Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue'
Buddleja davidii 'Pugster Blue'
A compact, dwarf deciduous shrub featuring thick, sturdy stems and exceptionally large, cone-shaped clusters of vibrant blue-purple flowers with orange eyes.
- Light
- Full sun (6+ hours per day for best blooming)
- Water
- Average watering; allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Drought tolerant once established but sensitive to 'wet feet' or over-watering.
- Growth
- Perennial dwarf shrub; mature size is roughly 2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide with a rounded, compact habit.
Care instructions
Plant in a sunny location with excellent drainage. Prune in late winter or early spring just after new growth emerges. Requires very little maintenance once established.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun (6+ hours per day for best blooming)
Watering
Average watering; allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Drought tolerant once established but sensitive to 'wet feet' or over-watering.
Soil
Well-drained soil is essential. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0) but is adaptable to various soil types.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 5 through 9; cold hardy to -20°F (-29°C).
Growth habit
Perennial dwarf shrub; mature size is roughly 2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide with a rounded, compact habit.
Bloom season
Produces fragrant, dense flower spikes from early summer through the first frost.
Propagation
Propagated by softwood cuttings in spring or summer; 'Pugster' is a patented series, so commercial asexual propagation is restricted.
Common pests & issues
Main issues include root rot in poorly drained soil, spider mites in very hot/dry conditions, and japanese beetles.
Similar species
Similar to other dwarf Buddleja series like 'Lo & Behold', but the Pugster series is distinguished by its thicker stems and significantly larger flower clusters.
Interesting facts
Members of the Pugster series are bred to have stems so thick they resist typical winter die-back common in other dwarf butterfly bushes.