did you know?

The butterfly bush is so named because its nectar-rich flowers, especially those of the pink- and red-flowering cultivars, are practically irresistible to monarchs and many other butterflies.

general maintenance:

Deadhead spent flowers. In northern regions, where tip dieback may occur, or to maintain a neat habit and encourage heavy flowering in any region, prune the entire plant to 8/12 inches from the ground in spring before the buds begin to swell.

how to sow/plant:

Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil, and amend with compost or well-rotted manure. Plant in early spring as a specimen or in a shrub border 4?6 feet apart. Set plants at the same depth they were in the pots. Water upon planting, and mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture all season. Feed in spring, especially those cut back hard (see General Maintenance), with a 20-20-20 fertilizer, following package directions.

garden hint:

At the end of the season, reduce amount of deadheading, and allow some flower spikes to dry on the plant. The dried flowers will persist on the bare branches through most of the dormant season, adding interest to the winter landscape.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Attracts Butterflies
• Deciduous
• Drought Tolerant
• Fragrant
• Winter Interest

garden uses:

• Edging
• Flowerbed borders

other uses:

• Cut Flower

combine with:

daylilies Russian sage and