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Butterfly Bush

Purple Butterfly Bush

Buddleia and Moth

Buddleja davidii

This particular bush is called Buddleia (Buddleja and Buddleia are both used, the latter being the more common term) “Attraction” and is the type that is closest to having red flowers. This lovely specimen, along with the battered moth pal, were photographed at the Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, NC. 

The butterfly bush is a perennial shrub, and although it is very lovely – it is considered an invasive pesky plant in many areas (including the Pacific NW). It spreads by dropping seeds, so you can pull the dead flowers before they drop seeds to help prevent the butterfly bush from taking over your backyard. It is native to Japan and parts of China but does well across the US and in many other countries in growing zones 5-10. They usually bloom from midsummer until the first frost. The flowers come in clustered cones, are tubular and smell like sweet honey. The colors range from white to purple, pink and other variations. 

Who likes ‘em
Bees, hummingbirds, moths and butterflies! Oh, and me – because they are always attracting neat flying things that I can photograph! My not-so-clear, but kind of pleasant, second pic above shows a month enjoying the butterfly bush. Though that poor buddy’s wings shows that it has been on a journey and looks a bit rough and weary.  But I like him/her anyway.