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Butterfly Bush Plant: Complete Guide and Care Tips
If you’re an avid gardener, you probably already know that the butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) is a popular choice for attracting pollinators like butterflies to your garden.
This shrub is known for its fragrant blooms in shades of pink, white, purple and blue which last from summer through fall.
In this article, we will provide a complete guide to butterfly bush plant care tips.
The Basics of Butterfly Bush Plant
The butterfly bush is native to China but now grows worldwide as an invasive species.
It’s also known by other names such as Summer Lilac or Orange Eye.
The shrub can grow up to 10 feet tall with a spread of around 6-8 feet wide when matured.
Buddleia davidii prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soil with moderate moisture levels.
It has a fast growth rate and can be pruned down in early spring before new growth appears.
Planting Your Butterfly Bush
- Selecting the Right Location: Choose a location where the plant can get at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil Preparation: Dig up the soil around ten inches deep and mix organic matter like compost with topsoil for better drainage.
- Digging Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than it was planted in its original container.
- Add Fertilizer: Mix in some balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting your butterfly bush plant.
- Careful Placement: Place your plant at level ground so that water does not settle underneath it after watering or rain.
Water the plant thoroughly after planting.
Care and Maintenance of Butterfly Bush Plant
Butterfly bushes are relatively low maintenance, but to keep them healthy and blooming throughout the season, they require regular care.
- Watering: Butterfly Bush Plants prefer moderate moisture levels in well-drained soil.
They need at least one inch of water per week during dry spells.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer once every three weeks during the growing season from late spring through early fall.
- Mulching: Spread a layer of mulch around your butterfly bush plant to maintain moisture levels and control weeds around it.
- Pruning: Regular pruning will keep your butterfly bush plant looking neat and tidy while encouraging new growth and blooms.
Prune back up to 1/3rd of last year’s growth in early spring before new growth appears for better results.
Pests and Diseases
The butterfly bush plant is not prone to many pests or diseases; however, some common issues may arise if not taken good care of, such as spider mites or powdery mildew.
Spider mites can cause yellow spots on leaves while powdery mildew can cause white fungal growth on leaves that eventually turn brownish-yellow with time.
To avoid these issues, make sure you prune regularly for good air circulation around the shrub while maintaining its appropriate soil moisture level through proper watering techniques.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking to create an attractive garden that attracts pollinators like butterflies, then consider adding a butterfly bush plant into your landscape design plan! This article has provided comprehensive information about how best to care for your butterfly bush plant to ensure it thrives and provides you with beautiful blooms throughout the season.
We hope this guide has been helpful.
Happy gardening!
