Overview
Uses: Pollinator gardens, mixed borders, patio containers, foundation plantings, mass plantings.
Benefits: True blue blooms on a compact plant with full-sized flower panicles. Long bloom season with fragrant flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Sturdy stems and dense branching for a full, tidy look.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
Sun: Full Sun
Life Cycle: Deciduous Shrub
Growth Habit: Mounding, Rounded — compact form with thick, sturdy stems.
Bloom Color: Blue with Yellow eyes
Foliage Color: Green
Mature Height: 24 in
Mature Width: 24 in
Bloom Season: Summer to Fall
Growth Rate: Fast
Summary
Pugster Blue® delivers a true blue butterfly bush look in a compact, garden-friendly size.
This Proven Winners® selection pairs oversized, fragrant flower panicles with a dwarf habit that stays neat and manageable. Blooms are packed with rich blue florets accented by bright yellow eyes, creating bold color from early summer into fall.
Dense branching and thick stems help the plant hold its shape and support heavy bloom. It’s an easy way to add long-season color and pollinator activity to sunny borders, patio planters, and smaller garden spaces.
Care
Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush Care
Plant in full sun for best flowering and a dense habit.
Provide well-drained soil. Avoid areas that stay wet or hold water.
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, water during extended dry periods for best growth and flowering.
Prune in early spring as new growth begins. Butterfly bush blooms on new wood, and spring pruning encourages vigorous growth and abundant flowers. Avoid fall and winter pruning.
A spring application of slow release fertilizer may support strong seasonal performance.
Container Growing: Use a large container with excellent drainage and a quality potting mix. Container-grown plants require more frequent watering than in-ground plantings. Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
Size
What Size is the Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush for Sale Online?
Plants ship in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and are well rooted and actively growing. Each plant is established but not mature at time of shipment. Please contact us with any specific size questions before ordering.
How Large Does Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush Grow?
At maturity, this compact butterfly bush typically reaches about 24 inches tall and 24 inches wide, forming a dense, rounded mound.
Additional Information
What is the botanical name of Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush?
The botanical name is Buddleja ‘SMNBDBT’.
Is Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush truly compact?
Yes. Unlike older butterfly bush varieties that can grow 6–10 feet tall, Pugster Blue® stays around 24 inches tall and wide. It offers full-sized flower panicles on a dwarf, garden-friendly plant that fits well in smaller landscapes and containers.
Does Pugster Blue® attract butterflies and hummingbirds?
Absolutely. The fragrant blue flower spikes are highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Explore more options in our Butterfly Bushes collection.
When should Butterfly Bush be pruned?
Butterfly bush blooms on new wood. Prune in early spring as new growth begins. Cutting back in spring encourages strong stems and abundant flowering throughout summer.
Is Pugster Blue® cold hardy?
This variety is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. In colder areas of Zone 5, plants may experience some winter dieback but will regrow from the base in spring. Thick stems improve winter performance compared to older dwarf types.
Can Pugster Blue® be grown in containers?
Yes. Its compact size makes it excellent for patio containers and planters. Use a large container with proper drainage and protect the root system in colder climates during winter.
Is Pugster Blue® deer resistant?
Yes. While no plant is completely deer-proof, butterfly bush is generally considered deer resistant once established.
Are more Proven Winners® shrubs available?
Yes. Browse additional selections in our Proven Winners® collection, or explore tall screening options in our Privacy Trees & Shrubs collection.
