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Buddleia davidii Nanho Blue – Butterfly Bush

Additional information

Size

,

Common Name

Type

Family

Native?

Non-Native

Zone

5, 5b, 6, 7, 8, 8b, 9

Height Range (ft.)

3.00 to 4.00

Spread (ft.)

4.00 to 5.00

Bloom Time

,

Bloom Description

Blue-lavender, flowers, Long, Narrow, panicles, Small

Sun

Water

Maintenance

Suggested Use

, , ,

Tolerate

, ,

Growth Rate

Attracts

, ,

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Buddleia davidii Nanho Blue – Butterfly Bush

Buddleia davidii ‘Nanho Blue’ is a compact butterfly bush with fragrant violet-blue blooms and arching branches, perfect for sunny pollinator gardens; images shown depict a more mature plant.

$35.99$82.99

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Additional information

Size

,

Common Name

Type

Family

Native?

Non-Native

Zone

5, 5b, 6, 7, 8, 8b, 9

Height Range (ft.)

3.00 to 4.00

Spread (ft.)

4.00 to 5.00

Bloom Time

,

Bloom Description

Blue-lavender, flowers, Long, Narrow, panicles, Small

Sun

Water

Maintenance

Suggested Use

, , ,

Tolerate

, ,

Growth Rate

Attracts

, ,

Product Description

Buddleia davidii ‘Nanho Blue’, commonly known as Butterfly Bush, is a compact, arching deciduous shrub celebrated for its fragrant, violet-blue flower spikes that bloom from midsummer to fall. Reaching 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, this cultivar features narrow, silvery-green leaves and a more refined, open habit compared to larger varieties. The long-lasting flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it a favorite for pollinator gardens and sunny borders. While showy and easy to grow, this non-native species can be invasive in some regions—check local guidance before planting.

Why choose Nanho Blue Butterfly Bush

Extended bloom time: Flowers from midsummer to frost

Pollinator favorite: Highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds

Refined habit: Compact and graceful form for smaller garden spaces

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Full sun for best flowering and growth

Soil needs: Well-drained soil; tolerates drought once established

Maintenance: Prune back hard in early spring to encourage vigorous blooming

Designs for your garden

Pollinator borders: Creates a long-lasting nectar source

Mixed shrub beds: Combines well with ornamental grasses and perennials

Cottage gardens: Offers texture, fragrance, and butterfly appeal

Ecological benefits

Pollinator support: Abundant nectar for butterflies and bees

Deer-resistant: Typically left alone by deer

Fast-growing: Fills in quickly for a colorful impact

Looking for Native Alternatives?

Iris cristata – Crested Iris
Lobelia siphilitica – Great Blue Lobelia
Tradescantia ohiensis – Ohio Spiderwort

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Buddleia davidii Nanho Blue – Butterfly Bush

$35.99$82.99
Frequently Asked Questions

Is ‘Nanho Blue’ Butterfly Bush native to the United States?

No. Buddleia davidii is native to China and Japan, and ‘Nanho Blue’ is a cultivar of this non-native species. While it’s popular in American gardens for attracting butterflies, it is considered invasive in many parts of the U.S., particularly in the Pacific Northwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.

What makes ‘Nanho Blue’ different from other butterfly bushes?

‘Nanho Blue’ is a more compact and fine-textured cultivar of Buddleia davidii, growing 4 to 6 feet tall and wide. It produces long, arching spikes of soft lavender-blue flowers from midsummer to fall, with a more graceful, airy appearance compared to older varieties.

What are the ideal growing conditions for ‘Nanho Blue’?

This plant thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. Cut back hard in early spring to encourage new growth and abundant flowering.

Does ‘Nanho Blue’ support pollinators?

Partially. While the blooms attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, Buddleia davidii does not support native caterpillars or insect larvae, making it less beneficial to the ecosystem than native plants. It functions more as a nectar plant than a true habitat supporter.

Is ‘Nanho Blue’ considered invasive?

Yes, in some regions. Buddleia davidii can self-seed and spread aggressively in certain areas of the U.S., outcompeting native plants. Gardeners should check local guidelines and consider sterile cultivars or native alternatives if planting in regions where it is invasive.

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