How to Care for Buddleia Plants

A Buddleia plant is a large round shrub with small showy flowers that are in bloom from summer to autumn. The plant is often referred to as a Butterfly Bush because it attracts butterflies. It is not uncommon for them to grow to be 10 feet high with a spread of 8 feet.

How to Care for Buddleia Plants

• The plant should be planted where it can be exposed to plenty of sunlight. If the climate you live in is hot during the summer months the plant needs to be in the shade during the heat of the day.  If you live in a cold climate plant it where it will be protected from the cold winds.


• Put approximately 6-inches of mulch around the base of the plant in the autumn to protect it from freezing in the winter. The mulch should be removed in the early spring.


• Make sure the soil around the plant is moist for the first year, but do not allow it to become over saturated. After the first year give it 2-inches of water per week during the summer and allow it to dry before watering it again. If you live in a warm climate water it more often to prevent it from becoming too dry.  The Buddleia is a drought tolerant plant and it does not do well in soggy soil. 


• Trim off any dead leaves to promote healthy growth.


• Prune the plant in late winter or early spring. It is recommended that you leave no more than 10-inches above the ground.