Buddleia 'Buzz Midnight' is a compact dwarf butterfly bush prized for its deep purple nearly black flower spikes and long blooming habit. Unlike larger Buddleia cultivars, 'Buzz Midnight' is ideal for smaller gardens and containers, yet still delivers strong pollinator attraction. Its fragrant blooms appear continuously from midsummer into fall supported by tidy green foliage on a well branched rounded plant.
Height & Spread: 36 - 48 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: Midsummer to frost
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil, tolerates poor or sandy conditions
Watering Needs: Moderate; avoid excessive moisture
Deer Resistance: Generally deer resistant due to aromatic foliage
Native Status
While Buddleia davidii is native to parts of China and Japan, 'Buzz Midnight' is a cultivated hybrid bred for ornamental use. It is not native to North America but is noninvasive and well behaved in managed landscapes.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Highly attractive to Swallowtails, Monarchs, Painted Ladies, and Red Admirals due to its long blooming nectar rich flowers.
Bees
- Visited frequently by bumblebees, honeybees, and small solitary bees drawn to its tubular flowers.
Hummingbirds
- Ruby Throated Hummingbirds occasionally feed from its tubular blooms especially during late summer migrations.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 36 - 48 in apart to allow for mature spread and airflow.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for butterfly gardens, mixed borders, and sunny containers. Place near patios or walkways to enjoy its fragrance and pollinator activity up close.
Companion Plants
- Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' - Wispy white blooms float above foliage and sway gently with wind and pollinators.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Bright golden yellow blooms form a vibrant low mound around the base of taller Buddleia stems.
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' - Upright pink blooms add bold color contrast and also attract butterflies and bees.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Deep violet spikes complement the rich purple of Buddleia while extending the bloom season for pollinators.
- Agastache 'Blue Fortune' - Aromatic foliage and soft lavender flower spikes create an inviting trio with Buddleia.