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Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush

$11995 $25995
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Risk-Free 1 Year Warranty
Use code "FALL10" for an extra 10% off!

Your Plants are Guaranteed to Grow

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush

Planting Instructions for Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush

  1. Location and Soil Preparation:
    Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush thrives in full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily) and requires well-drained soil. It prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral pH range (6.0–7.5). If your soil is heavy or prone to waterlogging, amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
  2. Planting Process:

Care Instructions

  1. Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots. This variety is drought-tolerant once mature, but water deeply during dry spells, especially during summer. Ensure the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged.
  2. Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth. Alternatively, you can work compost into the soil in spring to enrich it with nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
  3. Monitoring for Issues: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or a strong water spray. If your plant experiences slow growth or yellowing leaves, check for root rot caused by overwatering or poor drainage.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  1. Pruning: Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush blooms on new wood, so prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and plentiful blooms. Cut the plant back to about 12–18 inches from the ground to keep its compact shape. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the blooming season will encourage continuous flowering.
  2. Pest Control: Pugster Blue® is generally pest-resistant, but if aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies appear, treat them early with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Make sure plants are properly spaced to promote air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
  3. Winter Care: Hardy to USDA zones 5–9, Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush can handle colder temperatures. In colder zones (zones 5–6), you may want to add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant in late fall to protect the roots from freezing. The plant may die back in winter, but it will regrow from the base in spring.
What Customers say about the Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush:

The Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush thrives in Zones 5-9

Growing Zones for the Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush.

Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 5-9
Mature Height 2-3 ft.
Mature Width 2-3 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR, WA
Sunlight Full Sun
Botanical Name Buddleia 'Pugster Blue'

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Single purple flower spike of the Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush with dense, tubular blooms.

Beware- not all Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bushes are the same.

Be sure to get superior butterfly bushes, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" butterfly bushes to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bushes in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that will explode with growth and blooms!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall butterfly bushes in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" shrub, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy shrub.

Full Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush in a garden, showcasing compact growth and multiple blooms.

Pugster Blue® gives you full-sized butterfly bush flowers on a dwarf plant- big color for small spaces.

  • Large, fragrant, true-blue flower clusters on thick, sturdy stems
  • Blooms from early summer until frost
  • Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and bees
  • Dwarf size just 2-3 ft. tall and wide, hardy in zones 5-9 and drought tolerant once mature

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

Two deep purple flower spikes of the Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush with green foliage.

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure plants including the pot and roots, so the plant you receive is much smaller than you expected. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!

You Want Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bushes Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship small, weak shrubs grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" plants struggle after planting and take longer to bloom well.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bushes, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means they settle in quickly and start blooming for the butterflies sooner.

Read more about the Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush

Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bushes

Compact, Fragrant Blooms with Big Color and Butterfly Appeal!

The Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush (Buddleia 'Pugster Blue') is a unique, dwarf butterfly bush that delivers full-sized, vibrant blue flowers on a compact plant. Known for its rich color, fragrant blooms, and extended flowering season, this shrub adds a burst of beauty and charm to any garden. Despite its small stature, Pugster Blue® produces large, cone-shaped flower clusters that attract butterflies and other pollinators, making it an essential addition for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Bold, Long-Lasting Blooms

With deep, true-blue flowers that bloom from early summer through fall, the Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush stands out in any landscape. The dense, fragrant flower spikes are not only beautiful but also highly attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Unlike many butterfly bushes, Pugster Blue® blooms prolifically on a compact frame, making it perfect for smaller gardens, borders, or container planting. Its extended flowering period ensures your garden stays colorful all season long.

Why Choose the Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush?

  • Compact Size with Full-Sized Flowers: Pugster Blue® features the same large, showy flowers as traditional butterfly bushes but on a smaller, more manageable plant. It reaches just 2 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for small spaces, containers, and borders.
  • Long Blooming Season: From early summer to frost, Pugster Blue® keeps your garden bright and beautiful with continuous blooms. Its long flowering season guarantees color for months.
  • Fragrant Blooms: The fragrant blue flowers not only smell wonderful but are also irresistible to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, bringing life and movement to your garden.
  • Cold Hardy and Durable: Pugster Blue® is more cold-hardy than most butterfly bushes, thriving in USDA Zones 5-9, and its thick, sturdy stems provide better winter survival than other compact varieties.
  • Low Maintenance: This butterfly bush is both heat and drought-tolerant, making it easy to care for once established. It requires minimal pruning and maintenance.

Ideal Placement and Uses

  • Small Gardens & Patios: With its compact size and full-sized flowers, Pugster Blue® is ideal for small gardens, urban spaces, and patios where space is limited but color and fragrance are desired.
  • Borders & Edges: Use Pugster Blue® along the edges of flower beds or as a border plant to create a neat, colorful edge that attracts butterflies and pollinators all season.
  • Containers & Planters: This dwarf variety thrives in containers, making it perfect for adding vibrant blue blooms to your patio, deck, or balcony.
  • Pollinator Gardens: Attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees with Pugster Blue®'s fragrant, nectar-rich blooms. It’s a perfect addition to any wildlife or pollinator-friendly garden.

Growing Tips

  • Light: Plant your Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush in full sun for the best bloom performance. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  • Watering: Water regularly during the first year to help establish a strong root system. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during extended dry periods.
  • Soil: This butterfly bush prefers well-drained soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but performs best in fertile, loamy soil with good drainage.
  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can reduce blooming.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. In late winter or early spring, cut back any dead or damaged stems to encourage fresh growth and maintain the plant’s shape.

Why Buy from Nationwide Plants?

When you purchase a Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush from Nationwide Plants, you’re choosing quality and care. We provide:

  • Healthy, well-established plants that are ready to thrive in your garden.
  • Fast, secure shipping to ensure your plant arrives in perfect condition.
  • Expert growing support to help you enjoy beautiful blooms for years to come.

With its compact size, long-lasting blue blooms, and pollinator-friendly appeal, the Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush is a must-have for any garden. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to a small space or create a wildlife-friendly landscape, this butterfly bush delivers stunning results with minimal effort.

Order your Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush today and bring vibrant color and butterflies to your garden all season long!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush

How big does Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush get?

Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush is a dwarf variety that grows only about 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. Despite its small size, it produces full-sized flower clusters on thick, sturdy stems, making it ideal for small gardens, borders, and containers.

When does Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush bloom?

Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush blooms from early summer until frost, producing large, fragrant, true-blue flower clusters. Deadheading spent blooms throughout the season encourages the plant to keep producing fresh flowers for continuous color. Its long season of color makes it a standout in borders and patio pots.

Does Pugster Blue attract butterflies and hummingbirds?

Yes, Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush is highly attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Its dense, nectar-rich flower spikes bloom over a long season, making it an excellent choice for pollinator and wildlife-friendly gardens. Its compact size lets you add pollinator appeal to even small beds, patios, and containers.

How do you prune Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush?

Prune Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush in late winter or early spring, cutting it back to about 12 to 18 inches from the ground. It blooms on new wood, so this hard cut encourages fresh growth, keeps the plant compact, and produces plenty of flowers.

What zones does Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush grow in?

Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. In zones 5 and 6, add a layer of mulch around the base in late fall to protect the roots. It may die back in winter, but it regrows from the base in spring.

How much sun does Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush need?

Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush needs full sun, with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, to bloom its best. In too much shade it will produce fewer flowers and may grow weaker, so choose the sunniest spot in your garden or patio.

Can Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush grow in a pot?

Yes, Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush is well suited to containers thanks to its compact 2 to 3 foot size. Use a pot with drainage holes and well-draining potting mix, place it in full sun, and water whenever the top of the soil dries, since containers dry out faster.

What soil does Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush need?

Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush needs well-drained soil and prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of about 6.0 to 7.5. If your soil is heavy or stays wet, amend it with compost or sand, since soggy soil can cause root rot.

Is Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush drought tolerant?

Yes, Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush is drought tolerant once mature. Water regularly during its first growing season to establish strong roots, then water deeply during summer dry spells. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause leggy growth and fewer blooms. Good drainage matters more than frequent watering.

Can Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush ship to my state?

Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush cannot be shipped to Arizona, Oregon, or Washington due to state plant shipping restrictions. Customers in other states can order it in 2 or 3 gallon sizes for sunny borders, pollinator gardens, patio containers, and small-space plantings.
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