Blue Butterfly Bush
Rotheca myricoides
A shrub or subshrub recognized by its distinctive bi-colored blue and violet flowers that resemble the wings and antennae of a butterfly.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, approximately 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Water
- Moderate watering needs. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, reducing frequency during cooler months. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Growth
- Perennial evergreen shrub with an upright, branching habit, reaching mature heights of 3 to 10 feet with a similar spread
Care instructions
Provide bright indirect to full sun with regular watering, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Plant in well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter, and feed during the active growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, approximately 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering
Moderate watering needs. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, reducing frequency during cooler months. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Soil
Well-draining loam or sandy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 6.0 to 7.0
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 9 through 11, grown as an annual or container plant in colder regions
Growth habit
Perennial evergreen shrub with an upright, branching habit, reaching mature heights of 3 to 10 feet with a similar spread
Bloom season
Blooms intermittently throughout warm months, featuring unique blue and violet flowers with long, curved stamens
Propagation
Propagated primarily through stem cuttings taken during active growth, or by seeds
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, particularly when grown indoors or in dry conditions. Root rot can occur in poorly draining soils.
Similar species
Other members of the Rotheca genus, distinguished mainly by distinct floral coloration, leaf shape, and growth structure