Buddleia Pugster Pinker #3-Deer Resistant

If you love the idea of a Butterfly Bush but hate the idea of a 6-foot monster taking over your garden bed, or if you have a small patio that needs natural color, this could be the plant for you.

We get a kick out of this plant. They call it the "Pugster" because, much like a pug dog, it’s short, stocky, and undeniably cute. But here is the real kicker: usually, when you buy a "dwarf" plant, you get miniature flowers. Not with this guy. The 'Pugster Pinker' produces full-sized, giant flower spikes on a tiny, compact body. It’s the best of both worlds -- you get the massive color impact of a traditional butterfly bush without needing a machete to keep it in check.

If you’ve gardened in the Piedmont for long, you know that standard butterfly bushes can sometimes struggle with our winter ice storms—their stems are often brittle and snap easily. The 'Pugster' was bred with thicker, sturdier stems that handle our Winston-Salem and King winters much better. Just a tip for our clay-soil gardeners: this plant hates "wet feet." When you plant it, leave it sitting a little high in the ground or amend that red clay heavily to ensure it drains well.

Why We Recommend It:

• Big Blooms, Small Footprint: It’s rare to find a plant this small (under 2 feet!) with flowers this big. You get huge, honey-scented, true-pink flower spikes that look like they belong on a much larger shrub.

• The "Lazy Gardener" Special This plant is a continuous bloomer. It starts in early summer and goes until the first hard frost. The best part? You don’t have to "deadhead" (pick off dead flowers) to keep it blooming. It just keeps going on its own.

• Pollinator Party As the name suggests, butterflies absolutely swarm this plant. It goes crazy all summer. It’s also a magnet for bees and hummingbirds. If you want to bring life to your porch or garden, this is the easiest way to do it.

Best Used For:

• Container gardening (it’s the perfect size for a pot!).

• Front of the border (plant it right up front where you can see it).

• Small city gardens or courtyards.

• Mass planting for a carpet of pink.

The Specs:

• Growth Rate: Medium.

• Mature Size: 2 ft. tall and 2–3 ft. wide.

• Sun: Full Sun (needs at least 6 hours).

• Soil: Well-drained is non-negotiable!

Ready to bring in the butterflies? Check out more on dwarf butterfly bushes at the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox, or come visit us at Mitchell's. We’ve got the 'Pugsters' on the lot, and they are usually buzzing with activity!

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners