Stories from the Garden
Stories from the Garden
Dr. Allan Armitage
Dr. A's Top Picks for the Garden: Butterfly Bush
11 minutes Posted Jul 24, 2026 at 11:00 am.
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Join Dr. Allan Armitage as he explores his favorite plant, the butterfly bush, highlighting its varieties, growth habits, care tips, and the impact on pollinators. Perfect for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow, attractive plant for any landscape.

  • Why butterfly bush is a gardener's favorite
  • Varieties of butterfly bush: Cascade series, Pugster series, and dwarfer Buzz series
  • Growing tips: pruning, hardiness zones, sunlight, and size management
  • Benefits for pollinators, especially butterflies
  • Cultural and landscape considerations for inclusion in gardens
  • Dr. Armitage shares his personal experiences and reasons for favoring butterfly bush
  • Explanation of different species and cultivars, including Budlia dividiae and the Cascade and Pugster series
  • Tips on pruning for size control and flowering times
  • Hardiness zone recommendations (zones 5 to 8)
  • The plant’s adaptability to sun and shade and its pollinator-friendly qualities