Buddleia 'Nanho Blue'
Buddleia 'Nanho Blue' is a classic butterfly bush featuring arching stems lined with fragrant violet blue flower spikes that bloom continuously from summer into fall. Its open airy form and long blooming habit make it a standout in sunny borders while providing a steady nectar source for visiting pollinators.
Height & Spread: 6 - 8 ft x 4 - 6 ft
Bloom Time: Summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Average well drained soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This buddleia is not native to North America and originates from Asian species. It is widely grown for ornamental value and pollinator support but should be planted thoughtfully as some forms can spread in favorable conditions.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Highly attractive to Monarchs, Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, and other butterflies which feed on its abundant nectar rich blooms.
Bees
- Draws native bees and bumblebees which forage consistently throughout its long bloom period.
Hummingbirds
- Attracts hummingbirds which visit the fragrant flower spikes for nectar during the summer months.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 4 - 6 ft apart to allow for its arching habit and full mature spread.
Landscape Placement
- Best used in sunny borders, pollinator gardens, and as a focal shrub where its height and continuous bloom can be fully appreciated.
Companion Plants
- Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass) - Provides vertical structure that contrasts with the arching flowering stems.
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Offers a soft haze of color that complements the violet blue blooms.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Extends pollinator activity and adds bold summer flowers.
- Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' (Switchgrass) - Brings upright form and seasonal foliage color to balance the shrub’s shape.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Adds bright midsummer color and thrives in similar sunny conditions.