About This Plant
New for 2027, For gardens that lean a little moody, Darkest Night® Butterfly Bush is a perfect fit. Long, elegant flower spikes emerge in a rich, velvety purple-black shade, creating dramatic contrast against its silvery-green foliage.
A magnet for butterflies and other pollinators, this fast-growing beauty brings movement and color to sunny borders from summer into fall. Plant it near a patio, along a garden path, or among lighter blooms where its deep flowers can truly steal the show.
Planting & Care
How to Plant
Choose a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun. Dig a hole 2–3 times as wide as the pot but no deeper, with the top of the root ball slightly above ground level. Loosen circling roots and backfill with the native soil. Water deeply after planting and add 2–3 in of mulch, keeping it off the stems. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Watering & Feeding
Water deeply 1–2 times a week for the first season, about 1 in per week. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during heat and dry spells. Feed once in early spring with a slow-release shrub fertilizer.
Pruning & Seasonal Care
Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged branches any time. Mulch in late fall to protect roots through the first winter.