The Plant Company is New Zealand’s number one supplier of plants and garden accessories – we’re here to help you breathe life into your dream garden. We have the best Buddleja Butterfly Bush plants for sale, a fantastic range, and we can ship them to you fast! Browse our amazing range of New Zealand-grown plants to find beautiful gems for your garden.
Why? Our plants are in high demand due to our reputation for delivering high quality products at competitive prices. We may have these in production or be able to source these for you, so please feel free to contact us and our fantastic team will respond to your enquiry. Alternatively, we have a world class plant finder tool that you can use to help find alternative options.
Adding colourful shrubs such as Buddleja to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:
We have the right variety of Buddleja for your space in our large range of plants. Our butterfly bush buddleja have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy a Buddleja plant, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.
Both Buddleja and Buddleia are correct spellings of the name of the genus of flowering plants commonly known as butterfly bush. The original spelling of the name, given by Linnaeus in 1753, was Buddleja. However, the spelling Buddleia has also been widely used for many years.
In recent years, there has been a trend towards using the original spelling, Buddleja. This is because the name is derived from the name of the English botanist Reverend Adam Buddle, and the suffix "-ja" is the correct way to create a genus name from the name "Buddle". However, the spelling Buddleia is still more commonly used in some parts of the world, and it is still considered to be a correct spelling.
The best time to buy buddleia is in spring, after the last frost has passed. This will give the plant a chance to establish itself before the hot weather arrives. Buddleia plants can also be purchased and planted in summer, but it is important to water them regularly until they become established.
The best type of buddleia for butterflies is the butterfly bush, also known as Buddleja davidii. This species is native to China and Japan, but it has been introduced to many parts of the world, including New Zealand. It is a popular choice for gardens because it is easy to grow and produces a long-lasting display of flowers in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, white, and yellow.
Other types of buddleia that are good for butterflies include:
Buddleia plants can live for many years with proper care. Some buddleia plants have been known to live for over 50 years.
The most hardy buddleia is Buddleja davidii. This species is native to central China and Japan, but it has been introduced to many parts of the world, including New Zealand. It is a popular choice for gardens because it is easy to grow and produces a long-lasting display of flowers in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, white, and yellow.
Buddleja davidii can tolerate temperatures down to -20 degrees Ceclcius and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. This makes it a good choice for gardeners in colder climates or in areas with less rainfall.
It is not necessary to cut back buddleia every year, however, it is recommended. Trimming encourages new growth and promotes better flowering. Buddleia flowers on new wood, so cutting it back in the late winter or early spring will help to produce a more abundant display of flowers. If you don’t cut back your buddleia every year, it will eventually become leggy and overgrown. The flowers will also be smaller and fewer in number.
To cut back buddleia, simply prune the stems back to about 10-20 cm above the ground. Be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches. You can also prune to shape the plant or to control its size.
It is a good idea to deadhead buddleia. Deadheading removes the spent flowers and stops the plant putting energy into producing seed. This encourages the plant to produce new flowers and can prolong flowering.
Unfortunately, there isn't a single "best" Buddleia as the perfect variety depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, I can help you narrow down your options based on some key factors:
Climate:
Temperate: Choose varieties like 'Black Knight' (deep purple flowers), 'Loch Inch' (purple-blue flowers), or 'Buddleia davidii' (classic lavender flowers).
Cool: Opt for 'Harbinger' (early-blooming purple flowers) or 'Royal Red' (reddish-purple flowers).
Warm: Consider 'White Profusion' (fragrant white flowers) or 'Silver Anniversary' (unique silver foliage).
Size and growth habit:
Large: 'Black Knight' or 'Loch Inch' can reach 10-12 feet tall.
Compact: 'Miss Molly' (pink flowers) or 'Dwarf Blue' (blue flowers) stay around 4-5 feet tall.
Cascading: 'Buddleia davidii 'Alba' (white flowers) or 'Harbinger' can be trained to climb.
Flower color and fragrance:
Purple: 'Black Knight', 'Loch Inch', or 'Royal Red'.
Pink: 'Miss Molly' or 'Pink Delight'.
White: 'White Profusion' or 'Buddleia davidii 'Alba'.
Fragrant: Most Buddleias are fragrant, but some, like 'White Profusion', have particularly strong scents.
Other factors:
Disease resistance: Look for varieties like 'Black Knight' or 'Harbinger' that are resistant to fungal diseases.
Blooming time: Some varieties, like 'Harbinger', bloom earlier than others.
Butterfly attraction: All Buddleias attract butterflies, but some, like 'Black Knight', are particularly popular.
The best time to buy Buddleia plants is almost any time of year, but planting between autumn and spring is generally best.
Generally, a Buddleia can live for 10-20 years. However, some exceptional specimens have been documented to reach 30-35 years with proper care.
Determining the absolute "most attractive" Buddleia for butterflies is tricky, as several factors play a role, but here are some contenders and what makes them so butterfly-friendly:
Flower Color and Fragrance:
Deep Purple: Varieties like 'Black Knight', 'Loch Inch', and 'Royal Red' attract a wide range of butterflies with their rich, nectar-laden blooms.
Pink: 'Miss Molly' and 'Pink Delight' offer a different color palette and attract specific butterfly species like painted ladies.
White: While less attractive than darker colors, varieties like 'White Profusion' and 'Alba' still lure in butterflies with their strong fragrance.
Flowering Time:
Early Bloomer: ‘Harbinger’ starts flowering in late spring, providing food for emerging butterflies before other Buddleias bloom.
Double Bloomers: Some varieties like 'Blue Chip' and 'Nanho Blue' bloom continuously throughout summer, ensuring a consistent nectar source for butterflies.
Here are some key considerations for planting your Buddleia:
Buddleias love sun! Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. This warms the nectar, making it even more irresistible to butterflies. Morning sun is ideal, while scorching afternoon sun in hot climates might require partial shade protection.
Well-draining soil is crucial. Buddleias don't like soggy feet, so avoid clay soils or areas prone to waterlogging. Sandy or loamy soils with good drainage are ideal. A slightly acidic soil pH (around 6.0-6.5) can be beneficial but isn't essential.
Buddleja can grow quite large, reaching 8-10 feet (2.5-3 m) tall and wide in some varieties. Choose a location with enough space for them to spread without crowding other plants or blocking pathways.
While Buddleias enjoy sunshine, strong winds can damage their delicate branches. Consider planting them near a wall, fence, or other structure for some wind protection.
Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.