Buddleia spp.
Generally, Butterfly Bush are one of the top pollinator attractants for Northeast Ohio gardens and they exhibit excellent deer resistance, too! Offering full-sized flowers on a dwarf plant, Pugster Pinker® creates a whole new look and opportunity for butterfly bush. This compact variety reaches just 2 feet tall and wide yet displays the large, full flowers typically found on much larger, traditional buddleia plants. It also blooms non-stop from early summer to frost with very rich pink flowers that feature a tiny bright orange eye in the center. With thick, sturdy stems, it also offers improved hardiness and winter survival. Plant in well-drained, amended soil. Water well after planting; maintain 1" of water once a week the first year. Cut back to 6-12" in spring when new growth appears; disbud the beginning of May, June & July for compactness. Feed at least twice during the growing season with a slow release fertilizer in early spring and again mid-summer. Follow label instructions. Mulch 2" to suppress weeds, retain moisture and protect against extremes of soil temperature.