Small
but mighty.
The name Pugster® is a nod to those cute little dogs with the
heavy breathing and googly eyes. Pugster® Buddleia don't have the Darth Vadar sound
effects of a pug, but they are charming and sturdy, just like the dog.
The exceptionally thick stems of Pugster® Buddleia give them superior winter hardiness in the northern part of their zone. Butterfly bush often struggles in colder climates, and the thicker stems of these new plants will come through winter better than the thin stems of other varieties.
Pugster® Buddleia come in four colors: Blue, Periwinkle, Pink, and White. All are hardy to USDA Zone 5 and grow about 2' tall and wide. They are strong rebloomers, and like other Buddleia will do best in full sun.
This is the butterfly bush for northern climates.
Thick, sturdy stems make Pugster® Buddleia a good choice for colder climates. Cold, wet winters are really hard on butterfly bush, and the thicker stems are better able to live through cold and snowy winters.
In the northern parts of its range butterfly bush may die back
to the ground and perform more like a perennial than a flowering shrub. We
recommend early season rather than fall planting in these areas. Cutting
it back in later winter will help to maintain a nice full habit. Pugster® Buddleia have
a nice bushy habit and dense branching so is a good looking plant when others
can be rangy.
Those of you in milder climates may want to look at the Lo & Behold® Buddleia. These plants
are low growing and bushy rebloomers, like Pugster®, but are permitted for sale
in Oregon and Washington State.
Got questions about butterfly bush? Check out the ultimate guide to butterfly bush. Yes, it's a real thing, and yes, it's the ultimate. Have a great holiday weekend!
Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles
