Royal Red Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red') | Red-Purple Flowering Shrub

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Royal Red Butterfly Bush

Buddleja davidii ‘Royal Red’

A stunning, fast-growing butterfly bush with exceptionally long, fragrant, deep purple-red flower spikes that are a magnet for pollinators.

$16.90

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Description

Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red' is a magnificent, fast-growing deciduous shrub prized for its showy, fragrant, deep purple-red flower spikes and its ability to attract a dazzling array of butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees . This classic cultivar produces dense, pendulous clusters of richly colored blossoms that bloom from summer through fall, with a notably upright, arching habit that is more compact and manageable than many taller buddleja varieties . Its long, curved panicles of velvety, reddish-purple flowers are exceptionally long and striking, making it a standout in the pollinator garden .

Quick Facts

Processed facts

Light: Full sun .

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Foliage & Flowers: Lance-shaped, dark green to gray-green leaves with a woolly texture; long, arching panicles (4-12 inches) of deep purple-red to magenta flowers with a sweet, honey-like fragrance .
Mature Height: 5-6 ft (if cut back hard annually, can be kept to 4-5 ft; or 6-8 ft if unpruned) .
Mature Spread: 4-6 ft .
Growth Rate: Fast .
Hardiness Zones: USDA 5-9 .
Core Benefits: Spectacular long-blooming reddish-purple flowers, compact habit, excellent pollinator attractant, fast-growing, hardy, deer resistant .
Best Uses: Cottage gardens, wildlife and pollinator gardens, mixed borders, mass plantings, cut flower gardens, patio containers.

Faqs

Q: How should I prune my Royal Red Butterfly Bush?
A: It blooms on new wood. Prune hard in late winter or early spring (March), cutting the previous year's growth back to within a few buds of the base . This encourages strong, vigorous new shoots and the most abundant flowering. In cold climates, it may die back to the ground but will regrow from the roots . Its compact, upright habit makes it a good choice for containers in colder zones .

Q: How much sun and water does it need?
A: It thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours per day). It is very adaptable to soil types but prefers a moist, well-drained location. Water regularly during the first growing season; once established, it is drought-tolerant .

Q: Is Royal Red Butterfly Bush invasive?
A: Yes, it can be invasive as Buddleja davidii self-seeds readily. To prevent unwanted spread, remove spent flower spikes before they set seed . It is classified as invasive in several US states, including Oregon, Washington, and California .

Q: Does it really attract butterflies?
A: Absolutely. It is one of the most renowned butterfly and pollinator plants. Its fragrant, nectar-rich flowers also attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators throughout its long bloom season .

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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A practical starting size for perennials, grasses, groundcovers, vines and young shrubs. Lightweight, easy to plant and well suited for projects that need multiple plants.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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