Use Butterfly Bushes to Cultivate Color and Wildlife in Your Garden
Butterfly bushes, also known as Buddleia, are popular ornamental shrubs which are commonly grown for their attractive flowers and ability to attract butterflies. They are easy to care for and can thrive in a wide range of soil types and growing conditions, making them ideal for the Western New York region. The beautiful cone-shaped flower clusters of this plant grow in a myriad of colors, including pink, purple, and white. If you’re looking make your garden a hotspot for butterflies, then look no further!
Typically blooming from mid-summer to early fall, their nectar-rich flowers also attract a variety of other pollinators, such as hummingbirds. Some butterfly bushes can grow up to 6-8 feet tall and wide, making them ideal for use as a focal point in a garden or as a backdrop for other plants. They are also great for attracting wildlife to your garden and adding color to your landscape. The professionals at Alandscape service the Lakeville, Livonia and Conesus Lake areas of Livingston County, and can help you select the variety of butterfly bush which best suits your garden’s style and size. Here is a brief description of a few popular cultivars:
Buddleia x "Miss Violet NS" is a compact variety of butterfly bush with deep violet-blue flower clusters. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall, attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to your garden. This cultivar is relatively low maintenance and can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for smaller gardens or container plantings. "Miss Violet NS" is a relatively new variety but has quickly gained popularity among gardeners for its stunning color and long blooming period.
Buddleia "Pugster Amethyst" is a dwarf cultivar with stunning amethyst-purple flowers blooming from mid-summer to early fall. This butterfly bush typically grows up to 2 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for a smaller garden. Like other varieties, it is known for attracting a variety of pollinators to your garden. "Pugster Amethyst" is relatively low maintenance and thrives in a range of soil types and growing conditions. Its unique color and small size make it a great addition to any garden.
Buddleia 'Miss Pearl NS' is another compact butterfly bush cultivar which produces beautiful white flower clusters from mid-summer to early fall. This cultivar is also relatively new and has become very popular among gardeners for its unique flower color and long blooming period. "Miss Pearl NS" typically grows up to 3-4 feet tall and wide. It will attract the same pollinators as the other varieties, such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. This cultivar is easy to care for and thrives in a variety of soil types and conditions.
Buddleia 'Miss Molly NS' produces beautiful red-purple flower clusters from mid-summer to early fall. This cultivar is a favorite among gardeners for its stunning flower color and long blooming period. "Miss Molly NS" typically grows up to 5-6 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for use as a dramatic focal point in a garden or as a backdrop for other plants. Like the other varieties, it will draw desirable pollinators to it wherever it grows. This cultivar is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of soil types and growing conditions.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, butterfly bushes are a great addition to your garden and landscape. They’re a great choice for us here in Western New York, as they are hardy and can thrive in the variety of growing conditions we have in this region. When planting butterfly bushes in Western New York, it's important to choose a location that receives full sun and well-draining soil. It's also a good idea to prune them back in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and maintain their shape. Contact the experts at Alandscape to let us help you plan your garden and select the right plants to achieve your aesthetic goals for your landscape.
