White Butterfly Bush

The White Butterfly Bush typically grows to 5 to 7 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide at maturity. This fast-growing shrub forms a naturally arched, vase-like shape with long flower spikes, making it perfect for pollinator gardens, borders, and sunny backdrops.

Butterfly Bushes are fast growers, often adding 2 to 4 feet of new growth per year once established. They’ll typically reach their mature size within 1 to 2 growing seasons, especially in full sun and well-drained soil.

Choose a full sun location with well-draining soil. Butterfly Bushes need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive and bloom profusely. They’re ideal for USDA Zones 5–9, and do especially well in hot, dry climates where other flowering shrubs may struggle. Avoid planting in areas with poor drainage or where water tends to collect.

For mass plantings or hedging, space Butterfly Bushes 4 to 6 feet apart, center to center. This gives each plant plenty of room to spread and ensures good airflow, which helps reduce the risk of fungal issues and promotes healthy growth.

Follow these steps for successful planting:
1. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
3. Remove the plant from its container and loosen any circling roots.
4. Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
5. Backfill, water thoroughly, and mulch around the base (keeping mulch a few inches from the stems).

Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish strong roots.

This shrub is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, but here are a few key care tips:
• Sunlight: Needs full sun (6+ hours daily) for best flowering
• Watering: Water regularly during the first year; after that, it’s drought-resistant
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil—avoid wet or heavy clay
• Fertilizer: Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
• Pruning: Cut back hard in late winter or early spring to promote compact growth and more blooms

Deadheading spent flowers throughout the season encourages even more flowering.

White Profusion Butterfly Bush blooms from mid-summer through fall, often well into October in warmer regions. The plant produces long, white flower spikes that are fragrant and highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

If your Butterfly Bush isn’t blooming, check these possible reasons:
• Not enough sunlight: It needs full sun for best flower production.
• Too much water or poor drainage: Wet roots can lead to stress and reduced blooming.
• Incorrect pruning time: Pruning too late in spring can remove developing flower buds.
• Fertilizer imbalance: Too much nitrogen encourages leafy growth over blooms.

Focus on sun exposure, proper pruning, and avoiding overwatering for the best results.

Winterizing a Butterfly Bush is easy, especially in Zones 5–9:
• Leave the stems standing through winter—they provide protection and trap snow, insulating the crown.
• Apply mulch around the base in late fall to protect the roots from freeze-thaw cycles.
• In early spring, cut the shrub back to 6–12 inches above the ground—this rejuvenates the plant and encourages vigorous blooming.
• In colder regions, planting in a sheltered spot with good drainage improves winter survival.

The best time to plant Butterfly Bushes is in early spring or fall, when temperatures are cooler and the plant can focus on root development. Spring planting gives the bush the entire growing season to establish, while fall planting works well in warmer climates where the ground doesn’t freeze quickly.

Avoid planting in the heat of summer or late fall if you live in a zone with early frosts.

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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.

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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.

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