Buddleia 'Basket Pink' is a compact butterfly bush that delivers bright pink flower spikes throughout the summer providing an extended nectar source in pollinator gardens. This non invasive selection blooms on new wood and maintains a manageable size making it ideal for containers or small borders. Its fragrant blooms, gray green foliage, and long bloom window contribute vibrant texture and scent in sunny landscapes.
Height & Spread: 30 - 36 in x 30 - 36 in
Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained average to poor soil
Watering Needs: Low once established
Deer Resistance: Not favored by deer due to its aromatic foliage
Native Status
Buddleia 'Basket Pink' is a cultivated hybrid derived from Asian species, particularly Buddleja davidii. It is not native to North America, but this non invasive cultivar is widely used in pollinator gardens for its floral benefits and manageable size.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Produces nectar rich flower spikes that attract monarchs, painted ladies, and swallowtails during their peak summer activity.
Bees
- Visited frequently by honeybees, leafcutter bees, and long horned bees that seek nectar from the tubular flowers.
Beneficial Insects
- Hoverflies and parasitic wasps visit the blooms offering natural pest control by targeting soft bodied garden pests nearby.
Birds
- Seed heads, if left intact through fall, attract finches and sparrows that forage late in the season.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 30 - 36 in apart to allow full airflow and canopy development while maintaining compact form.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for mixed perennial borders, pollinator pathways, or container groupings in sunny patios and urban garden spaces.
Companion Plants
- Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Arizona Sun' - Red and gold flowers provide a fiery accent and thrive under similar dry sunny conditions.
- Echinacea purpurea 'PowWow White' - White daisy blooms brighten plantings and balance the intensity of pink flower spikes.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Soft yellow flowers fill in gaps with fine foliage and warm tones that complement buddleia.
- Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' - Compact ornamental grass adds movement and frames the upright structure of buddleia blooms.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Bold purple spikes contrast with pink blooms and offer extended nectar supply for pollinators.