Black Knight Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight') | Dark Purple Flowering Shrub

Black Knight Butterfly Bush

Buddleja Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip'

A fast-growing, hardy shrub with spectacular, fragrant, near-black flower spikes that are a magnet for butterflies and other pollinators.

$18.90

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Description

Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' is a classic and dramatic deciduous shrub, prized for its exceptionally long, fragrant panicles of very dark purple flowers that appear to be almost black . This vigorous, fast-growing plant is a cornerstone of the pollinator garden, as its nectar-rich blooms are a powerful magnet for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds from midsummer through fall . With its arching, vase-shaped habit and silvery-green foliage, it provides a bold, colorful accent and a reliable late-season source of color when many other shrubs have finished blooming .

Quick Facts

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Features:Foliage: Narrow, lance-shaped leaves with velvety gray-green texture,Flowers: Dense conical panicles of magenta-violet blooms with golden-orange centers,Habit: Compact, mounding semi-evergreen shrub
Mature Height: 2-3 ft
Mature Width: 2-3 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Light Needs: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
Key Advantages:Non-invasive sterile variety,Continuous summer-to-frost blooming,Highly attractive to butterflies/hummingbirds,Superior cold hardiness,Drought tolerant once established
Landscape Uses:Pollinator gardens,Container plantings,Low borders,Rock gardens,Mass plantings
Special Care:Pruning: Cut back to 6-12" in early spring,Soil: Well-drained; adaptable to pH 5.0-8.5,Water: Weekly until established, then drought tolerant,Fertilizer: Balanced slow-release in spring
Seasonal Interest:Flowers: June through September,Foliage: Semi-evergreen in zones 7-9

Faqs

Q: How should I prune my Black Knight Butterfly Bush?
A: It blooms on new wood . Prune hard in late winter or early spring (March), cutting the previous year's growth back to within a few buds of the base. This encourages strong, vigorous new shoots and the most abundant flowering. In cold climates, it may die back to the ground but will regrow from the roots .

Q: Is Black Knight Butterfly Bush invasive?
A: Yes, it can be invasive. It self-seeds readily, and Buddleja davidii is classified as invasive in several US states (including parts of the East, Oregon, Washington, and California) . To prevent unwanted spread, remove spent flower spikes before they set seed.

Q: How much sun and water does it need?
A: It thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours per day). It is very adaptable to soil types but prefers a moist, well-drained location. Water regularly during the first growing season; once established, it is drought-tolerant .

Q: Does it really attract butterflies?
A: Absolutely. It is one of the most renowned butterfly and pollinator plants . Its fragrant, nectar-rich flowers also attract hummingbirds and bees throughout its long bloom season .

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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