One of the most popular plants which is easy to
grow and has a benefit of attracting butterflies is aptly named the butterfly
bush.The butterfly bush is a large, arching shrub that produces masses of
flowers in midsummer to fall. Flower colors include blue, pink, red, violet,
yellow, and white, and the shrub grows five- to 10-foot tall and wide, depending
on the variety. Butterfly bushes grow well in shrub or perennial borders, and
the fragrant flowers can be used for cutting.Some are known to grow as high as
16-feet. Though considered a shrub, there are those which qualify as trees,
which have been known to reach a towering height of 98 feet.The genus for most
butterly bushes is Buddleia davidii, which generally max out at a 12-foot
height. There are many cultivars and exact plant characteristics will vary.
Growing conditions will also have an impact on the plant’s mature size.Ideal
conditions include full sun and moist, well-drained soil.Details
of the butterfly bushDescription: They are profuse bloomers with
gray-green to dark green leaves and large, fragrant 6-8" long flower heads
that are very attractive to butterflies. It is also called "Summer
lilac"Botanical Name: BuddleiaLight Requirements: Full SunAttributes: Pest
tolerant, good for naturalizing, attracts birds, hummingbirds and butterflies.
Considered mostly allergy free. Deer resistant.Pests: A caterpillar may eat
foliage occasionallyCare: For best flowering, cut back to entire bush in early
spring to about 1/3 of its original height. Division is not recommended. You may
want to pinch back new growth to generate more branching.