Butterfly Bush Care: Planting & Growing Guide

When thinking about Butterfly Bushes, a few images may come to mind. Whether it is the diverse, vibrant shades that make up the Bicolor Butterfly Bush or the pretty purple hues of the Black Knight Butterfly Bush.

No matter the variety, I think we can agree that they are all marvelous! Not only are these amazing shrubs easy on the eyes, but they attract many pollinators. If you are searching for a way to revive your garden, look no further!

Butterfly Bushes are a great kick start to your garden if planting in the spring or the perfect shrub to plant in fall if you are missing those bright summertime vibes!

Read through this #ProPlantTips Butterfly Bush 101 Guide from NatureHills.com to learn how to grow and care for your own. Because we already know you are thinking about adding it to your garden :)

WHERE Should You Plant Your Butterfly Bush?
WHEN Should You Plant Your Butterfly Bush?
WHAT Butterfly Bush Should I Choose?
Attracting Pollinators to Your Butterfly Garden

WHERE Should You Plant Your Butterfly Bush?

Butterfly Bushes are a sucker for the sun, and we mean FULL sun. Make sure to plant these babies where they can receive a full amount of sunlight so they can grow, grow, grow.

These deciduous shrubs are easy to grow. In addition to full sunlight, they demand well-drained soils. For tips and tricks on the best way to provide your plants with well-drained soil, check out our blog “Well Drained Soil: What Does It Mean?”.

To optimize Butterfly Bush flowering, provide them with ample moisturization. In dry areas, especially, they will need additional nourishment to flourish.

Butterfly Bushes are very versatile in where you plant them, as long as they are in the sun. They make a splendid ensemble for foundation plantings, perennial gardens, cottage gardens, container gardens, and mixed borders! Wherever you decide to plant your Butterfly Bush, we know it is going to look fabulous. Make sure to snap a photo of your next garden extravaganza, and tag us on your Instagram (@naturehillsnursery), Facebook (Nature Hills Nursery), or Pinterest (@naturehills) post!

WHEN Should You Plant Your Butterfly Bush?

We grow our Butterfly Bushes in containers so they can be shipped and planted all throughout the growing season.

Butterfly Bushes become flowering machines from summer into fall. To keep in mind, in warmer climates they will bloom much earlier than in colder climates, where they will grow quickly but begin flowering a bit later. Whatever your specific growing zone, the number of flowers produced by Butterfly Bushes is astonishing!

In cold climates, treat these as a woody perennial. Some can get to be 8 feet tall! Each winter, this shrub may die to the ground completely. It is a good idea to cut last year's stems to just a few inches so that new growth can develop each late spring from the base.

Deadheading the old flowers will encourage more and more flowers to develop! Because, who doesn’t want to see their Butterfly Bush bustling constantly with new florals? In addition, deadheading prevents seed development on varieties that may produce seed.

If you reside in a growing zone that experiences a warmer climate, the tops of Butterfly Bushes will not die back as much. However, as in colder

climates, you may want to trim them back quite severely. It is important to perform this in early spring for fresh, new growth and to see flowering at

its finest!

WHAT Butterfly Bush Should I Choose?

While we think that any Butterfly Bush is the perfect pick for a garden, we do have our favorites! NatureHills.com offers a wide selection that is sure to wow your senses.

BiColor Butterfly Bush: This sensational choice is the first Butterfly Bush to feature multiple colors on each bloom. In addition, its sweet scent is irresistible to pollinators!
Miss Pearl Butterfly Bush: Miss Pearl is a lovely, pure white bush that is smaller in size compared to others. Although, she is sure to beg for all the attention in your garden!
Lo & Behold Ⓡ Blue Chip Butterfly Bush: The first in a series with a long-lasting blooming season makes this shrub the crown jewel of your garden. It will sparkle as a groundcover or even as a patio plant!
Summer Skies Butterfly Bush: Last but certainly not least is a lavender-blue wonder of a Butterfly Bush! It has some spread in it but will overall maintain a natural yet restrained appearance.

Now that you’ve checked out our favorites, it is time to start planting yours!

Attracting Pollinators to Your Butterfly Garden

Now it is no surprise, given their name, that Butterfly Bushes attract…you guessed it, BUTTERFLIES! They attract a wide variety of other pollinators as well. It is because of their naturally enticing shades that Butterfly Bushes lure in all sorts of pollinators. However, we can offer you some additional advice that may enhance your butterfly garden for those pollinators.

Mix up your colors: Different pollinators will respond to different colors so it is important to have a rainbow of hues.
“Just add water!”: An important lesson all around but, like any living organism, pollinators need water to survive. A bird bath or water fountain is the perfect way to accomplish this without sacrificing appearance.
Include native species: Native plants are less prone to pests and disease. Plant Sentry ™ , NatureHills.com trademarked database, offers the latest compliance information to make sure you are planting safe. One example of a native species that fits with the butterfly theme is the Cinderella Butterfly Weed, native to most states in the U.S., which is heavily laden with nectar and pollen.

Hopefully, after reading, you have found the necessary information to get going on your next butterfly garden OR add to it! We can just see any of NatureHills.com's wide variety of Butterfly Bushes looking spectacular in your yard.

Happy Planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to plant butterfly bush?

Butterfly bushes require full sun and well-drained soil to thrive and produce abundant blooms. These versatile shrubs work well in foundation plantings, perennial gardens, cottage gardens, and mixed borders. In dry climates, ensure consistent moisture for optimal flowering. Choose a location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best results.

Are butterfly bushes evergreen?

No, butterfly bushes are deciduous shrubs that lose their leaves in winter. They go dormant during cold months in zones 5-9 and produce new growth each spring when temperatures warm. In mild winter areas, some varieties may retain foliage longer but will still experience leaf drop. Plan for winter interest by pairing them with evergreen plants or ornamental grasses in your landscape design.

How to care for butterfly bushes?

Butterfly bushes thrive in full sun with well-drained soil and require regular watering, especially in dry conditions. These low-maintenance shrubs benefit from annual pruning in late winter or early spring to encourage vigorous growth and maximum flowering. Plant them in spring after the last frost or in fall, spacing them 4-6 feet apart to allow for their mature spread. For best results, apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Are butterfly bushes annuals or perennials?

Butterfly bushes are perennial deciduous shrubs that return year after year in USDA zones 5-9. These hardy plants die back to the ground in winter but send up new growth each spring, typically reaching 4-8 feet tall and wide at maturity. In colder zones, they may act more like herbaceous perennials, dying back completely but regrowing from the roots. Plant them in full sun with well-drained soil for best performance and cut them back to 12-18 inches in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth.

Are butterfly bushes easy to grow?

Yes, butterfly bushes are very easy to grow and are considered low-maintenance deciduous shrubs. They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil and are quite drought tolerant once established, though they perform best with regular watering during dry periods. These versatile shrubs work well in foundation plantings, perennial borders, cottage gardens, and even containers. Plant them in a sunny location with good drainage, and they'll reward you with abundant blooms that attract pollinators all season long.

Are butterfly bushes full sun?

Yes, butterfly bushes require full sun to thrive and produce their best flowering display. These deciduous shrubs need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and bloom production. In partial shade conditions, butterfly bushes will become leggy with reduced flowering and may be more susceptible to pest issues. Plant your butterfly bush in the sunniest location available in your garden for maximum performance.

When is the best time to prune butterfly bushes?

The best time to prune butterfly bushes is in late winter to early spring, typically February through March in zones 5-9, before new growth begins. Cut stems back to 12-18 inches from the ground, removing about two-thirds of the previous year's growth. This timing ensures you won't remove flower buds that form on new wood while allowing plenty of time for vigorous spring growth. Wait until after the last hard frost in your area to avoid cold damage to fresh cuts.

Why isn't my butterfly bush showing any signs of growth or greening up in spring?

Butterfly bushes are late to break dormancy and typically don't show new growth until soil temperatures warm in late spring, often not until May or June in zones 5-6. These deciduous shrubs can appear completely dead through winter and early spring, which is normal behavior. If it's still early in the growing season, be patient and continue regular watering once temperatures consistently reach 60°F. Wait until late June before assuming the plant didn't survive winter.

Is it okay to plant butterfly bushes in the fall, or should I wait until spring?

Both spring and fall planting work well for butterfly bushes, with fall planting being especially beneficial in zones 6-9 where roots can establish before winter dormancy. Plant at least 6-8 weeks before your first hard frost to allow proper root development. Spring planting after the last frost date is ideal in colder zones 5 and below. Choose fall planting if you want earlier blooms next season, or spring if you prefer immediate summer color.

How late do butterfly bushes wake up or sprout in colder climates like zone 6?

In zone 6, butterfly bushes are among the last shrubs to break dormancy, typically not showing new growth until late April to mid-May when soil temperatures consistently reach 50-60°F. These heat-loving deciduous shrubs often remain dormant well into spring, which can cause concern for gardeners who see other plants leafing out first. Don't panic if your butterfly bush looks lifeless in early spring - this late emergence is completely normal for the species in colder climates. Wait until late May before considering the plant dead, and resist the urge to prune until you see active growth beginning.

#ProPlantTips: How to Grow & Care for Butterfly Bushes