What is a Butterfly Bush?
Does it really attract butterflies? Buddleia does indeed attract many varieties of butterflies including Fritillaries, Western Tiger Swallowtails, Tortoiseshells and Red Admirals. The bush has blossoms in white, red, pink, yellow, purple, blue and maroon that cover the entire bush. They look much like lilac blooms and are honey scented. Red varieties may attract hummingbirds! The butterfly bush was brought to England in the 1700s. It is a native of China where it’s called summer lilac. Butterfly Bushes come in many varieties and blooms from midsummer through September. It grows best in fertile, well-drained soil. However, it’s very drought tolerant and will survive in some pretty tough situations. In fact, in some places it’s considered invasive, so it’s recommended that if you live in a natural, wilder area it’s best to pull up any volunteers rather than let them spread. The bush can grow from 5 -10 feet and it has a wide, arched branching. You’ll need about 6 foot between bushes when
The butterfly bush, also known as Buddleia davidii, originated in Chile. It was discovered in the 18th century by Adam Buddle, an amateur botanist, when it arrived in England. After being given various names, the term Buddleia davidii finally stuck, and the butterfly bush has been a part of many flower gardens since. The butterfly bush is an herbaceous perennial known for its ability to attract butterflies. Bees, different kinds of birds, and especially hummingbirds are also drawn to the butterfly bush for its nectar and honey-scented blossoms. The butterfly bush comes up every year and blooms all summer long. The clusters of small lilac-like blossoms stem out 1-2 feet (.30-.60 meters) in length and continue to branch out from each branch with additional clusters of flowers. There are many different types of butterfly bushes so the plant characteristics can vary from one bush to another. They can be grown in a variety of colors, throwing off beautiful shades of white, pink, red or purp
Does it really attract butterflies? Buddleia does indeed attract many varieties of butterflies including Fritillaries, Western Tiger Swallowtails, Tortoiseshells and Red Admirals. The bush has blossoms in white, red, pink, yellow, purple, blue and maroon that cover the entire bush. They look much like lilac blooms and are honey scented. Red varieties may attract hummingbirds! • Growing Flowers – Easy Gardening For Kids – Would you like to have a garden this year? If you don’t have very much space that’s ok, you can use pots or wood boxes and still grow flowers. • Growing Lilacs – Although my love of herbs and flowers keeps me from ever choose just one favorite scent, I would say the lilac is my sentimental favorite. To me, there is nothing more wonderful then a light spring breeze that carries the scent of lilacs across the way. One simple bouquet can scent an entire room. • Growing Old Fashioned Snapdragons – Snapdragons (antirrhinum majus) are charming old fashioned flowers loved by
Does it really attract butterflies? Buddleia does indeed attract many varieties of butterflies including Fritillaries, Western Tiger Swallowtails, Tortoiseshells and Red Admirals. Red varieties may attract hummingbirds! The butterfly bush was brought to England in the 1700s. It’s a native of China where it’s called summer lilac. Buddleia comes in many varieties and blooms from midsummer through September. When in bloom, butterfly bushes are covered with blossoms in shades of white, red, pink, yellow, purple, blue and maroon They look much like lilac blooms and are honey scented.
