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Buddleia alternifolia

Spring Blooming Butterfly Bush

The huge lavender flowers spikes are an astonishing 18" in length and drape gracefully down over the bush, covering the shrub in late spring. Drought resistant/drought tolerant plant (xeric).
Zones5 - 10
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Mature Height12' tall
Mature Spread8' wide
Bloom TimeLate spring to early summer
ShippingNo longer available this season. Learn More…
SizePlant - 5" Deep Pot
SKUHC014482

USDA Hardiness Planting Zones

To determine if a plant is sufficiently cold hardy, the USDA created numbered zones indicating winter low temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter.

  • If the coldest winter temperature expected in your area is -15°F (zone 5) then any plants rated zones 3-5 will survive the winter temperatures in your area.
  • If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. The lack of freezing winter temperatures do not provide a time for winter dormancy (rest).

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Details
12' tall x 8' wide. The huge lavender flowers spikes are an astonishing 18" in length and drape gracefully over the bush in late spring. This is a very fast growing, cold hardy species of Butterfly Bush that shouldn’t be cut back in the spring like the more familiar Buddleia davidii cultivars. Give it plenty of room because it gets huge! Blooms on previous season’s growth. Prune after blooming is finished. (cutting propagated)
More Information
SKUHC014482
Item Package Size
Plant - 5" Deep Pot
Common Name
Spring Blooming Butterfly Bush
Botanical Name
Buddleia alternifolia
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Flower Color
Purple
Mature Height
12' tall
Mature Spread
8' wide
Bloom Time
Late spring to early summer
Ships As
Potted Plant
Planting Time
Fall
Ships To Canada
No
Planting Guides
Growing Shrubs and Small Trees:
The shrubs and trees we sell are 1-2 year-old seedlings. These young plants appreciate some extra attention during their first 3 years in your landscape.

    Preferred growing conditions:
  • Check each species soil preferences before planting. Some do well in clay while others do not.
  • Mulch with common mulching materials. As they get larger (2 ft. or more in height), thicken the mulch layer to a depth of 2-3 inches.
  • Even xeric (waterwise) species will establish better and grow more quickly when given regular irrigation during the first 3 years in the garden. As they begin to reach maturity, watering frequency can be reduced to a good deep soaking every 10 to 14 days during the heat of summer.
  • Plant in full sun or part sun depending on plant preference.
  • Dig a wide but shallow hole and enrich the soil with ample amounts of compost and Yum Yum. This will help them to grow and mature more quickly.

    • Special comments:
  • Most native shrubs and trees are highly recommended for providing wildlife habitat (nesting spots, fruit or seeds for songbirds and mammals, nectar for pollinators).
  • They are excellent for use to grow as natural (un-sheared!) hedges along fences, property lines and driveways. They live for many years once established.

    • Garden Care:
  • Fertilize in the fall with Yum Yum Mix and good quality compost. This is most important during the first 3 years in the landscape. Established plants don't need to be fertilized (unless growth is stunted by extremely poor soils).
  • Where browsing animals (rabbits, deer and others) are a problem, it is advisable to protect young plants with a wire cage. These can be removed after 3-4 years in the ground.
  • Mulching is essential to maintain the soil moisture these woody plants need to establish their deep growing roots. Be sure and replenish the mulch in fall and summer to keep it sufficiently deep.
    • View more Planting Guides, or download our complete Planting Guide for tips on caring for your plants when you receive your order, as well as planting instructions for Perennials, Spring-Planted Bulbs, Fall-Planted Bulbs, Cacti & Succulents, Xeric Plants and more.
Shipping

No longer available this season.

As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat.  The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and spring-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.

Perennials and spring-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your hardiness zone. Perennial and spring-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you need express shipping or have any questions, please call Customer Service toll-free at (800) 925-9387 or contact us by email.

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