Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Miss Pearl Butterfly Bush is non-invasive and smaller in size than many other butterfly bush varieties. This fast-growing deciduous shrub produces long-lasting, pure white honey-scented blossoms for months during the summer into fall without deadheading. This variety was bred by Dr. Dennis Werner at North Carolina State University. This shrub is sometimes referred to as summer lilac.
Miss Pearl Butterfly Bush is a great landscape choice for border gardens, screening utilities, privacy or unattractive views, in mass planting or as a focal point in your garden. It can also be grown as a container plant. The long, narrow clusters of white blossoms formed at the tips of each stem are attractive to many species of butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. It’s also deer and rabbit resistant. This shrub can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9 and will reach between 4 and 5 feet in height and width when mature.
Miss Pearl Butterfly Bush Care
Blossoms appear on new growth but prune in the spring after new leaf growth emerges for best results. Prune to just above the point where new growth begins. New spring growth takes place later than in most shrubs so don’t be concerned and tempted to remove the plan inadvertently thinking that it has not survived the winter. Plant Miss Pearl Butterfly Bush in a sunny location in well-draining soil. It is susceptible to root rot in wet winter and spring conditions.
Miss Pearl Butterfly Bush Spacing
Plant multiple specimens 4 to 5 feet apart on center. Avoid planting Miss Pearl Butterfly Bush in the fall in USDA hardiness zones 5 and 6. This is because the plant needs time to become established to survive harsh winter conditions.
Miss Pearl Butterfly Bush Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 9 (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
- 4-5 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 4-5 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Dry
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- White
- 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, Fall Flowering, 3 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Miss Pearl Butterfly Bush
- Also Known As
- Summer Lilac
- Botanical Name
- Buddleia x 'Miss Pearl' USPP 28,553
- Brand
- Proven Winners
- Plant Type
- Non-invasive
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, MA, OR, WI, WY, 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!