Summer Skies Butterfly Bush

Size

The foliage is usually the draw of a butterfly bush, and the Summer Skies Butterfly Bush has stunning blooms that do not disappoint, but the foliage is also a lovely aspect of this plant. Tiny, lavender-colored blooms grow in large cone-shaped clusters. This summer-blooming stunner features a full, upright growth habit. Variegated elliptical foliage comes to a narrow point and features dark green centers with creamy yellow margins. The leaves will continue to make this plant visually interesting after flowering is complete. This deciduous shrub will attract butterflies and hummingbirds and be a very popular destination in a landscape. Include as part of a bed, border, or mass planting, but make sure to plant near a walkway, patio, or window where the scent of the fragrant blooms can waft. The flower clusters make wonderful cut flowers, and the foliage is deer-resistant for added convenience. Grow this showy butterfly bush as a perennial in USDA zones 5 through 8. Summer Skies Butterfly Bush Care This plant grows best in an area that receives full to partial sun. Average to rich, moist, and well-drained soil supports this fast-growing plant. New plants need consistent moisture, but established plants are drought-tolerant. Water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Get the plant off to a strong start with a dose of a balanced fertilizer during the spring. Remove spent flowers to encourage even more blooms. The growth will die back in cold regions after the first frost, so trim back in the late fall. Summer Skies Butterfly Bush Spacing The Summer Skies Butterfly Bush is an upright plant that will reach 5 to 7 feet wide and tall. Plants can be spaced as close as 4 to 6 feet when creating a consistent look.