The butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) is a fast-growing deciduous shrub that produces an abundance of cone-shaped floral clusters ranging from white to purple. It thrives in zones 5-9 and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Propagating your own butterfly bushes is an easy and affordable way to add more of these pollinator-friendly plants to your landscape, There are several propagation methods to choose from
Propagating from Seeds
Collecting and sowing seeds from an existing butterfly bush is the most natural propagation method. Here’s how
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Allow flower heads to dry out on the plant after blooming. Collect the tiny seeds.
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Store seeds in a paper envelope in a cool, dry place over winter.
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In early spring, soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting.
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Fill starter trays or pots with seed starting mix. Scatter seeds on top of the soil.
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Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of vermiculite or more seed starting mix.
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Mist gently to water. Keep the seed trays in bright sunlight and maintain even moisture.
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Seeds may take 1-4 months to germinate. Transplant seedlings when they reach 2-3 inches tall.
Tip: Seeds need exposure to light to germinate, so don’t cover too deeply.
Taking Stem Cuttings
Taking stem cuttings from an existing butterfly bush is a quick and easy propagation method.
When to Take Cuttings
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Spring – Take 3-6 inch tip cuttings when new growth hardens off.
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Summer – Take 3-6 inch tip cuttings of fresh new growth.
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Fall – Take 4-6 inch hardwood cuttings after flowering finishes.
How to Root Cuttings
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Use a sharp, sterile knife or pruners to make a smooth cut just below a node.
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Remove lower leaves and pinch off the tip. Dip cut end in rooting hormone (optional).
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Stick into a sterile seed starting mix, perlite, vermiculite or sand.
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Water well and cover with a plastic bag to retain moisture. Place in indirect sunlight.
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Roots should develop in 4-8 weeks. Transplant into containers or the garden.
Dividing Existing Plants
Mature butterfly bush shrubs can be divided in early spring.
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Water the plant well a few days before dividing.
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Use a shovel or saw to separate large root clumps from the parent plant.
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Each division should have plenty of roots and some top growth.
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Replant divisions in holes as deep and wide as the root ball. Water well.
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Divisions may be smaller and slower to bloom the first year but will re-establish quickly.
Transplanting Suckers
Butterfly bushes often produce suckers – new shoots growing from the shrub’s roots. These can be dug up and transplanted.
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Identify young suckers growing near the base of a mature plant.
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Carefully dig up sucker shoots with roots attached, using a shovel or trowel.
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Replant suckers in prepared garden beds or containers using well-draining soil. Keep watered.
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These transplants are genetically identical clones of the parent plant.
Butterfly Bush Propagation Tips
Follow these tips for the best results propagating butterfly bushes:
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Take cuttings from only healthy, vigorous mother plants. Avoid diseased or stressed plants.
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Use sterile tools and pots/trays to prevent disease transmission.
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Apply rooting hormone to cut ends to stimulate root growth (optional).
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Maintain warm temperature (65-75°F/18-24°C) for starting seeds and rooting cuttings.
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Keep seeds and cuttings moist but not saturated while rooting.
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Gradually expose new plants to sunlight and outdoor conditions before transplanting.
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Transplant into well-draining soil enriched with compost or manure.
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Water frequently until new transplants are established.
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
Here are some common butterfly bush propagation issues and solutions:
Seeds don’t germinate: Old or improperly stored seeds may not be viable. Ensure seeds stay cold & dry over winter. Soak before planting.
Cuttings or divisions fail to root: Use young, healthy parent plants. Take cuttings correctly and use rooting hormone. Maintain ideal temperature and moisture levels.
Transplants die after planting outdoors: Gradually harden off plants before transplanting. Plant in well-draining soil, water deeply after transplanting, and provide shade until established.
Poor flowering: Young plants may not bloom well the first year after propagation. Allow them time to mature and become established.
Enjoying Your Propagated Butterfly Bushes
The beauty of propagating your own butterfly bushes is that you can create new plants for free! In one growing season, a single tip cutting can develop into a good-sized flowering shrub.
Place your propagated bushes in full sun locations with well-drained soil. Fertilize lightly in early spring. Prune annually after flowering to control shape and size. Then relax and watch the butterflies flock to your garden!
With proper care, propagated butterfly bushes will thrive for years, providing lush, colorful blooms that attract pollinators during their extended summer flowering season.
Common Questions about Propagating Butterfly Bushes
Here are some frequently asked questions about propagating butterfly bushes:
What is the easiest way to propagate butterfly bushes?
Taking stem cuttings is the quickest and easiest butterfly bush propagation method. Simply snip off tip cuttings in spring or summer, treat with rooting hormone, and pot up in seed starting mix.
When should I take butterfly bush cuttings?
You can take tip cuttings for propagation in spring, summer or fall. Spring and summer cuttings root quickest but fall hardwood cuttings also work well.
How long does it take butterfly bush cuttings to root?
With proper care, butterfly bush cuttings generally take 4-8 weeks to develop roots before transplanting into the garden. Be patient!
Can I grow a butterfly bush from a cutting without rooting hormone?
Yes, you can root butterfly bush cuttings without hormone. The hormone simply expedites root formation. Take care to maintain optimal moisture and temperature levels.
Should I start butterfly bush seeds indoors or outdoors?
Start butterfly bush seeds indoors in late winter/early spring. Provide warm temperature, bright light and consistent moisture until sprouted. Transplant outdoors after frost danger passes.
How do I know if butterfly bush seeds are still good?
Check seeds for viability before planting. Healthy seeds feel firm and plump. Float test in water – discard any seeds that float. Test a few by starting indoors; if none sprout they may not be viable.
Can I transplant butterfly bush suckers?
Yes, new shoots (suckers) emerging from the shrub’s root system can be carefully dug up and replanted to propagate more butterfly bushes.
Final Thoughts
Butterfly bushes are one of the easiest shrubs to propagate by seed, cuttings or division. With proper care, new transplants will quickly establish and start flowering profusely within their first or second year.
Be sure to take stem cuttings from only healthy, vigorous plants and provide ideal conditions for seeds and cuttings to root. Before you know it, you can have beautiful butterfly bush shrubs basically for free!