How To Propagate Butterfly Bushes: Step By Step Guide

What are Butterfly Bushes?

• Scientific Name: Buddleia davidii
• Characteristics:
  • Popular ornamental shrub
  • Attracts butterflies and other pollinators
  • Fragrant flower clusters in white, pink, purple, or lavender
  • Height: 3 to 12 feet depending on variety
  • Minimal care required but thrives with proper tending

Where Can You Find Butterfly Bushes?

• Availability:
  • Available at garden centers or online nurseries
  • Purchased as seedlings or mature plants
  • Hardy varieties recommended for cool climates
• Propagation:
  • Homeowners can propagate their own from cuttings
  • Reduces costs and offers growth control

How To Propagate Butterfly Bushes From Cuttings

1. Collecting Cuttings

   • Take 4-6 inch tip cuttings from healthy branches
   • Ideal time: Spring or summer when temperatures are 65-75°F
   • Ensure each cutting has several leaf sets near the tip and 2 growing buds near the base

2. Preparing Cuttings

   • Remove flower spikes from stems
   • Use sharp pruners for clean cuts

3. Planting Cuttings

   • Trim lower leaves, leave top two sets intact
   • Dip basal ends in rooting hormone or water
   • Plant in pots with moistened potting mix or soilless mixtures like peat moss and perlite
   • Ensure no air pockets remain
   • Keep pots moist until roots develop (usually within weeks)
   • Gradually move pots to brighter light and increase watering

4. Establishing Clones

   • Once adjusted, feed with diluted liquid fertilizer as per instructions
   • Transplant to sunny spots with well-drained soil after the peak growing season

• Note: Transplanting should occur after peak growing season to allow young plants to establish before cold weather.