Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) 'White Ball'

Easy-to-grow butterfly bushes attract multitudes of butterflies all day long.

Not many plants are as prolific blooming, fun or versatile as the Buddleia or Butterfly Bush. Also called Summer Lilac, it is the one plant that can be found in almost every butterfly garden around the world as it is a virtual butterfly magnet, attracting more butterflies than just about any plant growing in temperate climates. The beautiful flower panicles that appear for several months emit a sweet honey fragrance that will be a favorite of every butterfly in your neighborhood. This week we are featuring 'White Ball', a new, super-compact, white-flowering Buddleia davidii variety that vastly increases the number of places you can grow a butterfly bush.

'White Ball' - A New Dwarf Butterfly Bush ideal for the smaller garden.

Buddleia 'White Ball' is a dwarf butterfly bush that can only be described as cute! The bright silver-grey foliage grows into a tight ball, only 3 feet tall and wide, half to one-third normal size. Spikes of white flowers surround 'White Ball' all summer - attracting butterflies for miles around. 'White Ball' is the longest, most prolific blooming butterfly plant we have seen. If you remove the faded blooms, 'White Ball' will blossom continuously from June right up to killing frost. With its silvery foliage and pure white fragrant blooms, this new hybrid is a particularly nice addition to the night-blooming moon garden. Usually relegated to the border background, now you can enjoy a handsome butterfly bush in the foreground of your garden.

Buddleias have a reputation for being easy to grow and 'White Ball' is no exception. Plant in a location where it will have full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it is surprisingly drought tolerant. Cut back the branch tips in the spring for a fuller bush and improved blooms. It does not require the severe annual pruning needed by other butterfly bushes. As with all Buddleias, 'White Ball' is never eaten by deer.

Planting and Care

  • For best results plant in early spring.

  • Prefers full sun.

  • Plant 4 feet apart in well-drained soil.

  • Cut back lightly every spring.

  • Water regularly until established.

  • Hardy in zones 5-9.

  • Fertilize with Plant-Tone in early spring.

    • Click here to view Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) 'White Ball' on the Carroll Gardens website.