Buddleja Orchid Annie (Butterfly Bush)

Buddleja ‘Orchid Annie’ (Butterfly Bush) is a compact deciduous shrub with gracefully arching branches, studded with lance-shaped, gray-green leaves and sweetly scented, elongated panicles of orchid purple flowers. Borne at the tips of the current year’s growth, the long flower spikes, up to 8 in. (20 cm), are freely produced from mid-summer through early fall.

Buddleja 'Orchid Annie' (Butterfly Bush) is a compact deciduous shrub with gracefully arching branches, studded with lance-shaped, gray-green leaves and sweetly scented, elongated panicles of orchid purple flowers. Borne at the tips of the current year's growth, the long flower spikes, up to 8 in. (20 cm), are freely produced from mid-summer through early fall. A superb, easily-grown, dwarf Butterfly Bush that is favored by butterflies and provides late summer to fall flowers when few other shrubs are in bloom. Excellent for cutting and perfect for small gardens and containers.

  • Grows with a bushy, rounded habit, up to 30-36 in. tall (75-90 cm) and 42-48 in. wide (105-120 cm). This shrub will naturalize by self-seeding. Where self-seeding is undesired, remove spent flower clusters prior to formation/disbursement of seed.
  • A full sun lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions excluding wet conditions. Drought tolerant. This plant will die back in zone 5 but will regrow strongly from the roots.
  • Perfect for shrub borders, foundation plantingsbutterfly gardens, or cottage gardens. Ideal for small gardens and containers.
  • Flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Prompt removal of spent flower spikes will usually promote blooms until frost.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
  • Prune in early to mid-spring to allow time for the new growth to mature and flower in the same year. Avoid pruning in winter, as it may lead to frost damage to new shoots.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 10

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Buddleja – Butterfly Bush
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)Fall
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spacing 48″ (120cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage