Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii 'White Profusion')

Overview

Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion’, commonly known as Butterfly bush, is celebrated for its vigorous growth and spectacular, long-lasting flower display. This deciduous shrub produces dense, cone-shaped panicles of pure white flowers that draw swarms of pollinators throughout the summer months. Its reliability and low maintenance requirements make it a favorite for gardeners seeking dependable late-season color.

This specific cultivar, Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion’, typically reaches 5 to 6 feet tall and wide, offering a manageable size compared to the species form. It thrives best when situated where it receives consistent, uninterrupted sunlight, which promotes superior flowering and dense structure. Gardeners appreciate the mild fragrance emitted by the blooms, adding an extra sensory dimension to the landscape.

While known for its tough nature, proper siting is crucial; the Butterfly bush performs poorly in constantly wet soils. By providing full sun and ensuring adequate drainage, you encourage robust health and maximize the blooming performance of your Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion’ year after year.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Scrophulariaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 5-6 ft
  • Spread: 5-6 ft
• Bloom Time: June to September
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant this Butterfly bush in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, ensuring the location provides full, all-day sun exposure. Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion’ prefers average, well-drained soils. While it can adapt to clay soil, amending the clay with organic matter before planting is highly recommended to improve drainage, as the plant dislikes sitting in wet conditions.

Water moderately, especially when establishing the plant. Established shrubs are relatively drought-tolerant but perform best with consistent medium moisture. Maintenance for the Butterfly bush is generally low, though heavy pruning is highly encouraged for optimal flowering.

In USDA Zones 5 and 6, expect the plant to die back to the ground during harsh winters; treat it as an herbaceous perennial in these zones. Prune plants back hard, close to the ground, in late winter annually. Even in warmer climates, pruning yearly helps maintain shape and vigor, leading to superior flower production.

To maximize the bloom period from June right through September, promptly remove spent flower spikes as they fade. Be aware that this plant can self-seed, sometimes aggressively, especially where winters are mild and plants do not die back significantly. If managing seed spread is necessary, remove all spent flower clusters before seeds are dispersed by the wind.

Landscape Uses

The primary appeal of the Butterfly bush is its ability to deliver consistent, vibrant color during the summer and early fall when many other shrubs have finished blooming. Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion’ works wonderfully integrated into mixed perennial borders, where its arching structure provides a soft backdrop. It is essential for any dedicated butterfly garden due to its unparalleled attraction to pollinators.

While it can be used in cottage gardens for its informal beauty, note that it usually does not serve well as a solitary specimen shrub due to its sometimes floppy habit unless heavily pruned. For formal setups, consider planting several together in a mass planting or using them to anchor foundation plantings where their foliage texture can be appreciated. The white blooms also make this a popular choice for fresh cut flower arrangements.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Noteworthy Characteristics

The common name Butterfly bush is well-earned; the flowers are highly attractive to both butterflies and hummingbirds. Foliage consists of elliptic to lanceolate leaves that are sage green on the top surface and distinctly white and fuzzy (tomentose) underneath. The genus name honors Adam Buddle, and the species epithet recognizes the naturalist Pere Armand David, who documented the plant in China.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Clay Soil

Potential Problems

Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion’ is generally resistant to serious pest or disease issues, making it a relatively safe choice. However, gardeners should remain watchful for spider mites, particularly during hot, dry summer spells, as these tiny pests can cause stippling on the leaves. In southern climates, nematodes can occasionally become problematic for the root system. Maintaining plant health through proper watering and consistent pruning helps the shrub resist most secondary issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Butterfly bush suitable for?

Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion’ is hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9.

How large does Butterfly bush grow?

This cultivar typically matures to a size of 5 to 6 feet in height, with a similar spread of 5 to 6 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion’ need?

For the best performance, Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion’ absolutely requires a location that receives full sun exposure daily.

When does Butterfly bush bloom?

This prolific shrub blooms reliably from June through September, often continuing until the first frost arrives.

Conclusion

The low-maintenance nature and exceptional summer-to-fall bloom cycle establish the Butterfly bush, specifically the Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion’ cultivar, as a garden essential. Its fragrant, showy white flowers ensure a continuous display of pollinator activity in your landscape. Before planting, verify that your site offers the necessary full sun and consider your local pruning schedule for Zones 5 and 6.

Wildlife Benefits

The nectar-rich blossoms of the Butterfly bush are a magnet for numerous beneficial insects. The primary draw is, as the name implies, butterflies, which readily flock to the sweet clusters throughout the blooming season. Beyond butterflies, bees actively visit the flowers, contributing to local pollination efforts. This makes any planting of Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion’ a lively, dynamic addition to an ecological garden design.

Companion Planting

Because Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion’ prefers full sun and well-drained conditions, pair it with other drought-tolerant perennials that share similar cultural needs. Consider companion plants that offer contrasting foliage texture, such as the fine, airy foliage of Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or ornamental grasses. Plants like Coneflower (Echinacea) or Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) bloom simultaneously and add warm color tones against the bright white of the shrub.