Buddleia 'Pugster Blue' is a compact butterfly bush with oversized fragrant blue blooms that attract pollinators from midsummer through fall. Its dwarf habit makes it perfect for small gardens or containers while still providing the flower power of larger Buddleia varieties. The plant features strong stems that resist flopping and blooms continuously on new growth.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: Summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil with moderate fertility
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant due to aromatic foliage
Native Status
Buddleia 'Pugster Blue' is a hybrid selection derived from Asian species. It is not native to North America but is widely cultivated for ornamental and pollinator garden use.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Provides abundant nectar to honeybees and native bumblebees throughout the summer months.
Butterflies
- Highly attractive to swallowtails, monarchs, and painted ladies due to its rich nectar and vivid bloom color.
Hummingbirds
- Frequent the tubular flowers for nectar particularly in midsummer when blooms are most prolific.
Beneficial Insects
- Encourages hoverflies and predatory wasps that support garden pest control.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Allow 24 - 36 in between plants to accommodate mature spread and airflow.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for pollinator gardens, mixed sunny borders, containers, and foundation plantings where continuous summer color is desired.
Companion Plants
- Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' - Graceful ornamental grass provides texture and a soft backdrop to the colorful flowers.
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Silvery foliage and lavender blue flowers complement the rich blue Buddleia blooms.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Airy soft yellow flowers create a gentle contrast beneath the deep blue flower spikes.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Dark purple flower spikes harmonize with Buddleia while extending the bloom season for pollinators.
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' - Upright purple daisy flowers add bold summer color and attract complementary pollinators.