Don’t Grow Butterfly Bush in Your Garden—Pros Tell Us Why

The appeal of a butterfly bush can’t be denied. Impressive panicles of tiny blooms, a fast-growing habit, and the perception that it’s a friend to pollinators—sounds great, right? Not so fast.

Butterfly bushes might look harmless, but experts like Mary Phillips, head of native plant habitat strategy/certifications at the National Wildlife Federation, want you to know these large shrubs can have invasive tendencies, crushing out native species beneficial to the local ecosystem.

Phillips shares all the details on why butterfly bush is better avoided, plus what you should plant instead.

Is It Bad to Grow a Butterfly Bush?

According to Phillips, once butterfly bushes are planted, they’re prolific seed producers that can spread quickly in the wind. They grow at a fast rate and can thrive in a wide variety of conditions.

This can result in dense thickets that squelch out native species, in turn disrupting the food chain both for animals and native insects that rely on native plants for a food source.

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Think Twice Before Growing Butterfly Bush

Butterfly bush is a deciduous shrub known for its showy blooms, quick maturation rate, and pollinator power. But, before you run out to your favorite nursery to pick one up, there’s something you should know.

It turns out, the stunner can be invasive in some areas, squashing out native plants that likely produce a more high-quality nectar than that of the butterfly bush.

“By focusing on butterfly bush, gardeners may neglect to plant a wider variety of native flowering and host plants that provide a complete nutrition source for butterflies,” Phillips explains.

Should I Get Rid of My Butterfly Bush?

Removing butterfly bushes and replacing them with native nectar and host plants will provide much more benefit to pollinators and other wildlife species, says Phillips.

If butterfly bush is invasive in your area, Phillips advises checking with local authorities for their recommendation and regulations for proper removal and disposal of the plant.

Phillips says the ideal time to remove butterfly bush is in the late spring or early summer before it sets seed. To make quicker work of the job, wait for moist soil conditions after rain as this will make the soil softer for easier removal.

5 Alternatives to Encourage Pollinators

If you want to encourage more butterflies in your yard, skip the butterfly bush and opt for one of these recommendations from Phillips instead.

• Buttonbush (Catharanthus occidentalis): Buttonbush can reach heights of up to 12 feet and feature dark green foliage, white or pink round flowers that resemble pincushions, and twisted trunks. While they’re considered a shrub, they can also take the form of a small tree.
• Blazing Star (Liatris): The flowers of the blazing star form tall spires that attract butterflies and a variety of other pollinators. The flowers bloom in wands of purple, pink, or white, and last an unusually long time.
• Joe Pye Weed: Low maintenance and a hardy constitution are the name of the game for Joe Pye weed. The fragrant flowers are a favorite for birds, bees, moths, and butterflies.
• American Beauty Berry (Callicarpa Americana): If you’re looking to add fall color to your yard, the American Beauty Berry can do just that. Bright purple berries and chartreuse leave dazzle every autumn while attracting butterflies and birds.
• Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): Milkweed and other larval host plants are critical to the lifestyle of pollinators. They grow up to five feet tall and feature highly fragrant, pods covered in mini pink or purple blooms that project outward. They are known to attract both bees and butterflies.