Buddleia x Miss Molly Red #3-Deer Resistant

The old-school Butterfly Bushes grew 10 feet tall and spread seeds everywhere. But ‘Miss Molly’ is a game-changer. This is arguably the most famous variety on the market right now, and for good reason: the color. While most are purple or white, ‘Miss Molly’ boasts a rich, sangria-red color. It’s vibrant, it’s bold, and it’s arguably the closest to "true red" you can get in a Butterfly Bush.

This plant was practically made for summers in the Mount Airy, Winston-Salem, or King areas. It loves the heat. In fact, the hotter it gets in July and August, the more intense the red color becomes. It’s also a total survivor when it comes to our local wildlife. If you live in an area where the deer treat your garden like a buffet, you’ll love this plant. Deer usually turn their noses up at it and keep walking.

Why We Recommend It:

• It Stays Put (Non-Invasive): This is the big selling point. ‘Miss Molly’ is a sterile (or near-sterile) hybrid. That means it puts all its energy into blooming rather than making seeds. It won’t become a nuisance weed in your garden or escape into our local woods. It stays where you plant it.

• Compact & Tidy: You don't need a machete to manage this shrub. It naturally grows into a neat mound, reaching only about 4 to 5 feet tall. It fits perfectly into modern flower beds without crowding out its neighbors.

• The "Pollinator Party": We aren’t kidding about the name. From mid-summer until the first frost, this bush will be covered in Swallowtails and Monarchs. It’s essentially a 24-hour diner for every butterfly in the neighborhood.

Best Used For:

• Pollinator or "Cottage" gardens.

• Sunny borders where you need some hot color.

• Planting in front of taller evergreens.

• Large containers (since it stays compact).

The Specs:

• Growth Rate: Fast (reaches full size quickly in spring).

• Mature Size: 4–5 ft tall x 4–5 ft wide.

• Sun/Soil: Full Sun is non-negotiable (needs 6+ hours). Needs well-drained soil; it hates "wet feet" in clay.

Check out the full technical details on the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox, or buzz on over to Mitchell’s. Ask us to show you the butterfly bushes!