Pugster blue butterfly bush is an outstanding summer blooming shrub. Reaching a height of 3-4 ft, it produces an abundance of large, blue flowers that are irresistible to butterflies. This tough shrub is heat and drought tolerant once established, making it a great choice for low maintenance landscapes.
Also known as
- Budleja lindleyana
- Buddleja lindleyi
- Buddleja globosa
- Buddleja madagascariensis
- Buddleja asiatica
Things to Know
- Pugster Blue is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide.
- It has Blue-gray leaves and clusters of deep blue flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall.
- Pugster Blue is drought tolerant and does not require much fertilizer or watering once established.
- It is an excellent plant for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden.
- Pugster Blue is deer resistant and can be used as a foundation plant or hedge in the landscape.
- It is tolerant of clay soils and does not require much pruning to maintain its shape.
- Pugster Blue is propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
- It is a relatively disease and pest free plant.
- Pugster Blue can be subject to powdery mildew in humid climates.
- It has beautiful fall color with its leaves turning yellow, orange, and red.
Related plant:
Buddleia Pugster Blue
Growing Steps
- For pugster blue butterfly bush, first step is to find a place in your garden that gets full sun. The more sun, the more flowers your plant will produce.
- Next, prepare the soil by adding some organic matter such as compost or manure. This will help the plant to obtain the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy.
- Once the soil is prepared, it is time to plant your pugster blue butterfly bush. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
- Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
- For the first few weeks, water your plant daily to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Once the plant is established, you can reduce watering to once per week.
- Fertilize your plant once per month using a general purpose fertilizer such as 10-10-
- To encourage more blooms, deadhead (remove) spent flowers regularly.
- Pugster blue butterfly bush is a fast grower and may need to be pruned back in late winter or early spring to keep it from getting too large for the space it is in.
- Finally, sit back and enjoy the beauty of your plant as it blooms from early summer until fall!
Considering the Soil
About soil condition, Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush will perform the best in average to evenly moist conditions, meaning not too wet or too dry. It is quite drought tolerant once established. It will appreciates a good soaking if the conditions have been dry. It is not particular as to soil type or pH.
About light
Similar to other butterfly bushes, the Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush thrives in full sun. It's a heat-loving plant, so it's perfect for a sunny spot in your garden. This plant is also drought-tolerant, so it's a great choice for a low-maintenance garden.
Good Temperature
The temperature condition for the pugster blue butterfly bush is that it needs to be in a warm climate. It can't handle cold weather very well. So, if you live in a place with cold winters, you'll need to bring it indoors or keep it in a greenhouse.
Ideal Humidity
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will dry out and the plant will become stressed. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant will become more susceptible to fungal diseases.
The Fertilizer
The fertilizer, this kind of plant need, is a 10-10-10 formula, which can be applied in early spring and then again in mid-summer. The best way to apply the fertilizer is to use a root feeder. This kind of feeder will help to get the fertilizer down to the roots of the plant where it can do the most good.
Plant Pruning
Pruning a pugster blue butterfly bush is a simple process that can be done with a few basic tools. The first step is to remove any dead or dying branches. This can be done with a sharp pruning knife or a pair of pruning shears. Next, cut back any branches that are growing out of control. These can be trimmed back to the desired length with pruning shears. Finally, shape the bush as desired with pruning shears.
The Propagation
Propagation of pugster blue butterfly bush is generally done through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth in the spring or summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and placed in a well-drained soil mix. Cuttings should be kept moist until they are rooted.
Plant Growth
Usually, the plant growth rate is fast, with the plant doubling in size each year. Plant in full sun to partial shade in average, moist, well-drained soil. Fertilize in early spring by applying a controlled release fertilizer formulated for shrubs and trees.
The Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, root rot, and stem borers. To prevent these issues, make sure to plant the bush in well-drained soil and prune the stems regularly. If you notice any of these problems, treat them immediately with the appropriate fungicide or pesticide.
Tips on Growing
- Make sure to provide full sun to partial shade for your Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush. It will also need moist, well-drained soil.
- You can start growing Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush from seed, but it is best to purchase young plants from a nursery.
- Plant Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush in early spring or late fall.
- Space your plants 3-4 feet apart.
- Stake taller plants to prevent them from falling over.
- Butterfly bushes are fast-growing, so you will need to prune them back each year to keep them under control.
- Flowers will appear in mid-summer and will continue until fall.
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
- After the first frost, cut back the stems of your Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush to about 6 inches.
- Provide winter protection for young plants.
Alternative Plants
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- Looking for a specific plant? Have a look at our most wanted list.
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Source:
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia (Buddleja) davidii) - uaex.uada.edu
Butterfly Bush | Mississippi State University Extension Service
Butterfly Bush | Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
