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

Royal Red Butterfly Bush

1 Gallon

$16.90

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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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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

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 .

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

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 .
Light Requirement: Full sun .
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.

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 .