General Culture:

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Becomes weedy and sparse with diminished flowering performance if not grown in full sun. Does poorly in wet conditions. In USDA Zones 5 and 6, this plant will often die to the ground in winter and therefore is often grown therein in the manner of an herbaceous perennial. Even if plants do not die to the ground in winter, they usually grow more vigorously, produce superior flowers and maintain a better shape if cut close to the ground in late winter each year. Removal of spent flower spikes during the growing season may encourage additional bloom.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

ADONIS BLUE is a dwarf butterfly bush that has been introduced into commerce as part of the English Butterfly Series developed by Elizabeth Keep of East Malling, England. Plants in this series (see also PEACOCK and PURPLE EMPEROR) are noted for producing large flower clusters on dense, well-branched shrubs that are 1/2 to 1/3 the size of typical B. davidii plants. ADONIS BLUE is an upright shrub that grows to 3-5’ tall and as wide. Spike-like terminal and axillary clusters (to 8-10” long) of dark blue flowers bloom from June to September and sometimes to first frost. Flowers are mildly fragrant, and, as the common name suggests, very attractive to butterflies. Willowy, elliptic, medium green leaves with serrate margins are slightly glossy.