Proven Winners® Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES

1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 7 or 10 or 15 gallon

*Nursery gallon sizes are trade sizes and do not equal standard liquid gallons

**Pot sizes in inches refer to container width (diameter), not plant or pot height.

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties and growers. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Proven Winners® Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush is a compact flowering shrub known for its vibrant lavender-blue flower spikes and strong ability to attract butterflies and pollinators. Despite its smaller size, this variety produces large, fragrant blooms similar to full-sized butterfly bushes. With continuous summer blooms and a sturdy dwarf form, Pugster Blue® is ideal for pollinator gardens, containers, and colorful landscape borders.

Botanical name: Buddleia davidii ‘Pugster Blue’
Bloom time: Summer through early fall
Deciduous Perennial
Grown in the USA

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush, scientifically known as Buddleia davidii ‘Pugster Blue’, is a compact flowering shrub known for its vibrant lavender-blue flower spikes and exceptional ability to attract butterflies and pollinators. Part of the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® collection, this butterfly bush delivers the large blooms typical of full-sized varieties on a sturdy, dwarf plant. With continuous blooms throughout the summer and a compact form, Pugster Blue® is perfect for pollinator gardens, borders, containers, and small landscapes.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate. Typically grows about 12–24 inches per year and reaches 2–3 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water deeply once or twice per week during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, butterfly bushes are fairly drought tolerant and typically only require watering during extended dry periods. Watering frequency will vary depending on grow zone, soil type, rainfall, and local climate conditions.

Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush requires full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce abundant flower spikes and maintain a compact shape.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Prune butterfly bushes in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cutting the plant back encourages vigorous growth and more abundant blooms during the growing season.

FERTILIZING:
Butterfly bushes typically require minimal fertilization. If needed, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and flowering. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
In colder regions (Zones 5–6), Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush may die back to the ground during winter and regrow in spring. Applying mulch around the base of the plant can help protect roots during freezing temperatures.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose a planting location with full sun and well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and about the same depth as the container so the plant sits at the same level it was growing in its nursery pot. Place the shrub in the hole, backfill with soil, and gently firm the soil around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, keeping mulch slightly away from the stems.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 5-9

Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush grows well in USDA Zones 5–9 and thrives in warm, sunny climates. This shrub tolerates summer heat well and performs best in well-draining soil with good air circulation. In cooler regions within its range, the plant may die back to the ground in winter and regrow in spring. In warmer climates, it often maintains a fuller shrub form throughout the growing season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush get?

Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush typically grows 2–3 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, forming a compact, rounded flowering shrub.

How fast does Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush grow?

This butterfly bush has a moderate growth rate, typically growing about 1–2 feet per year under good growing conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush?

Plant Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush in a full sun location with well-draining soil to encourage strong growth and abundant blooms.

How far apart should I plant Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush plants?

Plant Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush about 2–3 feet apart to allow space for mature growth and airflow.

Do Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush plants attract butterflies?

Yes. Butterfly bushes are well known for attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators with their fragrant flower spikes.

When does Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush bloom?

Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush typically blooms from early summer through early fall, producing continuous flower spikes.

Is Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush deer resistant?

Butterfly bushes are generally considered deer resistant, though no plant is completely deer proof.

Can Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush grow in containers?

Yes. Its compact size makes it well suited for container gardening, patios, and small landscape beds.

Should Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush be pruned?

Yes. Pruning in late winter or early spring encourages healthy new growth and more abundant blooms.

Is Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush drought tolerant?

Once established, butterfly bushes are moderately drought tolerant, though they perform best with occasional watering during dry periods.

More Details

*SHIPPING DETAILS

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

1 YEAR GUARANTEE

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA? HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.