The Truth about the Butterfly Bush (And What To Plant Instead!)
The enchanting allure of the butterfly bush
Many gardeners are attracted to the butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) because of their name and signature deep purple flowers. These deciduous shrubs, known to some as summer lilacs, can grow up to 10 feet tall, making them appear quite grand in a garden. The way butterfly bush grows, with its arching stems and flower clusters with spikes, truly draws the eye.
But despite their allure, there's a lesser-known truth about butterfly bushes. While these seemingly harmless plants do invite and provide nectar to some adult butterflies, the truth is there are better — equally colorful and beneficial to insects — options for gardeners who want to attract butterflies and help them through all stages of their life cycles.
Why you should think twice before you plant a butterfly bush
The butterfly bush is not native to the regions where it's often planted; it is from Asia. In fact, not a single native caterpillar eats butterfly bush. This is crucial because the presence of caterpillars on a parent plant leads to the development of adult butterflies.
The butterfly bush thrives, especially in warmer climates and well-drained soils. These conditions allow the butterfly bush to produce abundant seeds that easily spread outside defined garden areas to “natural areas.”
In these natural areas, the butterfly bush becomes an invasive plant. It's considered a noxious weed in some regions because it can out-crowd native plants. Native plants are crucial as they're often host plants for local caterpillars and other pollinators.
So while the butterfly bush may appear to attract many butterflies, it can inadvertently damage the local ecosystem by diminishing the plants crucial to butterfly life cycles.
The role of host plants in supporting butterflies
Unlike butterfly bush, certain other plants serve as host plants for butterflies. A prime example of such a plant is milkweed. This plant, unlike the butterfly bush, provides a place for larvae to stay and grow.
Garden for Wildlife™ collaborator, entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy, stated, “People rationalize their perceived need for butterfly bush because they think it helps butterflies. What they really want is a pretty plant in their yard.”
Embrace native plants for a flourishing garden
To provide the support butterflies, birds, and other important wildlife needs, gardeners would be well-advised to plant native plants. These plants invite butterflies and support their entire life cycle, contributing to the biodiversity in your garden.
Depending on where you live and your garden goals, there are many beautiful, easy-to-grow, native plants that will better support butterflies and other wildlife. These native alternatives to the butterfly bush can even thrive in small spaces.
Butterfly bush alternatives: embrace the power of native plants
We have compiled some excellent native alternatives to butterfly bush. These plants attract butterflies and are proven to aid their survival better in northern climates than the invasive butterfly bush.
OPTION #1: Asclepias tuberosa —the powerhouse of pollinator gardens
Also known as orange milkweed or butterfly weed, this perennial presents itself with large, flat-topped clusters of yellow-orange or bright-orange flowers. It's a fantastic option for areas with well-drained soil, requiring full sun for optimal growth.
Orange milkweed grows in compact, small “bush-like” tough plants that can be clustered for maximum impact. This makes them an excellent addition to perennial beds and can help attract those all-important butterflies better than any butterfly bush could.
Native Range: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV
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Buy orange butterfly milkweed three-plant collection
Buy Monarch Munchables six-plant collection
Buy Monarch Munchables 12-plant collection
OPTION #2: Asclepias perennis — a resilient alternative
Commonly known as snowy milkweed or aquatic milkweed, this plant is another great substitute for butterfly bush. It's a resilient plant that can return year after year. It's ideal for areas with continuously wet soil and can handle the early to mid summer, early spring, and late fall conditions better than the butterfly bush.
Native Range: AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MO, MS, SC, TN, TX
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Buy Monarch Munchables six-plant collection (Southeast)
OPTION #3: Asclepias verticillata — the ideal dry-sun plant
Also known as whorled milkweed, this is a host plant for monarch caterpillars and is ideal for dry, sunny, and part shade areas in summer. This plant, with its pale green-white flowers, serves as a fantastic replacement plant for the butterfly bush, offering much more to the local fauna.
Native Range: AL, AR, AZ, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY
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Buy whorled milkweed 3-plant collection
OPTION #4 Asclepius Incarnata - Swamp Milkweed
This host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars is abundant with small, rose-to-deep pink flowers that sit in clusters on branching stalks with narrow leaves. The deep pink flowers are clustered at the top of a tall, branching stem and bloom June to October.
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For even more milkweed variety ideas that are better options than a butterfly bush, check out Milkweed for Monarchs’ long list.
A final word on native plants versus butterfly bushes
Instead of opting for the butterfly bush, consider these alternatives. The impact of these native plants on the local butterfly population, and the ecosystem as a whole, will be significantly more positive.
In the battle of butterfly bush vs. native plants, the latter undoubtedly triumphs. The native plants provide nourishment and homes for local butterflies, other pollinators, and even birds, enhancing your garden's biodiversity.
Check out our list for even more native milkweed variety ideas that are better options than a butterfly bush. Not only do these alternatives provide a beautiful addition to your garden, but they also play a significant role in supporting your local wildlife.
Butterfly Bush FAQs
What are the risks when growing a butterfly bush?
Butterfly bushes grow and spread aggressively, often out-competing native plants. This can disrupt local ecosystems and decrease food and habitat availability for beneficial insects and other wildlife.
Can butterfly bushes harm the butterfly populations they attract?
While butterfly bushes can attract adult butterflies with their flower spikes, they don't serve as host plants for the larval stage of butterflies. This mismatch can disrupt butterfly life cycles and contribute to the decline of local butterfly populations.
Are butterfly bushes harmful to the soil?
Butterfly bushes often thrive in well-drained soil, altering soil conditions in a way that may make it harder for some native plants to survive. Moreover, as they can spread aggressively, they can quickly dominate a garden or natural area, leaving less space for native species.
What's the impact of Buddleia davidii on native plants?
Buddleia davidii can out-compete and crowd out native plants due to its fast growth and seed production. This could detrimentally impact native ecosystems.
What are some native alternatives to butterfly bushes?
Native alternatives to butterfly bushes that also attract butterflies include butterfly weed, native host plants, and other native flowering plants. These can provide food for adult butterflies and also serve as host plants for their larvae.
Why should I choose native plants over butterfly bushes for my pollinator garden?
Native plants are more adapted to local soil, climate, and wildlife. They provide food and habitat for adult butterflies, caterpillars, and other pollinators. Unlike butterfly bushes, they don't become invasive or disrupt local ecosystems.
Are butterfly bushes bad for all gardens?
While butterfly bushes can provide aesthetic appeal due to their deep purple flower spikes and can attract adult butterflies, their aggressive growth and potential to become invasive can make them a problematic choice in many gardens, especially in areas close to natural habitats.
Is it difficult to control the spread of butterfly bushes?
Yes, controlling the spread of butterfly bushes can be challenging. They grow rapidly and can spread aggressively, making them a potential noxious weed. It's often recommended that when butterfly bushes grow, you should remove the spent flower clusters to prevent self-seeding.
What other issues can arise when you plant butterfly bush?
Butterfly bushes can lead to other issues, such as root rot if the soil isn't well-drained, and their height — up to 10 feet tall — can overshadow and crowd out smaller native plants. It's important to consider these potential problems before deciding to grow a butterfly bush.
More resources:
National Wildlife Federation Native Plant Finder
Find Native Plants by Zip Code
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