Are you ready to transform your Texas garden into a butterfly paradise? Look no further than the buddleia davidii, also known as the butterfly bush! This vibrant, easy-to-grow shrub is a favorite among pollinators and gardeners alike. And the best part? There are now varieties that you can plant in Texas without worrying about invasive tendencies. Let’s dive into how to grow a butterfly bush that will thrive in the Lone Star State.
A Rainbow of Colors: Butterfly Bush Blooms
One of the biggest draws of the butterfly bush is its stunning blooms. These fragrant blooms come in a rainbow of colors including deep purples, candy pinks, sunny yellows, ice blues, and classic white. The long, cone-shaped flower clusters are irresistible to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. When considering how to grow a butterfly bush, consider the many varieties to choose from.
How to Grow a Butterfly Bush: Texas Style
Now that we’ve established that there are noninvasive varieties of buddleia davidii that are welcome in Texas, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of how to grow a butterfly bush that will flourish in our unique climate. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:
Light Exposure:
Butterfly bushes love sunshine! Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal blooming. A sunny spot will encourage abundant flowers and attract the most butterflies.
Soil Preference:
Well-draining soil is key to buddleia davidii success. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage. Butterfly bushes aren’t too picky, but they dislike sitting in soggy soil.
Fertilizer:
Butterfly bushes aren’t heavy feeders. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Water Needs:
Newly planted butterfly bushes need regular watering to establish a strong root system. Once established, they’re relatively drought-tolerant. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering.
Cold Tolerance:
Most buddleia davidii varieties are hardy in Texas, but some protection may be needed in colder regions or during unusually harsh winters. Mulching around the base of the plant can help insulate the roots. In San Antonio, we can generally expect these deciduous bushes to bounce back in spring.
Extra Tips:
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Deadhead spent blooms regularly to keep the flowers coming.
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Don’t be afraid to prune hard in late winter/early spring—this encourages fresh growth and more blooms.
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Mix with native perennials like salvia, Texas lantana, and milkweed for a pollinator smorgasbord.
 Butterfly Bush Varieties: Pick Your Perfect Plant
With so many buddleia davidii varieties available, choosing the right one for your garden can be a fun challenge. Here are a few popular, noninvasive choices to consider:
- Lo and Behold Blue chip Jr.: 2.6′ T x 2.4′ W. Fragrant, spikes of blue flowers all summer. Compact and well-branched, perfect for smaller gardens.
- Miss Molly: Fragrant, deep, rich pink blooms. 4-5′ T x W.
- Pugster Blue: Compact size but with the same large spiked blue flowers you’d expect on a full sized variety. 2′ T x 3′ W.
- Wooly Butterfly Bush: A native variety that is not only a nectar plant, but a host plant too! Silvery, fuzzy foliage gets topped with globular, vibrant orange flowers.
While these are just a few varieties, we carry many more at Rainbow Gardens, and new butterfly bush varieties are always being introduced.
No matter which variety you choose, planting buddleia davidii is easy! Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Amend the soil as needed, place the plant in the hole, and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
So there you have it! With a little planning and care, you can easily grow a butterfly bush and enjoy its beauty and benefits for years to come. So, head to your local nursery, pick out your favorite buddleia davidii, and get planting! Your butterfly garden awaits.
~The Happy Gardener, Lisa Mulroy
