Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The foliage is usually the draw of a butterfly bush, and the Summer Skies Butterfly Bush has stunning blooms that do not disappoint, but the foliage is also a lovely aspect of this plant. Tiny, lavender-colored blooms grow in large cone-shaped clusters. This summer-blooming stunner features a full, upright growth habit. Variegated elliptical foliage comes to a narrow point and features dark green centers with creamy yellow margins. The leaves will continue to make this plant visually interesting after flowering is complete.
This deciduous shrub will attract butterflies and hummingbirds and be a very popular destination in a landscape. Include as part of a bed, border, or mass planting, but make sure to plant near a walkway, patio, or window where the scent of the fragrant blooms can waft. The flower clusters make wonderful cut flowers, and the foliage is deer-resistant for added convenience. Grow this showy butterfly bush as a perennial in USDA zones 5 through 8.
Summer Skies Butterfly Bush Care
This plant grows best in an area that receives full to partial sun. Average to rich, moist, and well-drained soil supports this fast-growing plant. New plants need consistent moisture, but established plants are drought-tolerant. Water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Get the plant off to a strong start with a dose of a balanced fertilizer during the spring.
Remove spent flowers to encourage even more blooms. The growth will die back in cold regions after the first frost, so trim back in the late fall.
Summer Skies Butterfly Bush Spacing
The Summer Skies Butterfly Bush is an upright plant that will reach 5 to 7 feet wide and tall. Plants can be spaced as close as 4 to 6 feet when creating a consistent look.
Summer Skies Butterfly Bush Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 8 (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
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 5-7 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 5-7 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded, Upright
- 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, Yellow
- Foliage Description
- Green, White Variegated
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Summer Skies Butterfly Bush
- Botanical Name
- BUDDLEIA 'SUMMER SKIES'
- Brand
- Proven Winners
- 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!