Buddleia 'Cranberry' is a compact floriferous butterfly bush known for its rich magenta to cranberry red flower spikes that bloom continuously from midsummer into fall. Its fragrant flowers are held on sturdy stems above gray green foliage offering extended interest in sunny gardens. Drought tolerant and easy to maintain, this variety attracts a multitude of pollinators while resisting browsing from deer and rabbits.
Height & Spread: 36 - 48 in x 36 - 48 in
Bloom Time: Midsummer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil; tolerates poor soils once established
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; prefers consistent moisture when establishing
Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant
Native Status
While Buddleia davidii, the species origin of this cultivar is native to China, 'Cranberry' is a modern selection developed for enhanced flowering and compact growth. It is not native to North America but is widely used in pollinator and ornamental gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Highly attractive to butterflies including Monarchs, Painted Ladies, Swallowtails, and Red Admirals offering abundant nectar throughout summer and fall.
Bees
- Draws a range of native bees including bumblebees and leafcutter bees that forage among the clustered blooms.
Moths
- Night flying sphinx moths and hawk moths are often observed feeding on the long nectar tubes at dusk.
Hummingbirds
- Ruby Throated Hummingbirds are frequent visitors attracted by the tubular flowers and bright color.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 36 - 48 in apart to allow for full mature spread and air circulation.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for mixed borders, butterfly gardens, and sunny foundations where long bloom performance is desired. Can be used in mass plantings or as a compact focal point in pollinator beds.
Companion Plants
- Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' - Mounded fountain grass brings soft motion and warm tone to sunny borders.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Fine textured yellow blooms provide a complementary base beneath taller companions.
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' - Broad petaled pink flowers echo the deep cranberry shades while attracting many of the same pollinators.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Deep violet spires bloom in rhythm with Buddleia and offer long lasting structure.
- Agastache 'Blue Fortune' - Upright lavender blue flower spikes provide a cooling contrast in both color and form.