Black Knight Butterfly Bush

Buddleia davidii 'Black Knight'

Nature Hills Nursery

Deepest Dark Purple Blooms Attract Butterflies and Hummingbirds 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

$18¹⁵

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Plant Size

Quart Container #3 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. While it can survive in partial shade, you will notice fewer flowers and lanky stems because the plant is "stretching" to find the light.
Soil: This shrub requires excellent drainage and hates having "wet feet," which can lead to root rot. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost or plant it in a slight mound to help gravity pull excess water away from the roots.

Watering Requirements

For the first growing season, provide about one inch of water per week to help the roots dive deep into the soil. Once established, Black Knight is remarkably drought tolerant and only needs supplemental water during extreme dry spells. Inconsistent watering during the heat of summer can lead to smaller flower spikes and wilted foliage, so keep an eye on the soil moisture during July and August.

Pruning Tips

This shrub blooms on "new wood," meaning the flowers grow on the fresh stems produced in the current year. In late winter or very early spring, cut the entire plant back to about 12 inches above the ground. Think of it like a "hard reset" for the plant; this aggressive pruning encourages a flush of vigorous new growth and much larger purple blooms.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as new green growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender green growth that can be easily killed by the first frost. A light application of compost around the base each spring is often all this hardy plant needs to thrive.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

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

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

The Black Knight Butterfly Bush, (Buddleia davidii 'Black Knight'), is more like Prince Charming when it comes to butterflies. Butterflies can't resist the allure and charm of these fragrant and mesmerizing blooms. This plant offers spectacular spikes of flowers that will bring all the butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard. This impressive deciduous beauty will capture your heart and inspire your creativity.

As its name implies, the Butterfly Bush is the butterfly whisperer of the flower world. It entices butterflies to stop by for a sip of its sweet and fragrant nectar. This sweet-scented plant brings the biggest gathering of butterflies in the afternoon when its honey-scented nectar sweetens in the sun. The butterflies will need to make room for hummingbirds who enjoy this sweet treat as well.

From the deep, almost black-purple color of muscadine grapes to the vibrant pop of purple, the Black Knight Butterfly Bush produces some of the most dramatic flowers you'll find! Each with a tiny orange center deep inside the throat of each trumpet that densely clusters along the bottlebrush like spikes of flowerheads. These flowers are sure to add a sense of drama to your summer and into fall when they bloom.

Planting and Application:

Plant one of these as a floral privacy hedge near your pool or reading garden. One of these would steal the show in your butterfly garden. At maturity, these are sizeable shrubs that won't block the view entirely, but still leave a magnificent impression on the landscape! Use as a tall focal point or specimen plant and anchor throughout garden beds, borders and cut flower gardens!

If you're looking for a ravishing show of blooms, butterflies and hummingbirds, this is the plant for you. It's breathtaking when in blooms and won't take all your time when it comes to care. They're perfect for Rock Gardens and pollinator beds or en masse and rows for light and airy screening!

Dramatic Spikes of Rich Dark-Violet Flowers
Light Airy Branching & Gray-Green Foliage
Butterfly & Hummingbird Magnet
Sweetly Scented Fragrance
Great for a Breezy Privacy Screen

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This beauty is easy to grow! All you need to do is find a sunny spot and plant this perennial shrub in well-drained, moderately moist soil. It grows vigorously. It's also pest, deer, and rabbit resistant. It blooms on new growth, so don't forget to prune it to the ground in the early spring before you see new growth.

Full Sun
Moderate Moisture
Well-Drained Soil
Prune to Ground in Spring
Fast Growing

Butterflies galore on a dramatically dark-hued flowering shrub? Black Knight Butterfly Bush has all this and more! Order today at NatureHills.com!

Botanical Name

Buddleia davidii 'Black Knight'
Class

Lamiales, Magnoliopsida
Species

davidii
Cultivar

Black Knight
Growing Zones

5-9
Height

6-8 ft
Width

3-5 ft
Sunlight

Full sun
Growth Rate

Fast
Flower Color

Purple
Leaf Color

Green
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Late Fall
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR, WA

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size and height of Black Knight Butterfly Bush?

Black Knight Butterfly Bush typically reaches 4-6 feet tall and wide at maturity. These are described as "sizeable shrubs" with light, airy branching that won't completely block views. Allow adequate space for their full spread when planting in borders or as specimen plants.

Is Black Knight Butterfly Bush invasive in my area?

Buddleia davidii can be invasive in some regions, particularly the Pacific Northwest and parts of the Northeast. The species readily self-seeds and may escape cultivation into natural areas. Check your local extension office or state invasive species list before planting, and consider sterile cultivars available at naturehills.com if concerns exist in your area.

What are the basic care requirements for Black Knight Butterfly Bush?

Black Knight Butterfly Bush thrives in full sun with well-draining soil and requires minimal maintenance once established. This hardy shrub tolerates drought conditions after its first year and benefits from annual pruning in late winter or early spring. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering from summer through fall.

What type of soil does Black Knight Butterfly Bush need, and does it require good drainage?

Black Knight Butterfly Bush thrives in well-draining soil and is quite adaptable to various soil types. Poor drainage can lead to root rot, so avoid heavy clay or consistently wet areas. Plant in loose, fertile soil amended with compost for best blooming performance.

How often should I water Black Knight Butterfly Bush, and what are signs of overwatering?

Water deeply once weekly during dry spells; Black Knight Butterfly Bush is quite drought tolerant once established. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, wilting despite moist soil, and poor flowering. Allow soil to dry between waterings for best blooms that attract butterflies all season long.

When is the best time to plant Black Knight Butterfly Bush—spring, summer, or fall?

Spring planting is ideal for Black Knight Butterfly Bush, giving roots time to establish before summer blooms. Fall planting also works well in milder climates. Plant after your last frost date when soil is workable and temperatures consistently stay above freezing.

How do I prune Black Knight Butterfly Bush, and when should I do it?

Prune Black Knight Butterfly Bush in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut stems back to 12-18 inches from the ground to encourage vigorous blooming. This hard pruning promotes the best flower production on new wood and maintains a manageable size.

Is Black Knight Butterfly Bush deer-resistant?

Black Knight Butterfly Bush is generally deer-resistant due to its strong fragrance and slightly fuzzy foliage that deer typically avoid. However, hungry deer may browse any plant during harsh conditions or food shortages. Plant it in areas where deer pressure is moderate for best results.

How does Black Knight Butterfly Bush ship, and what is the condition upon arrival?

Black Knight Butterfly Bush ships as a dormant bare-root plant or in a container, depending on the season. The shrub arrives healthy and ready to plant, typically measuring 12-18 inches tall upon delivery. Plant immediately after arrival or keep the roots moist if planting must be delayed.

Will Black Knight Butterfly Bush survive winter in zones 5 or 6, and how do I protect it?

Black Knight Butterfly Bush is hardy in zones 5-6 but may experience winter dieback in zone 5. In colder areas, apply 3-4 inches of mulch around the base after the first hard frost. Cut back to 12-18 inches in late winter if stems die back.