Think Spring: Butterfly Bushes

By Amanda

Many gardeners’ minds immediately go to “shrubs” when they think of planting bushes. Shrubs provide shade, privacy, and protection for the garden. Yet, Butterfly Bushes are a spectacular alternative to the classic shrub and will provide the same benefits for the garden, with added delights!

Butterfly Bushes emit a sweet fragrance that isn’t just heavenly for our noses, but attracts beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. We planted one right outside our window at American Meadows and were amazed at the multitude of wildlife that it brought for us to enjoy.

We are carrying three new Butterfly Bushes this year that I am excited to try, not only for their looks but for their yummy-sounding names! Try the Butterfly Bush Flutterby Peach Cobbler, Butterfly Bush Flutterby Grande Vanilla, or Butterfly Bush Flutterby Blueberry Cobbler. These bushes can also provide privacy, shade, and protection for the garden.

• The Black Knight Butterfly Bush and Bi-Color will spread to be about 5-6 feet tall and wide, providing gorgeous privacy and shade.
• Miss Molly Butterfly Bush is famous for attracting Hummingbirds and will mature to about 4’ wide and 4-5 feet tall.
• If you are looking for the wonderful fragrance and wildlife that Butterfly Bushes bring to the garden, but don’t have as much space, try The Lo and Behold Blue Chip. This gorgeous blue variety only grows to be about 3’ tall and wide, making it perfect for that small spot in the garden.

Butterfly Bushes are not only fragrant, beautiful, and attract wildlife, but can also be a funky statement in the garden. Try pairing three varieties together for a multi-color statement in the summer months. This spring, instead of planting a normal shrub, try a Butterfly Bush – they are one of the most rewarding plants to grow in the garden. Happy Gardening!