Butterfly bushes (Buddleja davidii) are loved by gardeners for their colorful flowers and ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. However, while they provide nectar for butterflies, they do not support caterpillars. If you live in an area with deer, you might wonder if these bushes are safe from browsing. The good news is that butterfly bushes are generally deer-resistant.
Why are Butterfly Bushes Deer Resistant?
No plant is completely safe from deer, but butterfly bushes have features that make them less appealing:
- Hairy leaves and stems: The tiny hairs on the leaves and stems make them unpleasant to eat.
- Strong scent: The fragrance of butterfly bushes can keep deer away.
- Unpleasant taste: Deer may not like the taste of the leaves and flowers.
Although deer usually avoid butterfly bushes, they may still nibble on them if food is scarce.
Deer Resistance Ratings
According to Rutgers University, butterfly bushes are “Rarely Damaged” by deer. This means deer seldom cause serious harm to these plants. While they might occasionally munch on buds, they usually leave the leaves and flowers alone.
Deer-Resistant Butterfly Bush Varieties
If you want to minimize deer damage and explore different types of butterfly bushes, consider these varieties:
- Pugster Pink®: Compact plant with bright pink flowers, resistant to deer and rabbits.
- Miss Molly: Produces deep red flowers and does not spread easily.
- Miss Pearl: White-flowered variety, great for a moon garden.
- Miss Ruby: Produces pinkish-purple flowers that attract pollinators.
- Lo & Behold® ‘Blue Chip Jr.’: A small, non-invasive plant with blue flowers.
- Pugster Amethyst: Light purple flowers with a yellow-orange center.
- Pugster Blue®: Large dark blue blooms.
- Pugster Periwinkle®: Medium purple flowers.
- Pugster Pinker™: Rich pink flowers with a bright orange center.
- Pugster White: Large white flowers with a neat shape.
Things to Consider Before Planting Butterfly Bushes
Butterfly bushes grow quickly and produce a lot of seeds. One flower spike can create over 40,000 seeds, which the wind and water can spread. These seeds can stay in the soil for years, and cut stems can regrow. This makes them invasive in some areas.
To prevent their spread, choose sterile varieties like ‘Miss Molly’ or plants from the Lo & Behold® series. These types produce little or no seeds, helping to control their growth.
Alternatives to Butterfly Bushes
If you want plants that deer avoid even more, consider these options:
| Plant Name | Type | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Annual | Blue, pink, and white fuzzy flowers. |
| Signet Marigold | Annual | Strong scent keeps deer away. |
| Boxwood | Evergreen shrub | Strong smell repels deer. |
| Cinquefoil | Shrub | Soft leaves deer dislike. |
| Spirea | Shrub | Colorful foliage and different sizes. |
| Juniper | Evergreen shrub | Contains oils that deer avoid. |
| Bee balm | Perennial | Fragrant leaves and pollinator-friendly. |
| Catmint | Perennial | Fuzzy, scented leaves repel deer. |
| Salvia | Perennial | Attracts pollinators, deer-resistant. |
| Lavender | Perennial | Strong fragrance keeps deer away. |
| Russian sage | Perennial | Fragrant and attracts pollinators. |
| Ornamental grasses | Grasses | Soft texture and wildlife shelter. |
| Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) | Perennial | Sticky sap repels deer. |
| Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) | Perennial | Long-lasting flowers attract pollinators. |
Conclusion
Butterfly bushes are a great choice for gardens, providing bright flowers and attracting pollinators. They are also deer-resistant, thanks to their hairy leaves, strong scent, and taste. However, very hungry deer may still eat them.
It’s also important to note that some butterfly bushes can spread quickly and outcompete native plants. Choosing sterile varieties can help prevent this issue.
Lastly, while butterfly bushes attract butterflies, they do not support their caterpillars. To create a butterfly-friendly garden, plant a mix of flowers that cater to the entire butterfly life cycle.
You can build a balanced and beautiful garden by selecting the right plants and considering deer resistance.