Buddleja Davidii Free Petite Butterfly Bush

The Buddleja davidii Free Petite series of Butterfly Bush is a new compact low maintenance variety that is both profuse and long flowering. The Buddleja Free Petite series are very hardy to -25º Celsius. They are not invasive. This means that the plants make virtually no seed and if they do, the seeds will not sprout.

Originating in central China, Buddleja davidii has become popular around the world, especially for its attraction to butterflies, who will flock to your garden to feast on this flowering shrub. Buddleja davidii Free Petite was developed at Cornell University to fit into smaller spots with ease. The narrow, lance-shaped semi-evergreen leaves on arching branches are complemented from July to October with spikes of fragrant flowers which will prove irresistible to butterflies. Butterfly Bush Free Petite comes in a range of flower colours including shades of white, pink, blue and lavender.

Hardy in all regions of the UK, even in the most severe winters, Butterfly Bush Free Petite is a low-growing shrub and will reach only only 65 cm height and width, making it perfect for the smallest of spaces. In March, prune them back to remove almost all of the previous year’s growth back to 3 or 4 buds, as Buddleja davidii Free Petite flowers on new growth. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the flowering season. The flowers of this new variety are sterile, so they will not self-seed and become invasive. 

Plant Buddleja davidii Free Petite in full sun or part shade in any moist but well-drained soil but ideally in full sun which they love. Once established they are drought-tolerant. Butterfly Bush Free Petite will grow almost anywhere in the UK; they are salt tolerant and so will thrive in coastal regions, while at the same time being tolerant of pollution and thus suited to city gardens. As well, deer do not tend to graze on butterfly bushes, so they are a carefree choice for country properties as well.

These small charmers make perfect container plants, whether for a roof terrace, balcony, courtyard or patio, or even on a front step. Planted towards the front of a sunny border, Buddleja davidii Free Petite will give you literally months of blooms, as well as the delightful display of the butterflies that will be drawn to them.

Buddleja davidii Free Petite combines all of the best qualities of the Butterfly Bush with the added bonus of a small size and non-invasiveness, to become the perfect plant, boasting long-lasting fragrant blooms and low maintenance!