Description

Looking for a butterfly bush with real character? Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’ is a great choice. Little Ruby is a compact butterfly bush with deep ruby-pink flower spikes from summer to autumn. Its small size makes it ideal for containers and small gardens.

Buddleja, the butterfly bush, is one of the best plants for attracting butterflies. Its long, honey-scented flower spikes appear from midsummer into autumn, and modern compact varieties bring the same wildlife value to small gardens and patio pots.

Key features of Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’

• Plant type: Fast-growing deciduous shrub
• Season of interest: Summer to early autumn
• Look: Deep pink-red flowers on a compact shrub
• Height and spread: 1m x 1m
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Any well-drained soil, including poor and chalky ground
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Supplied in: 3L pot
• Best for: wildlife and pollinator borders, cottage gardens, containers, wildlife gardens

Why choose Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’?

• Compact size
• Deep ruby-pink flowers
• Ideal for pots

Where to plant Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’

Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’ grows best in full sun, in any well-drained soil, including poor and chalky ground. It is a good choice for wildlife and pollinator borders, and also works well for cottage gardens, containers and wildlife gardens. Plant with lavender, echinacea, sedums and verbena for a summer wildlife border.

How to plant Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’

Water the plant well in its pot an hour before planting. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth, loosen the soil at the base, and mix in some garden compost. Set the plant at the same level it sat in the pot, backfill, firm gently and water in thoroughly.

How to care for Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’

Water during the first summer. Established plants are drought-tolerant and need little feeding. Cut back hard in March to keep it compact and flowering well; deadhead through summer. Cut back hard in March to a low framework to keep it compact and flowering well. Deadhead through summer for more flowers. Generally trouble-free; can self-seed in some areas.

Growing Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’ in a pot

Dwarf varieties grow well in containers of multi-purpose compost with added John Innes.

Grown in the UK, for UK gardens

Every plant is grown at our St Annes nursery in the North West, where it is raised in real British conditions. That means a tougher, well-rooted plant that settles quickly into your garden. This Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’ is supplied in a 3L pot. Container-grown plants can be planted almost all year round, as long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged; autumn and spring are ideal.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’ grow?
Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’ typically reaches 1m x 1m, depending on position, soil and pruning.

When does Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’ look its best?
Its main season of interest is summer to early autumn, when it shows deep pink-red flowers on a compact shrub.

Is Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’ hardy?
Fully hardy.

How do I prune Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’?
Cut back hard in March to a low framework to keep it compact and flowering well. Deadhead through summer for more flowers.

Why is Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’ called a butterfly bush?
Its nectar-rich, scented flowers are a favourite with butterflies, bees and other pollinators.

When should I prune Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’?
Cut back hard in early spring (March) to encourage strong growth and plenty of flowers.

Add Buddleja ‘Little Ruby’ to your basket today and enjoy summer to early autumn interest in your garden.