Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Beautiful, sweet-scented blooms and a gently weeping form ensure the Lilac Cascade Butterfly Bush will be an instant favorite. Tiny purple flowers grow in 12- to 18-inch long, cone-shaped clusters that gently arch or weep, giving the Buddleia davidii a full, lush look. Blooming starts in early summer and continues until late summer.
This sun-loving shrub is a natural focal point, so include it in a bed or mass planting or create a lovely flowering border or hedge. Plant the butterfly bush in a busy area where the fragrant blooms can be enjoyed. Butterflies and other pollinators favor this fast-growing shrub, but it is deer- and rabbit-resistant for dependable foliage even in areas with a lot of foragers. The Lilac Cascade Butterfly Bush is an upright shrub that grows as a perennial in USDA zones 5 through 10.
Lilac Cascade Butterfly Bush Care
At least 6 hours of sunlight is necessary for the Lilac Cascade Butterfly Bush. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil with high organic content. Water when the top few inches of soil dries out. While this bush is drought-tolerant, consistent watering will keep the plant healthy and blooming.
Each spring, a dose of balanced, slow-release fertilizer will support plenty of foliage and blooms. Shape this bush in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Lilac Cascade Butterfly Bush Spacing
Lilac Cascade Butterfly Bush is an upright perennial shrub that will grow 5 to 6 feet tall and wide. Shrubs can grow as close as 2 to 4 feet apart.
Lilac Cascade Butterfly Bush Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 10 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 5-6 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 5-6 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Purple
- Flower Description
- Purple
- Bloom Time
- Summer to Fall
- Blooms On
-
New Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Lilac Cascade Butterfly Bush
- Botanical Name
- BUDDLEIA 'LILAC CASCADE'
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: ID, OR, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!