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 Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Bushes |
| Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 5 - 7 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 5 - 7 Feet |
| Spacing: 5 - 7 Feet |
| Habit: Mounded, Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Purple |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green, White |
| Foliage Description: Variegated |
| Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Drought |
| Attracts: Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Container Role: Thriller |
| Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Foliage Interest, Fragrant, Low Maintenance |
| Brand: Proven Winners |
| Common Name: Summer Skies Butterfly Bush |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: BUDDLEIA `SUMMER SKIES` |
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, 2025 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: AZ, CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, 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!