Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush

Buddleia davidii 'Miss Ruby'

Proven Winners®

Deep Ruby-Pink Blooms Attract Butterflies, Hummingbirds and Bees All Summer Long
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Sweetly Fragrant Flowers
Great Choice for Foundation Planting in Cottage Gardens

$26¹⁴

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Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

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Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Attracts pollinators, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Fast-growing, Flowering, Fragrant
Hardiness Zone	5a to 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	4-5 ft
Width	4-5 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Fast
Growth Habit	Bushy, Spreading
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Purple, Pink
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Buddleia davidii 'Miss Ruby'
Species	davidii
Cultivar	Miss Ruby
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR, WA

Proven Winners® ColorChoice® has done it again! The brilliant Miss Series of Buddleia! The Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii 'Miss Ruby') is an ornamental flowering shrub with particular allure to butterflies!

The aromatic gray-green foliage is the perfect foundation for the scented hot-colored ruby-pink to magenta-hued flowering spires are packed full of tiny florets. The delicious nectar the blooms produce, sweetened in the midday sun, creates a tempting call to Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees … giving the "Butterfly Bush" its name. Many feel that the bright color this Miss Ruby variety presents is the most vibrant of any Butterfly Bush available today!

At times your Butterfly Bush will be so covered with butterflies that the foliage will seem to be alive with movement! Even without the magnificent flowers, Miss Ruby presents a full, lush appearance for your landscape, its elliptic, grey-green leaves are a lovely accompaniment to the dazzling blooms.

Planting and Application:

Fast-growing, Butterfly Bushes create screening and privacy in a hurry! Growing up to 5 feet in height and width, you'll love the flowering backdrops and property division with the fragrant perk! Envelop seating areas and pool decks to create the feel of seasonal hideaways you'll never want to leave! Plant one near a path or patio where the vivid color and enticing fragrance are sure to delight you throughout the summer!

Tough enough for Rock Gardens and pretty enough for Cottage borders, these shrubs are brilliant pops of color whether in the Perennial border or the Formal Garden! Even larger containers and planters shine in the sun! Grow several of them, so you have enough of their honey-scented blooms to bring for indoor cut flower arrangements!

Brilliant Hot Purple-Pink Fragrant Blooms
Gray-Green Aromatic Leaves & Mid-Sized Form
Attracts Butterflies & Hummingbirds
Scented Blooms For Cut Flowers
Great Hedges, Screens, Containers & Brilliant Specimens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Butterfly Bushes need full sun to do their best. Plant these shrubs in sharply drained soils with regular fertility and a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch to protect the roots. New plants need regular moisture access but can become drought-tolerant once established.

Deadheading during the summer can increase your blooms, but isn't necessary. Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush is a deciduous, well-branched bush in warm climates, and only need to be trimmed in the early spring to remove dead branching, but can also be pruned to about a foot above the ground. In northern climates, Butterfly Bushes will die back to the ground like an herbaceous Perennial for the winter and pruned back in the spring just a few inches above the ground. Miss Ruby has no significant disease or insect issues, and both rabbits and deer tend to pass it by.

Full Sun Shrubs/Perennials
Well-Drained Soil
Moderate to Low Moisture
Hardy & Drought Tolerant
Deer Resistant
Deadhead For Rebloom & Prune In Early Spring

For consistent blooms of high quality and an abundance of color for your landscape, you can't go wrong with Miss Ruby Butterfly Bushes from Proven Winners® ColorChoice® and Nature Hills Nursery! Once you plant one of these superior bushes in your yard, it won't be long before it's just as popular with you as it is with your butterflies and other pollinators.

Butterfly Bush

I just love butterflies, it is in memory of my beloved son

Dear Jan,

Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt reason for choosing the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush. What a beautiful tribute to your beloved son, honoring his memory with the gentle presence of butterflies fluttering around your garden. We’re truly touched that this special plant brings you comfort and joy.

To help attract even more butterflies and create a vibrant, lively garden space, you might consider planting a variety of nectar-rich flowers and creating small sheltered areas where they can rest. Incorporating plants like lantana, milkweed, or coneflowers can complement your butterfly bush beautifully. Also, ensuring regular watering and opting for organic gardening methods can make your garden even more inviting to these delicate visitors.

If you ever need guidance on how to nourish your plants or tips for maintaining a butterfly-friendly garden, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Butterfly Bush

I just love butterflies, it is in memory of my beloved son

Dear Jan,

Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt connection to the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush. What a touching way to honor the memory of your beloved son by creating a space that attracts the butterflies you both cherish. Butterfly bushes are indeed wonderful for bringing vibrancy and life to a garden, and knowing your story makes this plant all the more meaningful.

If you’d like, we’d be happy to provide tips on nurturing your butterfly bush to ensure it thrives and fills your garden with fluttering visitors throughout the season. For example, planting it in full sun and well-draining soil will encourage robust growth and abundant blooms – ideal for heavenly butterfly visitors! Additionally, trimming the bush after flowering helps keep it healthy and encourages even more blooms the next year.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need guidance – we’re honored to support you in cultivating this lovely, living tribute. Thank you again for letting us be part of this special journey.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Happy!

I received the Miss Ruby butterfly bush last year as a gift. Very happy with the quality.

Dear Miss R.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush! We’re delighted to hear that you’re happy with the quality of your plant—it really is a beautiful addition to any garden. These butterfly bushes not only attract lovely pollinators but also add vibrant color, making your outdoor space come alive.

If you’re looking for any tips to keep your Miss Ruby thriving, be sure it gets plenty of sunlight and avoid letting the soil dry out completely in the heat. Pruning lightly after blooming can encourage a bushier shape and more future blossoms. Should you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out to us anytime.

Thank you again for your kind feedback. Wishing you many joyful moments with your butterfly bush!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Happy!

I received the Miss Ruby butterfly bush last year as a gift. Very happy with the quality.

Dear Miss Ruby,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush! We’re delighted to hear that your gift has brought you so much joy and that you’re pleased with its quality. These bushes really do make a stunning addition to any garden, attracting lovely pollinators and adding vibrant color year after year.

If you ever want tips on how to keep your Miss Ruby thriving or ways to enhance its bloom, feel free to reach out—we’re always here to help. Proper watering, pruning after flowering, and planting in well-draining soil can ensure it continues to shine bright in your landscape.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Butterfly lover

I have a neighbor who loves wildlife as much as I do and we just cannot get enough butterfly bushes, or so it seems. I just added the Miss Ruby butterfly bush for the flower color and of course, more butterfly attraction.

Dear Mary K,

Thank you so much for sharing your love of butterfly bushes with us! It’s wonderful to hear how you and your neighbor are cultivating a true butterfly haven together. The Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush is such a stunning choice—not only adding vibrant color to your garden but also creating a vital habitat and food source for so many beautiful pollinators.

If you haven’t already, planting your Miss Ruby in a sunnier spot with well-draining soil can really help it thrive and produce those abundant blooms that butterflies adore. And since butterfly bushes can sometimes self-seed, you might find even more lovely bushes popping up—perfect for continuing your shared wildlife sanctuary!

We’d also love to recommend pairing your Miss Ruby with nectar-rich plants like Milkweed, Lantana, or Echinacea to attract an even wider variety of butterflies and pollinators. You can often find helpful gardening tips and planting combinations in the blog section on our website, too.

Thanks again for choosing Nature Hills for your butterfly-budgeting; we’re excited to see your garden pop with color and fluttering life.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush suitable for?

Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. This cold-hardy shrub can withstand winter temperatures down to -20°F while still producing vibrant blooms each summer. Check your local zone before planting to ensure success.

How tall and wide does Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush grow at maturity?

Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush reaches 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for smaller gardens while still providing excellent screening. Plan adequate spacing when planting multiples, available at naturehills.com.

Does Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush thrives in full sun for the most vibrant blooms and compact growth. It can tolerate partial shade but may become leggy with fewer flowers. Plant in a spot receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best performance.

What type of soil does Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush prefer and what is the ideal pH range?

Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-7.5. This adaptable shrub tolerates various soil types from average garden soil to rocky conditions. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and amend heavy clay soils with compost before planting.

How often should I water Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush after planting?

Water newly planted Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month. Once established, this drought-tolerant shrub needs minimal watering except during extended dry periods. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 2 inches deep before watering.

Is Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush considered a fast-growing or slow-growing shrub?

Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush is considered a fast-growing shrub. It quickly reaches its mature size of 5 feet in both height and width, making it an excellent choice for creating screening and privacy in a hurry. Plant it where you want quick impact in your landscape.

Is Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush deer resistant?

Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush is generally deer resistant due to its aromatic foliage and strong fragrance that deer typically avoid. The gray-green leaves have a natural scent that deters browsing. For best results, plant in sunny locations where the fragrance is most pronounced.

What size container will my Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush arrive in and when is the best time to ship?

Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush typically ships in a 1-gallon container as a young plant. The best shipping time is spring after the last frost when soil can be worked, though fall planting is also successful in most zones. Plant immediately upon arrival for fastest establishment.

Does Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush require regular pruning and when should I prune it?

Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush benefits from annual pruning to maintain its 5-foot size and encourage abundant blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back by one-third to one-half. This promotes vigorous flowering and prevents the shrub from becoming overgrown.

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush

Buddleia davidii 'Miss Ruby'

Planting and Application:

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Shipping Rates

Customer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush suitable for?

How tall and wide does Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush grow at maturity?

Does Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

What type of soil does Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush prefer and what is the ideal pH range?

How often should I water Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush after planting?

Is Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush considered a fast-growing or slow-growing shrub?

Is Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush deer resistant?

What size container will my Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush arrive in and when is the best time to ship?

Does Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush require regular pruning and when should I prune it?

Choose options

Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush

Buddleia davidii 'Miss Ruby'

Specifications

Description

Planting and Application:

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Find on page

Customer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush suitable for?

How tall and wide does Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush grow at maturity?

Does Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

What type of soil does Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush prefer and what is the ideal pH range?

How often should I water Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush after planting?

Is Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush considered a fast-growing or slow-growing shrub?

Is Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush deer resistant?

What size container will my Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush arrive in and when is the best time to ship?

Does Miss Ruby Butterfly Bush require regular pruning and when should I prune it?