Good Golly Miss Molly!
Buddleja x ‘Miss Molly’ is definitely a show stopper. It is hard to compete with the vivid color and abundance of this butterfly bush. This long-blooming beauty lasts from summer to frost! The fragrant blooms are great for cutting. Deadheading is not required but makes for a tidier plant.
They also attract pollinators and are a favorite of hummingbirds and, of course, butterflies. The blooms are not the only attribute of the Miss Molly butterfly bush. The plant has a compact branching form and an average growth of between four to five feet. Miss Molly loves the sun and heat, is non-invasive and deer resistant. The silvery-green leaves are another attraction contrasting nicely with chartreuse or gold.
In addition to the ‘Miss’ series, other butterfly bushes have done well in the University of Tennessee Gardens. The ‘Pugster’ series has become very popular due to its compact size and full-sized flowers. Many are on display in all three UT Gardens’ locations: Knoxville, Crossville and Jackson.
If your garden space is limited or if you are looking for a miniature version, check out the ‘Lo & Behold’ series. Two of the smallest selections are planted in our Butterfly Garden in Crossville. ‘Blue Chip Jr.’ and ‘Pink Micro Chip,’ both average only one to two feet in size.
Although easy to grow, butterfly bushes can be sensitive to root rot. Many are lost due to wet soil and temperature fluctuations between fall and spring. So, plant butterfly bushes in such a way as to encourage water to drain away from the plant, not settle around it. This is particularly true when dealing with clay soil. You should also avoid mulching directly around your butterfly bush, as the mulch can hold too much moisture.
If pruning is desired, wait until after new growth emerges in the spring. This insures greater protection through the winter, especially in colder climates. This may require a bit of patience. Butterfly bushes tend to be one of the last to leaf out in the spring. Some say to wait well into June before determining whether they survived winter or a wet spring.
One last tip for establishing one of these beauties: avoid fall planting. Unlike most shrubs, butterfly bushes prefer ample time to develop a good root system before enduring the cold, wet season. Plant them in spring through summer. August is not too late, but now is the time.
Visit the UT Gardens, Crossville, located at the Plateau AgResearch and Education Center. Miss Molly will greet you at the garden entrance.
