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How To Grow Butterfly Bushes

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One of the most vibrant and attractive plants that any gardener can put in their backyard butterfly garden is the renowned butterfly bush. As the name suggests, this plant is a virtual magnet for all species of butterflies. Get a few butterfly bushes going and you can be sure that your garden will soon be filled with hungry butterflies seeking the delicious nectar.

Before you purchase either seeds or seedlings, talk to local butterfly gardeners and enthusiasts. What are they doing with butterfly bushes in their gardens? You might want to check in with your local nursery as well. Why? Because there are many varieties of butterfly bush, and you want to be sure that you get one that will grow well in your particular growing zone. As well, you should be sure the variety of plant you choose is suited for the kinds of butterflies you are hoping to attract. Get as much information as you can before you start planting!

The butterfly bush – which is sometimes called a Summer Lilac – isn't simply a plant for butterflies, either. In fact, it makes a strong addition to any garden or backyard landscape design. They are tall plants that can form hedges or a line along the garden's far edge. They are not, however, the neatest of plants! They tend to sprawl and toss their leaves and blossoms. When planting them, put at least five feet and preferably as much as six or seven feet between them. They'll do better this way.

Butterfly bushes are fairly simple to grow. In fact, they can be quite stubborn! Gardeners who want low-key bushes that don't require an awful lot of sensitivity and care, will appreciate these plants. They grow in dry or sandy soil, don't mind heavily alkaline soil, and aren't affected by many pests. Basically, you give them a bit of fertilizer in the early Spring and be sure that they get regular good watering and you're going to be fine. These plants take care of themselves.

You do have to be aware that the many varieties of this plant propagate with ease. That is, you're likely to find lots of seedlings scattered near the parent plant, ready to grow on their own. If you don't want these, be sure to trim them. Or you can place them elsewhere – building little butterfly habitats across your yard.

The real joy of the butterfly bush is the flowers they produce once summer rolls around. This is a beautiful plant and the blossoms will astound you. Once you see the flowers, the butterflies are sure to follow suit. Keep your eyes peeled and you'll see a lot of them – Monarchs, Western Tiger Swallowtails, Red Admirals. If you combine the butterfly bush with a host of other plants - Marigolds, say – then the butterfly population will expand accordingly.

Butterflies aren't the only visitors your garden will get. The red-flowering variety of the butterfly bush will also be a draw for hummingbirds. You might even see an oriole or two!