Often plants have a special feature that makes them worth growing even when other characteristics are underwhelming and not overly ornamental. The blue butterfly bush is an example of this – featuring beautiful exotic flowers, the leggy shrub is not overly vigorous, and the leaves smell bad to boot. However, some plants are just worth growing as part of a collection in your plant” zoo”.
The blue butterfly bush, also known as Rotheca myricoides ‘Ugandense’, is a native of eastern Africa where it thrives in well-drained organic soils. This sprawling shrub grows up to ten foot tall with arching stems which can be pruned to keep this “untidy” shrub in a more respectful shape. If needed, the natural growth pattern of the blue butterfly bush can be redirected and used for good by growing it up a trellis or chain-link fence. While this shrub can apparently be grown in full sun, it appears to do best with a part sun/part shade exposure that might be found with dappled shade or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. In addition to planting in the landscape, the blue butterfly bush can be grown in a container if needed. Supplemental water will likely be required to keep this plant happy – a part shade condition and mulch will help retain moisture.
The blue butterfly bush flowers are the star of the show and appear in panicles on the tips of new growth with each blossom made up of five petals. Four of the of upper petals are light blue with the fifth, lower petal, being darker violet blue giving the appearance of a small butterfly. There are also four long antennae-like stamens which add to the whimsical butterfly appearance. Beyond mid to late summer blooms, blue butterfly bush flowers can emerge several times a year so expect repeat performances on occasion thereafter.
The blue butterfly bush can be easily propagated by rooting stem cuttings. While this is a great passalong plant for friends and neighbors, the blue butterfly bush is also occasionally available at local garden centers.
A group of butterflies is called a kaleidoscope, and the blue butterfly bush truly embodies this floral mimicry, especially when a light breeze causes the flowers to “fly”. While the light, airy, flowers are the reason to keep the blue butterfly bush, the plant as a whole is a keeper. If you need any further reasons to get this plant, the blue butterfly bush actually won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit – that’s a good resume enhancer for sure! For more information on flowering shrubs suitable for our area, or to ask a question, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
Bolles, B. (2014) Blue Butterflies. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (2025) Rotheca myricoides ‘Ugandense’ NC State Extension.
Lee, J. (2015) Plant of the day is: Rotheca myricoides or blue glory bower. https://plantotheday.blogspot.com/2015/08/plant-of-day-is-rotheca-myricoides-or.html.
McLaughlin, J. (2004) A word or two about gardening – The Garden Blues and How to Enjoy Them. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS – Miami-Dade County.
Maxwell, K. (2022) Clerodendrums. Edison and Ford Winter Estates. https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/clerodendrums/ .
What do you call a group of butterflies? (2025) Okies for Monarchs – Oklahoma Monarch & Pollinator Collaborative. https://okiesformonarchs.org/tips_from_the_experts/what-do-you-call-a-group-of-butterflies/.
Rotheca myricoides (2025) Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotheca_myricoides.
McLaughlin, J. A (2004) Selection of Ornamental African Plants Suitable for the Miami-Dade Landscape. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS – Miami-Dade County.
Bachman, G. R. (2022) Blue butterfly plant is a long-time favorite. The MSU Extension Service.
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