Butterfly Bush Care

Butterfly bush is one of the popular ornamental plants that is highly valued for its prolific blooming nature. It is indispensable in butterfly gardens, as this plant attracts butterflies, moths and bees. These flowering shrubs are very much in demand for the colorful and fragrant flowers that come in different colors, as per the variety. Butterfly bush flowers can be white, orange, yellow, red, purple or pink in color. This plant is a prolific bloomer that produces inflorescence with tiny flowers. The flowers are tubular and possess four petals.

Butterfly bush can thrive in a wide range of climates and soil conditions. Apart from that, these plants are easy to care too. All these factors make butterfly bush a very popular landscaping plant. Even though, butterfly bush care is said to be easy, you must have some knowledge about the basic requirements of the plant.

How to Take Care of a Butterfly Bush

Planting: It is always best to plant butterfly bush in a location with well-drained soil and full sun. This plant may thrive in adverse conditions too, but it may affect its health and blooming capacity. Butterfly bush planting is usually done in early spring or fall. The soil must be loosened and added with compost, before planting. Dig holes that are at least five to ten feet apart and place the young plants in these holes. Fill the holes with soil and water the plants. You may also opt for mulching, so as to control weeds. The following paragraph will provide you with some guidelines on growing butterfly bush and its care.

Watering and Pruning: While butterfly bush is said to be an easy plant to care for, there are some small things that make a lot of difference, if properly taken care of. Butterfly bush care and maintenance include watering, pruning, etc. As far as watering is concerned, butterfly bush does not need much water. During winters, water these plants once a month, but increase the frequency during dry weather. Fertilizers are added during spring and that too in very small amounts. As these plants may turn invasive, most gardeners prune them to the ground during early spring. As in case of other plants, pruning butterfly bush encourages new growths and more blooms. During the blooming period, regularly remove the old flowers, to promote new blooms. You may use insecticides or resort to their manual removal, in case your butterfly bush is attacked by them. If the leaves show wilting or turn yellow, remove and dispose the plant and get a new one.

If you don't have this plant in your garden, contact the local nursery and get some. By planting butterfly bush, you can add colors to your garden, as well as enjoy the presence of some colorful guests - butterflies.