I've had great success with Buddleja davidii, specifically the 'Miss Molly' variety. It's known for its vibrant, reddish-purple flowers and is more compact than some other types, making it less invasive. It's perfect for sunny spots and attracts tons of butterflies! If you're concerned about invasiveness, look for sterile or non-seeding varieties like 'Blue Chip' or 'Purple Haze' from the Lo & Behold series, which are cultivated to be non-invasive.
For care, butterfly bushes thrive in well-drained soil and do best with regular pruning, which encourages more blooms and keeps them looking tidy. I've found that late winter or early spring is an ideal time to cut them back to about a foot above ground level.
Do keep an eye on watering during dry spells, especially in the first year after planting, to help establish a strong root system. Have you considered adding any companion plants to create a diverse pollinator-friendly space?
