Birthday Cake Butterfly Bush

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4 - 5 Feet

Mature Spread

2 - 3 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 9

Birthday Cake Butterfly Bush (Buddleia x ‘PODARASNGA 3-30’ USPPAF, CPBRAF) showcases tall, bright pink flower clusters that stand upright like candles, creating a striking display in summer and fall. Reaching around four to five feet tall with a narrower spread of two to three feet, it fits neatly into borders or container plantings without overwhelming nearby plants. The fragrant blooms invite butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, while the plant’s deer resistance keeps curious wildlife at bay. Appreciated for its compact shape, this variety offers a fresh alternative to traditional, more sprawling butterfly bushes. The showy flower spikes deliver a visual treat that sets it apart in any sun-drenched garden.

In addition to its floral appeal, Birthday Cake Butterfly Bush demonstrates heat tolerance and moderate drought resistance once established, contributing to its low-maintenance reputation. The upright habit works well as a specimen, grouped in mass plantings, or placed along mixed borders. A thoughtful breeding process has produced sterile blooms, preventing unwanted self-seeding issues typical with older Buddleia varieties. It thrives across Zones 5 through 9, making it broadly adaptable. Whether in containers or permanent beds, it maintains a season-long display of color.

Birthday Cake Butterfly Bush Care

Select a sunny location that offers at least six hours of direct light each day. Provide well-draining soil, enriched with compost or organic matter if the ground tends to retain water. Water weekly during the first growing season, letting the top inch of soil dry slightly between watering sessions to discourage root rot. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring supports steady growth and abundant blooms. Mulching around the base helps maintain even soil moisture and keeps weeds at bay.

Prune in late winter or early spring, cutting back old stems to promote fresh shoots and fuller growth. Deadheading spent flowers through the blooming season encourages new blooms. In colder climates, applying an extra layer of mulch near the root zone may offer added winter protection. Container-grown plants benefit from occasional trimming and repotting if roots become crowded.

Birthday Cake Butterfly Bush Spacing

Place shrubs about two to three feet apart for a more cohesive hedge or mass planting. If you prefer a slightly looser design, increase spacing to give each plant ample room for its upright form. In containers, choose a pot about 16 to 18 inches in diameter, providing enough space for healthy root development. Size up every few years to refresh the potting soil and provide more space for the root ball. 

SKU:

1231020564-pc