Thinking about planting a butterfly bush?
Hold on a minute!
There are some important things you should know. Discover 4 reasons why you might want to reconsider.
It’s not just about the pretty flowers.
Curious? Keep reading!
It’s Invasive
You might think that butterfly bush (Buddleia) is a great plant because butterflies love it. But here’s the tea: it’s invasive.
This means it spreads like wildfire. It can take over your garden and crowd out local plants.
You might end up spending more time pruning and managing it than enjoying the butterflies. Plus, it’s not just your yard that suffers.
Because it spreads so quickly, it can escape your garden and invade local ecosystems.
Not as Beneficial as You Think
Yes, butterflies visit butterfly bush, but it’s like giving them candy. It’s not a balanced diet.
These bushes don’t provide the nutrients butterflies need for their entire lifecycle. What they really need are native plants that cater to caterpillars and provide better nutrition for adult butterflies.
Supporting local wildlife means offering them what they need, not just what looks pretty.
High Maintenance
Butterfly bushes might seem low-maintenance at first, but they can become a headache. They need regular pruning to keep from looking wild and unruly.
Plus, in colder climates, they might die back in the winter and require special care to bounce back. If you’re not a fan of constant garden chores, this plant might become more of a burden than a delight.
Poor Winter Hardiness
If you live in a colder climate, butterfly bushes might not be the best choice. They aren’t very winter-hardy and can suffer significant damage in frost.
You might find yourself with a sad, dead-looking plant come spring. Some varieties are more resilient, but it’s often a gamble.
Why not choose something that can thrive year-round and save yourself the winter worry?