Overview
Uses: Pollinator gardens, mixed borders, foundation beds, patio containers, cut flower gardens.
Benefits: A compact, non-invasive butterfly bush with richly saturated red blooms that draw butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds all season long, while holding a neat, garden-friendly shape.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
Sun: Full Sun
Life Cycle: Deciduous Shrub
Growth Habit: Mounding, Rounded — dense branching with a broad, compact form.
Bloom Color: Red
Mature Height: 4–5'
Mature Width: 4–5'
Bloom Season: Summer to Frost
Growth Rate: Fast
Summary
For gardens that crave true red, ‘Miss Molly’ delivers a bold bloom color that turns heads from summer through frost.
This Proven Winners® butterfly bush produces dense, fragrant flower spikes in a deep red tone that stands out beautifully against green foliage. The nectar-rich blooms bring steady pollinator traffic—especially butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds—making it a centerpiece plant for wildlife-friendly borders and sunny patio spaces.
‘Miss Molly’ stays compact and rounded, fitting comfortably into smaller landscapes and large containers. Once established, it handles heat well and becomes more drought tolerant, keeping color and movement in the garden when many shrubs settle into summer green.
Care
Butterfly Bush Care
Plant in full sun for the strongest growth and best bloom production. Light shade is tolerated, but flowering is typically reduced.
Provide well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. After establishment, water during extended dry periods.
Prune in early spring as new growth begins to encourage fresh stems and abundant flowering. Avoid fall pruning in colder zones.
If fertilization is needed, apply a slow release fertilizer in spring according to label directions.
Container Growing: ‘Miss Molly’ is well suited to large patio containers with strong drainage. Container-grown plants require more frequent watering and occasional feeding during active growth. Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
Size
What Size is the 'Miss Molly' Butterfly Bush for Sale Online?
Our 'Miss Molly' Butterfly Bush ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container and the current growing season. Please contact us with any specific size questions before ordering.
How Large Does 'Miss Molly' Butterfly Bush Grow?
At maturity, 'Miss Molly' typically reaches about 4–5' tall and 4–5' wide, forming a dense, rounded shrub that stays proportionate in borders and patio plantings.
Additional Information
What is the botanical name of 'Miss Molly' Butterfly Bush?
The botanical name is Buddleja ‘Miss Molly’ PP#23,425; CBR#4446.
What are some common names for this plant?
This plant is commonly called butterfly bush.
Is 'Miss Molly' good for pollinators?
Yes. The fragrant flower spikes are nectar-rich and attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the blooming season. Browse more pollinator-friendly options in our Shrubs & Bushes collection.
Is 'Miss Molly' deer resistant?
Butterfly bush is generally considered deer resistant, though browsing can still occur when food is scarce. You can explore additional options in our Deer-Resistant Shrubs and Evergreens and deer-resistant plants collections.
Can 'Miss Molly' be grown in containers?
Yes. Use a large container with excellent drainage and a sturdy, sunny placement. For more container-friendly picks, visit our Patio Plants collection.
