Buddleia, commonly known as ‘Butterfly Bush,’ is, as its name implies, a butterfly magnet. However, older varieties weren’t really suitable for container gardeners as the plants unmanageable and large. But recently a few dwarf varieties have popped up that are perfect for balconies and patios.
One such variety of Buddleia is called ‘Lo & Behold Blue Chip.’ It grows to be only 2-3 feet tall and wide and is hardy to zone 5. You can expect that it will be covered in flowers (that require no dead heading) and butterflies all season long. The cheapest I’ve found it for online was $17.95, so hopefully your local nursery will have better prices.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh I have been looking for butterfly bushes for my deck and most of them are too big. I will keep this in mind for sure.
OMG Fern I never thought of putting a Butterfly Bush on my Terrace. I love the idea. Do you think butterflies will come up to the 12th floor? Your ideas are simply amazing. Thanks
Buddleia is one of my favorite shrubs. I’ve contemplated planting them but I’ve been on the fence because it seems like you have to cut it back pretty hard and I’m just not that kind of girl. In a container or on the ground this dwarf looks like a winner.
Louise — Imagine the photo opportunities if you had tons of butterflies right on your patio!
Iona — I’ve never lived that far up, but I have heard of butterflies visiting high rise balconies if there are plants that they like, so it’s worth a shot!
Adriana — I bet these butterfly bushes will be attractive to in-ground gardeners in addition to container gardeners for exactly the reasons you mentioned.
Yes, proven winners have got a …well… proven winner with this one.
Unfortunately, quantities seem to be quite limited (hence the reason your finding high prices), but hopefully that will change in the near future.
Definitely a beauty for a dramatic container garden though.
Stu — Thanks for stopping by! Your supply/demand point makes a lot of sense.
I love it! Thanks for telling me about this newcomer, Fern. I bet hummingbirds will like it as well – they sure do like the bigger versions.