Container Culture: How to Grow Vibrant Butterfly Bushes in Pots

With their late summer explosions of fragrant, nectar-rich blooms, butterfly bushes (Buddleia spp.) are ideal for attracting winged wildlife to gardens While traditionally planted in borders and beds, butterfly bushes can also thrive when grown in containers

Container planting allows gardeners to enjoy the beauty of butterfly bushes even without suitable in-ground growing space Pots enable the flexibility to move plants into prime sunny spots Containers can showcase butterfly bushes as stand-alone focal points too.

Follow this container growing guide to cultivate your own potted butterfly bushes for days aflutter with butterflies

Selecting the Right Pot

Butterfly bush varieties range from petite 2-3 feet dwarfs to towering 8-10 feet shrubs. Choose your container size accordingly. For full-size butterfly bushes, select enormous pots at least 2 feet wide and deep. Half whiskey barrels work perfectly to allow ample root space.

Dwarf butterfly bush cultivars can grow well in somewhat smaller 18-24 inch diameter containers. Just watch that pots aren’t too snug.

Opt for weatherproof pots able to withstand all seasonal conditions outdoors. Plastic, resin, glazed ceramic, and wood are suitable materials. Make sure containers have drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

Weight is also a consideration, as mature butterfly bushes in big pots can become enormously heavy. Choose thick, sturdy containers that won’t blow over on windy days.

Use a Lightweight Potting Mix

Avoid heavy garden soil which can easily become waterlogged in pots. Instead, container butterfly bushes require a quick-draining potting mix blended just for containers.

Look for lightweight mixes containing peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, coco coir, or bark to provide the fast drainage butterfly bushes need. Pre-mixed cactus and citrus potting soils work perfectly.

You can make your own blended mix using equal parts peat and perlite or coco coir. Add a handful of organic compost for fertility. Just be sure the finished texture is lightweight and fluffy.

Pick Appropriate Butterfly Bush Varieties

With dozens of cultivars available, you can find a butterfly bush suited for any garden situation. For containers, compact dwarf varieties are ideal choices.

• ‘Blue Chip’ – 3 feet tall; prolific bloomer

• ‘Nanho Blue’ – 5 feet; long summer bloom period

• ‘Miss Ruby’ – 5 feet; vibrant red flowers

• ‘Pink Delight’ – 4 feet; profuse pale pink blooms

• ‘Potter’s Purple’ – 3-5 feet; deep purple blossoms

Larger butterfly bushes like ‘Pink Spires’ and ‘Royal Red’ work for big whiskey barrel pots. Avoid gigantic varieties that overwhelm containers.

Give Butterfly Bushes Full Sun

No matter which cultivar you choose, providing maximum sunlight is crucial for success growing butterfly bushes in pots. These flowering shrubs thrive with at least 8 hours of direct sun daily.

Place containers in hot south or west-facing spots to ensure proper light exposure. Move pots around over time so all sides of the plant develop evenly.

Insufficient sunlight leads to sparse flowering and leggy, weak growth. Keep this in mind if overwintering pots indoors near sunny windows.

Water Well While Establishing Roots

Newly planted butterfly bushes require attentive watering to aid root establishment. Check soil moisture frequently, and water whenever the top few inches become dry. Avoid allowing pots to completely dry out.

After a month or so, butterfly bush roots will proliferate enough to support the plant. You can begin watering more moderately. Mature plants only need thorough watering during drought and heat.

Use Time-Release Fertilizer at Planting

While butterfly bushes aren’t heavy feeders, they appreciate a nutritional boost when first planted. Incorporate a slow-release granular fertilizer like Osmocote into the potting mix per label directions.

This provides a gradual feeding that lasts for several months. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess nitrogen can cause leggy growth unable to support flowers.

Prune Annually for Shape and Bloom

Pruning is essential for keeping potted butterfly bushes healthy, shapely, and floriferous. In late winter, cut all branches back to 10-12 inches above the pot.

This stimulates the growth of new wood that will produce flowers. Remove any dead stems at pruning time. You can shape and slightly reduce the size of overgrown plants with summer pruning.

Shelter Pots During Winter

While most butterfly bushes tolerate winters down to USDA zone 5, container plants are more vulnerable. Move pots to a sheltered area out of excessive wind and cold.

Place the containers on blocks or bricks to prevent waterlogged soil. Top pots with bark mulch to insulate roots. In very cold climates, wrap the entire pot in burlap or bubble wrap.

Butterfly bushes tend to bloom on old wood, so avoid severe pruning in late fall. Leave branches intact for winter protection. Just trim any obviously dead stems.

Enjoy Gorgeous, Fragrant Blooms!

With the right cultivar, conditions, and care, container butterfly bushes reward gardeners with their star attraction: countless clusters of sweetly-scented flowers drawing in butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators by the dozen.

Potted butterfly bushes bring this summer delight to patios, balconies, and any landscape lacking space for in-ground planting. Dwarf varieties shine as striking standalone container specimens. Larger butterfly bushes make fabulous background plants for mixed pots.

Since they take easily to containers, don’t hesitate to add vibrant butterfly bushes to your potted garden. With minimal care, you’ll be awash in beautiful blooms and colorful winged visitors!