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This plant flowered all summer and there were butterflies on it constantly. It was not unusual to see 4 different kinds of butterflies on it at once. I had only planted it in June. Debbie, NY, Zone 5

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Hardiness:  USDA Zone 5 – treat like a perennial in the north

Bloom Time:  Mid-summer to fall

Bloom Color:  ADONIS BLUE™ - blue,

Foliage Color:  grey-green

Size:  4-5 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide

Exposure:  Full sun

Soil:  Prefers well-drained, moist, fertile soils and can tolerant drought once established

Pruning: Prune in late fall or early spring. In Northern states, this plant will dieback to the ground though roots are hardy. In the South, cut back if needed. To encourage reblooming, deadhead off old spent blooms

Watering: Medium moisture

Wildlife: Butterflies,  hummingbirds and bees

Type: Deciduous – dieback in Northern states

Fertilizing: Fertilize in early spring by applying a slow release fertilizer specialized for trees & shrubs. Follow the label for recommended rate of application.

Uses: cut flower, perennial or shrub border, in masses or groupings.

Breeder:  Elizabeth Keep (East Malling, England)

PURPLE EMPEROR™ has smaller mauve-purple flowers and has the tightest habit of the three due impart to the foliage being much narrower, almost strap like.   All three varieties are prolific and fragrant bloomers that will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the summer garden.

The compact size of these new cultivars is perfect for smaller gardens and the mixed border.  They can also be used as a container plant in milder climates.  Unlike older varieties, these cultivars will not overwhelm the landscape, and never develop the weedy, unkempt habit so typical of butterfly bush.  Now even gardeners with limited space can attract butterflies and hummingbirds to their garden with colorful buddleia.

Available at better nurseries, garden centers and mail order

Sources  Garden Centers listed by state, or buy now at: