Buddleja davidii

Orange-eyed butterfly bush is a rapidly growing, sometimes weedy, woody, deciduous, perennial shrub with a bushy habit, arching stems, and showy, colorful flowers. It is in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) and is native to Tibet and Central and South China. The species epithet, davidii, honors Catholic missionary and naturalist Armand David (1826–1900), who explored China and sent back hundreds of natural history specimens to Europe.

This shrub prefers full sun and is easily grown in moist, well-drained soil, and adapts well to most soil types. Clay soils should be amended to prevent wet or poorly drained conditions. It is winter hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9. In Zones 5 and 6, the shrub will die back to the ground, but it will have vigorous growth in the spring. Flowers appear on new growth; therefore, it is best to prune this plant in early spring to control growth and to encourage large flower production. This shrub self-seeds and naturalizes easily.

Orange-eyed butterfly bush grows 6 to 12 feet high and 4 to 15 feet wide. The leaves are grayish-green to dark green on the upper surface and ovate to lanceolate with serrated margins. The undersides of the leaves have short woolly hairs. Flowering occurs during the summer, and the blooms are small, scented, clustered, lilac-colored with an orange throat, forming a spike that measures 4 to 10 inches in length.  There are as many as 40,000 seeds on a single panicle of the butterfly bush flowers. The seeds are winged and lightweight, and thus will travel far by wind or water. The seeds have a high germination rate. Seeds that fail to germinate immediately remain viable in the soil for three to five years. Even cut stems can re-sprout. 

Its resistance to many gardening challenges, including deer, drought, heat, humidity, and salt, helped it grow in popularity. As the name implies, it attracts butterflies, which feed on its nectar. However, the larvae (caterpillars) of native butterflies cannot feed on its leaves. They need plants native to North America for sustenance. Butterfly bush can outcompete native species in natural areas, thus negatively impacting the butterflies. 

Consider planting noninvasive butterfly shrubs like ones from the Lo & Behold® series, developed by North Carolina State University, or any of the Native Alternatives or Less Problematic Plants listed in the left-hand column. The cultivars could be used in butterfly gardens, cottage gardens, or along borders. You also may want to consider a native shrub. 

ID Hints

• Opposite, simple leaves. Tomentose underside on leaves.
• Cane-like growth.
• Inflorescence terminal, panicles. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Spider mites can become a problem during drought.

In 2010, the sale of Buddleja davidii selections that had not been approved was prohibited in the State of Oregon; however, sterile cultivars were not impacted by this ruling. It is reported as invasive in the Redwood National Park in California. It is labeled a noxious weed in Oregon and Washington. Many Eastern Mid-Atlantic States have also noted aggressive spreading. 

Buddleja davidii is listed as invasive by the NC Invasive Plant Council in the Mountain and Piedmont regions of North Carolina.

It is listed as a severe threat by the North Carolina Native Plant Society. 

More information on Buddleja.