Feature Plant: Dwarf Butterfly Bush

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly on Buddleia Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip'

New in 2010 is the first dwarf Butterfly Bush and first of the Lo and Behold variety, Buddleia 'Blue Chip'.  Developed at North Carolina State University, Lo and Behold 'Blue Chip' displays a low mounding compact habit, growing to approximately 24-26 inches high by 30-36 inches wide.  Its neater well branched habit makes it an ideal addition in tighter spaces or small gardens.

Buddleia Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip' Flower

Buddleia 'Blue Chip' is summer bloomer, prefers full sun and a well-drained soil and is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.  Buddleia 'Blue Chip' is also heat tolerant and deer resistant and can be grown in a planter due to its compact size. Continuous fragrant blooms are blue-purple (similar to Buddleia 'davidii'), bloom from mid-summer into fall and are an attraction for butterflies and hummingbirds.  No pruning or dead heading is necessary but if desired this dwarf version can be pruned in early spring to maintain it's rounded shape.

Buddleia Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip'

If you always wanted a Butterfly bush but just didn't have a place to put it this dwarf variety could be just the one for you!  I gave this beauty a test run this year in my zone 7 garden and it is a sure hit.  It has lived up to every expectation that I have had for it and then some!


As Always~ Happy Gardening!


Author: Lee@Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2010-2011. All Rights Reserved