Butterfly bush: when to plant and care
Choose sterile cultivars; invasive in some states. Cut back in early spring.
| Botanical name | Buddleja davidii (sterile cultivars) |
|---|---|
| Type | shrub |
| USDA zones | 5–9 |
| Sun | full sun |
| Water | low |
| Bloom | summer to fall |
| Mature size | 3–8 ft |
| Planting time | Fall (preferred in the South and transition zone) or early spring |
Cool weather and warm soil let roots grow before summer heat; plant in spring in the coldest zones.
Example dates
| Place | Dates |
|---|---|
| Austin, TX (78701) | spring: Feb 24–Apr 21; fall: Sep 22–Dec 1 |
| Atlanta, GA (30303) | spring: Mar 10–May 5; fall: Sep 13–Nov 22 |
| St. Louis, MO (63101) | spring: Mar 18–May 13; fall: Sep 9–Nov 18 |
| Chicago, IL (60614) | spring: Mar 27–May 22; fall: Sep 10–Nov 19 |
| Denver, CO (80202) | spring: Apr 16–Jun 11; fall: Aug 17–Oct 26 |
| Seattle, WA (98101) | spring: Feb 27–Apr 24; fall: Sep 22–Dec 1 |
Every ZIP page has its own dates. Find your ZIP.
Pruning: when to prune.
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Sources
Summarized in our own words from public extension publications.
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