How to Grow Butterfly Bush Deer Resistant - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Butterfly bush deer resistant is a plant that is resistant to deer. This means that deer will not eat this plant and it will remain healthy and looking great in your yard or garden.

How to Grow Butterfly Bush Deer Resistant - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Buddleja
  • Butterfly-bush
  • Summer lilac
  • Orange eye
  • Pineapple-weed

Common Knowledge

  • Butterfly bush is a beautiful, flowering shrub that attracts butterflies.
  • It is easy to grow and care for, and deer resistant.
  • Butterfly bush blooms from late spring to early fall, and its flowers come in a variety of colors including white, pink, purple, and red.
  • Butterfly bush grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.
  • It can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings.
  • Butterfly bush is susceptible to powdery mildew, so it is important to provide good air circulation around the plant.
  • Pruning is necessary to control the size and shape of the plant, and to encourage new growth and flowering.
  • Butterfly bush can be invasive in some areas, so it is important to check with your local extension office before planting.
  • In the landscape, butterfly bush can be used as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, or as a hedge.
  • Butterfly bush is a beautiful plant that provides food and habitat for many different species of butterflies.

Related plant:
Kaleidoscope Butterfly Bush

How to Grow

  1. For butterfly bush deer resistant, first step is to choose the right location. The plant should be placed in an area with full sun and well-drained soil.
  2. The second step is to prepare the soil. The soil should be loose and fertile. Add organic matter to the soil to help with drainage.
  3. The third step is to plant the seeds. Plant the seeds in the spring after the last frost. Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep in the soil.
  4. The fourth step is to water the seeds. Water the seeds daily to keep the soil moist.
  5. The fifth step is to thin the seedlings. Once the seedlings have grown to be about 4 inches tall, thin them out so that only the healthiest plants remain.
  6. The sixth step is to fertilize the plants. Fertilize the plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  7. The seventh step is to deadhead the flowers. Deadhead the flowers to encourage new growth.
  8. The eighth step is to prune the plants. Prune the plants in the late winter or early spring.
  9. The ninth step is to winterize the plants. Bring the plants indoors or cover them with a tarp during the winter months.
  10. The tenth step is to enjoy the blooms. The blooms will appear in the summer months.

Related plant:
Polygala Petite Butterfly

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the Butterfly bush does best in average to poor soil that is well-drained. It is tolerant of both dry and wet conditions, but it will not do well in soggy soil. This plant is also tolerant of salt, making it a good choice for seaside landscapes.

About light

Just like other butterfly bushes, the deer resistant variety needs full sun to grow and thrive. If you live in an area with very hot summers, some afternoon shade will protect the plant from wilting in the heat. Give your deer resistant butterfly bush plenty of room to spread out, as it can get quite large.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of the area surrounding the butterfly bush is a important factor in its deer resistance. If the temperature is too cold, the deer will not be able to find the food they need and will move on to another area. If the temperature is too hot, the deer will not be able to digest the food properly and will also move on.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less. It cannot tolerate high humidity and will start to show signs of stress, including wilting leaves and stems. If the humidity is too high, the plant will not be able to take up water and will eventually die.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant doesn't require a lot of fuss. A good all-purpose fertilizer will do the job just fine. As for the roots, they are relatively deep for a bush, so make sure the planting hole is at least twice as deep as the root ball.

About light

Pruning your butterfly bush is a necessary step in keeping the plant healthy and looking its best. Butterfly bush can be pruned in late winter or early spring. Be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears and make clean cuts. Cut back the stems by one-third to one-half their height. This will encourage new growth and help to keep the plant from getting too leggy.

About Propagating

Propagation of butterfly bush is best accomplished through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from current seasonÂ’s growth. Strip the lower leaves from the cutting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a moist, well-drained rooting medium. Place the cutting in a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect and maintain high humidity. Place the cutting in a bright, indirect light location out of direct sun. Keep the rooting medium moist but not wet and in 6-8 weeks the cutting should have rooted and be ready to pot up.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate are considered to be fast. They can range anywhere from 6 inches to 24 inches per year. The actual height and width of the bush can depend on the species and on the environment in which it is growing. Some bushes can get quite large, while others remain fairly small.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the plant is not getting enough water, sunlight, or nutrients. Without these things, the plant will not be able to produce the nectar that butterflies need. Another problem is that the plant may be infested with pests or diseases. This can be a problem if the nectar is not being produced, or if the plant is not getting the nutrients it needs.

Growing Tips

  • Do not forget to water your butterfly bush regularly, especially during dry spells.
  • Fertilize your plant every few weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
  • Cut back your butterfly bush in late fall or early winter to help it overwinter better.
  • Place your plant in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and act quickly if you notice any problems.
  • Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth.
  • Pinch back young stems to encourage a bushier growth habit.
  • Propagate your butterfly bush by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer.
  • Divide your plant every few years to keep it healthy and promote vigorous growth.
  • Enjoy watching the butterflies flock to your butterfly bush all summer long!

Similar Plants

  • Budleia Alternifolia, Alternifolia Butterfly Bush, Fountain Butterfly Bush
  • Buddleja Glomerata, Clustered Buddleja, Clustered Orange-eye Butterfly Bush
  • Buddleja Weyeriana, Orange-eye Butterfly Bush, Burgundy Butterfly Bush
  • Buddleja Wisteriana, Gold-flowered Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac
  • Buddleia Asiatica, Purple Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac
  • Buddleja Auriculata, Earleaf Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac
  • Buddleja Budleja, Orange-eye Butterfly Bush, Burgundy Butterfly Bush
  • Buddleja Globe, Globe Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac
  • Buddleja Globosa, Globe Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac
  • Buddleja Madagascariensis, Madagascar Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac

Source:
Buddleja x weyeriana (Sungold Butterfly Bush, Weyeriana Butterfly Bush ...
UT GardensÂ’ August 2019 Plant of the Month: Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Bush - University of Florida, Institute of Food and ...

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category