Buddleia 'Miss Molly' is a compact non invasive butterfly bush prized for its intensely rich magenta red blooms that deepen in color with summer heat. Its upright form and fragrant flowers make it a standout in sunny borders, containers, or wildlife gardens. Blooming from midsummer through fall it attracts a continuous stream of pollinators and provides color even during the hottest months of the season.
Height & Spread: 48 - 60 in x 48 - 60 in
Bloom Time: Midsummer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Average, well drained soil
Watering Needs: Low once established; drought tolerant
Deer Resistance: Not favored by deer due to fragrant foliage
Native Status
This cultivar is a sterile selection derived from Buddleia davidii, native to China. While not native to North America, its lack of seed viability makes it a responsible choice for pollinator gardens without risk of invasiveness.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Beloved by butterflies such as Monarchs, Painted Ladies, Swallowtails, and Skippers for its abundant nectar and extended bloom period.
Bees
- Attracts honeybees, bumblebees, and small native bees throughout the summer months.
Hummingbirds
- Ruby Throated Hummingbirds visit the tubular blooms frequently especially during midsummer migration.
Beneficial Insects
- Draws hoverflies, lacewings, and predatory wasps which help keep pest populations in check.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 48 - 60 in apart to allow full shrub like form and good air circulation.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for mixed borders, pollinator strips, and sunny foundation beds where color and fragrance are desired late in the season.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Airy blue green grass turns coppery red in fall mirroring the warmth of Buddleia blooms.
- Echinacea purpurea 'PowWow Wild Berry' - Magenta pink tones echo the Buddleia blooms and draw in pollinators.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Bright golden yellow flowers lighten the palette and bloom in sync.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Dark purple flower spikes offer a vertical and color contrast to 'Miss Molly'.
- Agastache 'Blue Fortune' - Spiky lavender blue blooms provide a cooling counterpoint and extended nectar source.