Groovy Grape™ Butterfly Bush

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

8-10 Feet

Mature Spread

6-8 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 9

Butterflies and hummingbirds flock to the deliciously fragrant flowers of the Groovy Grape butterfly bush. The spikes of rich violet-purple blooms contrast well with the gray green foliage. Flowers are plentiful, so it is easy to snip some off for cut flower arrangements without leaving the plant looking bare. The plant also offers an attractive, upright form that makes it a graceful-looking addition to the landscape. 

This butterfly bush reliably reaches its full height quickly each year. Use it to rapidly fill in bare spots in foundation plantings, beds, and borders.. Another great possibility is to plant the Groovy Grape, with its violet-purple flowers, in combination with other butterfly-attracting plants as part of a pollinator garden. Deer and rabbits are not attracted to this perennial. 

Groovy Grape Butterfly Bush Care

The Groovy Grape butterfly grows best in full sun in a site with average moisture and well-drained soil. Without sufficient sunlight it can get thin and leggy. Amend the soil with plenty of organic matter prior to planting if a site has a high clay content.  It is drought tolerant once established, but supplemental water during the summer following planting will encourage vigor. A healthy butterfly bush growing in good soil does generally not need any fertilizer.

This plant performs best with rejuvenation pruning each year, even in places where it does not die back to the ground. Cut the plant back to 12 inches above the ground in late winter to encourage a good shape. Removing the flower spikes as they fade can keep this plant blooming until frost. 

Groovy Grape Butterfly Bush Spacing

The Groovy Grape butterfly bush grows up to 10 feet tall with a spread of 6 to 8 feet. Space multiple plants accordingly, and make sure they have enough clearance for their maximum height.