dense addition to any garden.

It begins flowering in the summer and continues until the first frost. 

Buddleja’ Purple Haze’ (18. Purple Haze Butterfly Bush)

You don’t want to cultivate a big butterfly bush, do you? Then take a risk on Purple Haze.

This little 3-foot cultivar requires little or no maintenance. More significantly, unlike other varieties, it remains small and does not take over gardens.

It’s also a sturdy cultivar that can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

The pale purple tint of its downward hanging blossoms will identify it as a Purple Haze. 

REMEMBER: Its leaves are bigger than normal and have a feathery appearance. 

19. Butterfly Bush Rio Grande (Buddleja sessiliflora)

Rio Grande is a river that runs between Mexico and Texas. Because it grows near that river, the plant is named after it.

Even though it prefers to grow in and around sources of water, it is a desert-loving plant that thrives in heated areas. It may also be found at high elevations.

The leaves are hairy and light green in color. Its blossoms are often green, turning yellow in the autumn.

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW: It’s a tiny variety that doesn’t go much more than 6 feet tall. 

20. Buddleja davidii ‘Royal Red’ (Buddleja davidii ‘Royal Red’)

Do you like bright colors? The Royal Red butterfly bush will be your absolute favorite.

It provides beauty to any garden with its rich purple tint and magenta colors.

It grows to be around 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide as a shrub. This causes it to grow in a bulbous, rounded, almost shrub-like form.

What’s the greatest part? You’ll see scant foliage that can withstand temperatures as low as -10°F.

BEST THING: When the light touches its flowers, they become a vivid magenta color, giving it a lovely appearance when summer comes. 

Buddleja davidii ‘Santana’ (21. Santana Butterfly Bush)

The Santana variety’s blooms are usually dark purple, although they may also be dark red. It’s stunning in any case.

It’s a tiny type, reaching a maximum height of 4 to 6 feet. This allows it to thrive in both cold and hot climates (making it one of the most adaptable plants).

From early summer through early autumn, the plant will blossom.

NOT TO BE MISSED: The leaves are variegated, with a dark green body and a bright green or white margin. 

Buddleja x weyeriana ‘Sungold’ (22. Sungold Butterfly Bush)

The Sungold kind of butterfly bush has the brightest flowers.

Its brilliant yellow hue and spherical clusters of blooms are hard to miss. With one of these, you can make any backyard more appealing.

The cold-hardy attitude is something you will appreciate. It may be grown in somewhat colder climates (as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit). 

IF THAT’S NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU: Sungold butterfly bushes may grow up to 10 feet tall and spread much beyond. 

Utah Butterfly Bush (number 23) (Buddleja utahensis)

This is a desert species that favors warm climates.

It is, however, a tiny variation, growing as a little shrub no taller than 3 feet.

The blooms are tiny and yellowish in color. As a result, it is not the most appealing, but its blossoms may survive up to six months (from April to October).

WHAT ELSE: It may be found growing practically everywhere, from high altitudes to beaches, deserts, and even shady woodlands.

Buddleja davidii’ White Profusion (24. White Profusion Butterfly Bush)

The White Profusion is one of the most beautiful butterfly bushes.

Take a look at it. It’s a sight to see with its rich white blossoms and lush leaves.

It grows to a maximum height of 6 feet and a spread of the same. What’s more, it can grow practically everywhere (it prefers warm areas).

IMPORTANT FACTOR: The blossoms begin to become completely green in the spring, thus the white brilliance may not appear until the summer. 

Lilacs that bloom in the winter (Buddleja asiatica)

The Winter Flowering Lilac is one of the prettiest huge Buddlejas. The blooms form clusters while maintaining their spiky appearance.

Its leaves are more widely spread than those of other types. And it still has a distinct perfume, perfect for enhancing the aroma of your lawn.

In most situations, the bush reaches a height of roughly 12 feet. It favors warm climates and takes very little area, seldom covering more than 6 feet. 

WHAT STANDS OUT: It may bloom in the winter, as the name suggests (as long as temperatures are over 20 degrees Fahrenheit). 

Woolly Butterfly Bush (no. 26) (Buddleja marrubiifolia)

If you live in a hot climate, the Woolly Butterfly Bush is a must-have. The hairy, pale leaves are thicker than usual butterfly bush leaves. 

As a result, it is a cold-sensitive species that cannot grow in temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, it thrives in arid environments.

You may consider it drought resistant. In addition, if you overwater it, the plant will suffer. 

The orange blossom is the most interesting part. This bloom develops in tiny clusters, is frequently spherical, and has a lovely brilliant hue.

WHAT TO KNOW: The blooms emerge in early spring and fade by late summer, making it an early bloomer. 

Bring a Butterfly Bush to Your Garden Immediately!

When you add a butterfly bush to your yard, it doesn’t have to be boring and barren.

With so many butterfly bush kinds to choose from, finding the best one for your garden shouldn’t be difficult.

So, what do you have to lose? That shrub will not grow by itself! 

The “butterfly flower purple” is a butterfly bush variety. The color of the flowers can vary from white, to pink and purple. This variety is not only beautiful but also easy to take care of.

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Emil Schoene


Born and raised in Austin, TX I come from a background of home renovation. By helping my family in my younger years with their construction business, I learned the ropes quickly and as I grew it became my passion that I still do today. Looking to share my knowledge with others. I invite you to leave comments on any post as I know you will have questions that you are not finding anywhere else.

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