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photo of Megan Mathey

Meet the Breeder

Megan Mathey
Grand Haven, Michigan

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MOP TOP™

Fountain butterfly bush

Buddleia alternifolia

'SMNBAB'

PPAF; CBRAF

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The long racemes of lavender flowers on Mop Top fountain butterfly bush. Several lavender flowers on a branch of Mop Top fountain butterfly bush A Mop Top fountain butterfly bush blooming in the landscape with its long, arching stems of lavender flowers. Small white buds of Mop Top fountain butterfly bush on dainty green leaves A Mop Top fountain butterfly bush near the end of its spring bloom, showing its rounded habit and silver foliage.
  • Spring Blooming
  • Hardy
  • Unique Habit
Description

A butterfly bush unlike any other! Mop Top is a dwarf spring-flowering butterfly bush that brings elegance and whimsy to the garden, and its spring flowers are perfectly timed to captivate gardeners during the prime garden center shopping season. Known as fountain butterfly bush, this Buddleia alternifolia selection lives up to its name with long, slender, weeping branches that are covered in lavender flowers in spring. Mop Top butterfly bush is a hardy down to USDA zone 4, a whole zone hardier than Buddleia davidii selections. 

USDA Zone
4 - 8 (-30°F/-34°C)
Exposure
Full sun
Height
3-5'
Width
3-5'
Finish Time
.5 seasons
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Spring
Flower Color
Purple
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

As with all butterfly bush, good drainage is essential. The combination of wet soil and cold temperatures is particularly detrimental.

Pruning

IMPORTANT: Mop Top butterfly bush blooms in spring on old wood. As such, it should only be pruned after it flowers in spring. Do not prune in fall or when dormant.

Uses

Ideal to pair with spring bulbs and other spring flowering shrubs for unexpected but welcome interest.

Growing Tips

Plant in full sun for best flowering. Deadheading not required for continuous bloom. In clay soils, plant a bit higher than ground level to divert moisture away from the center of the plant.

Features: Dwarf, New, Alkaline soil, Attracts pollinators, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant

Filters: Botanical genus: Buddleia, Common name: Fountain butterfly bush , Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Bloom time: Spring, Purple flowers, Green foliage

Features: Dwarf, New, Alkaline soil, Attracts pollinators, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant

Filters: Botanical genus: Buddleia, Common name: Fountain butterfly bush , Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Bloom time: Spring, Purple flowers, Green foliage