Royal Red Butterfly Bush

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-8 Feet

Mature Spread

6-8 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 9

Royal Red Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii 'Royal Red') produces striking magenta-purple flower clusters from midsummer through fall, filling the garden with fragrance and attracting pollinators. Its long, conical flower spikes can reach up to 14 inches, drawing in butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the season. This deciduous shrub grows quickly, forming a vase-shaped habit that reaches 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. The fine-toothed, gray-green foliage provides a soft contrast to the deep red-purple flowers.

This butterfly bush thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a hardy, drought-tolerant option for low-maintenance landscapes. It resists deer and rabbits while providing long-lasting color and structure to borders, pollinator gardens, and mixed shrub plantings. In colder climates, it may die back to the ground in winter, regrowing vigorously in spring. Use it for mass plantings, containers, or privacy screens, where continuous summer color is desired.

Royal Red Butterfly Bush Care

Plant in full sun for the best flowering performance. It grows well in average, well-drained soil and adapts to a range of soil types, including clay, if drainage is improved. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots, then reduce frequency once established. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can support healthy growth and extended blooming.

Deadheading spent flowers encourages reblooming and helps prevent self-seeding in areas where butterfly bushes spread aggressively. In colder regions, prune the shrub back to the ground in late winter or early spring to promote vigorous new growth. For container-grown plants, use a well-draining potting mix and provide consistent watering during hot weather.

Royal Red Butterfly Bush Spacing

For best results, space plants 4 to 6 feet apart in garden beds to allow for natural spreading. When planting as a hedge or privacy screen, place shrubs 3 to 4 feet apart for a fuller, more continuous look. In container plantings, choose a pot at least 16 inches in diameter to accommodate the root system and maintain healthy growth.

SKU:

BUDRR