Butterfly Bush Species

Butterfly bushes, or varieties of the Buddleia, are bushes that attract butterflies. There are over 100 species of butterfly bushes, with most surviving in areas where temperatures dip to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Types
According to the Mountain Valley Growers website, most commercial varieties of butterfly bushes are types of Buddleia davidii and grow between 6 and 15 feet tall. Examples of Buddleia davidii include the Black Night, Twilight, Purple Ice Delight, Royal Red and Dwarf Blue--which is not such a dwarf since it can grow to 12 feet. Black Night has the darkest flowers, Twilight and Purple Ice Delight are drought resistant and Royal Red has rare maroon flowers.

Hybrids
Hybrid butterfly bushes are usually crossed with weyerianas. Sungold, which produces gold flowers, is a dense shrub standing 8 feet tall. Bicolor has the rare combination of pink and gold flowers, but grows slower and to shorter heights.

Other Varieties
The Fountain Butterfly Bush, or the Buddleia alternifolia species, can survive temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit; its drooping branches are densely populated with lilac flowers. The Winter Flowering Lilac, or Buddleia asiatica, is the tallest butterfly bush at 15 feet and the Himalayan Butterfly Bush, or Buddleia crispa, has extremely soft, felted gray leaves similar in texture to the plant commonly known as Lambs Ears.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/facts_6977377_butterfly-bush-species.html

What Is a Butterfly Bush?

The butterfly bush, or summer lilac, is a shrub or small tree used as adornment in gardens that provides nectar for butterflies. Originating from warm regions, it is of the genus Buddleia davidii.

Description

The butterfly bush is a hedge plant with clusters of small, fragrant flowers that resemble lilac blooms. The cone-shaped petals range from 8 to 20 inches long. Butterflies, bees and hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar and brightly colored blooms.

History
According to an article in "Butterfly Gardner's Quarterly," the butterfly bush originated in Chile, although most species currently available come from China. The genus name Buddleia comes from a 17th-century botanist, the Rev. Adam Buddle, who brought the first butterfly bush to England in 1774.

Planting and Growth
Butterfly bushes grow well in a variety of climates, spread quickly and can range from 5 to 15 feet tall. According to Claire Dole in "Butterfly Gardner's Magazine," the growth form is disorderly, so bushes should be planted at least 6 feet apart. Butterfly bushes need at least six hours of direct sunlight and adequate water to thrive.

Maintenance

Butterfly bushes require little maintenance. Pruning dead petals will keep the plant in bloom longer. Horticulturist Gerald Klingaman of the University of Arkansas Agricultural Division suggests cutting down blooms each winter to regrow them from the ground. Growth and density will increase each year. Ideal bloom time is from Mid-July through winter.

Varieties

The Buddleia genus includes more than 100 species and varieties. Flower colors are primarily shades of blue and purple, but reds, pinks, yellows and whites are also common.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5627238_butterfly-bush_.html