Mop Top Butterfly Bush (Buddleia alternifolia ‘SMNBAB’) is stunning with gracefully arching branches that showcase lavender flower clusters in spring. This unique fountain butterfly bush grows to a compact 3 to 5 feet, making it an ideal choice for smaller gardens or containers. Thanks to its earlier bloom time, Mop Top brings interest to the landscape right when other spring flowers begin to take center stage. Hardy down to USDA Zone 4, it outperforms many other butterfly bush varieties in cooler climates while still attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Its gently weeping branches create a flowing silhouette, and the dainty purple blooms give off a soft fragrance. Mop Top tolerates drought once established, handles cold winters, and resists deer, which makes maintenance hassle-free. Originally introduced for its space-saving size and hardy lineage, it shines as a specimen plant or in borders where its cascading habit can be fully appreciated. Pair it with other spring shrubs, plant in groupings for a mass of color, or tuck it into a pollinator-friendly garden to invite beneficial insects.
Mop Top Butterfly Bush Care
Plant in full sun to encourage robust flowering, ensuring the soil drains well to avoid root issues. A slightly alkaline or neutral soil typically suits this shrub, though it adjusts to other pH levels when drainage is good. Water regularly during its first growing season, then reduce the schedule once the plant settles in. Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring if desired, but Mop Top generally remains healthy with minimal feeding. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and discourages weeds.
Keep pruning light until after the spring flower display, as Mop Top blooms on old wood. In colder regions, the plant may go dormant and return in spring when temperatures rise. Container-grown plants thrive if watered more frequently, so consider using a pot with excellent drainage and a slightly raised placement for the best results. Because of its hardy nature, Mop Top easily adapts to a range of garden settings.
Pruning should take place right after flowering is finished, focusing on thinning out older stems to maintain the elegant fountain shape. Rejuvenating cuts can be made by removing some of the oldest branches down to ground level. Avoid autumn or winter pruning, which risks removing the following spring’s flower buds. If growing it in containers, protect the roots in harsh winter climates by relocating the pot to a sheltered spot.
Mop Top Butterfly Bush Spacing
When setting up multiple plants in a row or a mass planting, allow about 3 to 5 feet between each shrub so the cascading branches have room to spread. For a single specimen, ensure it has 5 feet on all sides to highlight its graceful, arching habit. If planting in a container, choose one at least 14 inches in diameter to accommodate the root system and promote healthy growth.
- SKU:
- MTBBMOPTO-GC
Container Sizes
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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
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
2.5 Quart
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
#1 Pot
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
#2 Pot
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
#3 Pot
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
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations