Plant Type: Deciduous flowering shrub
Botanical Name: Buddleja davidii ‘Empire Blue’
Flower Colour: Deep blue to violet
Growth Habit: Vigorous, upright shrub
Final Height: Approx. 2–3 m
Exposure: Full sun
Soil Type: Well-drained soil
Flowering Period: Mid summer to early autumn
Hardiness: Suitable for outdoor growing once established

Butterfly Bush ‘Empire Blue’ is a striking variety valued for its rich colouring and strong attraction to pollinators. Buddleja davidii is widely regarded as one of the most effective shrubs for bringing butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects into the garden during summer.

This variety produces long, elegant panicles of deep blue to violet flowers, creating a cool and composed display from mid summer into early autumn. The blooms are lightly fragrant and continue for many weeks, particularly when faded flower heads are regularly removed.

‘Empire Blue’ grows as a vigorous deciduous shrub, gradually reaching approximately 2 to 3 metres in height. It performs well as a border shrub, as a focal point within mixed planting schemes, or as part of a flowering hedge.

For best results, plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Butterfly bushes thrive in warm, open positions and are generally tolerant once established, flowering reliably even in less-than-ideal conditions.

This shrub flowers on new growth, so pruning back firmly in early spring encourages strong fresh stems and abundant flowering each season.

For gardeners seeking deep blue summer colour and lively pollinator activity throughout the season, ‘Empire Blue’ remains an excellent and dependable choice.