Butterfly bushes are well-known late summer- and fall-blooming perennials. There are a number of selections of these butterfly-attracting shrubs with different-colored flowers. However, the plants can grow large and unruly in a perennial border. A new series of butterfly bushes from England features a shorter (4 to 5 feet tall), bushier habit with larger flower trusses that are excellent for cutting.

The English Butterfly Series was developed by Elizabeth Keep of East Malling, England. Three cultivars are currently available: the pink-flowered ‘Peacock’ (Buddleia davidii ‘Peakeep’), purple-flowered ‘Purple Emperor’ (Buddleia davidii ‘Pyrkeep’), and the dark blue-flowered ‘Adonis Blue’ (Buddleia davidii ‘Adokeep’). All three are hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9, grow best in full sun on well-drained soil, and flower on new wood produced in spring. They all should be pruned back in late winter.

For more information on the English Butterfly Series, go to: Proven Winners.