Ugandense Blue Butterfly Bush

Ugandense Blue Butterfly Bush (Rotheca myricoides 'Ugandense') is an open, airy shrub that carries sky-blue, butterfly-shaped flowers from spring into summer. It grows fast to 2 to 3m tall and about 2m wide, and it suits a mixed border or an informal hedge better than a clipped one.

Why you'll love it

• True sky blue. Blue flowers are rare in the garden, and these open from spring to summer against plain green foliage.
• Fast growth. It rises quickly, so a young plant soon reaches feature size.
• Butterflies visit. The blooms are shaped like butterflies, and real ones come to feed on them.
• Cottage garden character. The loose, rambling habit softens a border and mixes easily with other flowering shrubs.
• Responds to a clip. A good trim after flowering keeps it bushy and encourages fresh growth.

Where it works best

Feature shrub. Give it space in a sunny corner where the blue flowers stand out against a dark fence or a green backdrop.

Mixed borders. Place it toward the back of a cottage-style border, 2m from its neighbours, so its airy stems can lean through other plants.

Informal hedging. Plant 1.5m apart for a loose, flowering screen. It is open and rambling, so it will not make a dense formal hedge.

Growing Ugandense Blue Butterfly Bush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the most flowers, though it tolerates part shade. It suits subtropical and warm temperate gardens. Protect it from frost, and in colder regions choose a sheltered spot against a warm wall.

Soil. Free-draining soil rich in organic matter. Work compost into the planting hole and keep a layer of mulch over the roots.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well until established, then water more often through dry summer heat. Feed with a controlled release fertiliser twice a year.

Pruning. Give it a good clip after flowering to keep it bushy and to encourage new growth. Without a trim, an open shrub like this gets leggy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Ugandense Blue Butterfly Bush as tube stock. That is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and grows fast once the weather warms. Plant it out into prepared soil, mulch it and keep the water up through the first summer.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• Hedging and screening plants
• Buddleja, the classic butterfly bush
• Plants for subtropical climates

Common questions

How big does it grow?

It reaches 2 to 3m tall and about 2m wide. It grows fast, so give it room from the start.

Will it make a good hedge?

It makes an informal hedge, a loose and flowering one. If you want a dense, clipped wall, choose a tighter-growing plant.

Does it need frost protection?

Yes. Protect it from frost, either with a sheltered position or by growing it where frosts do not reach.