Miss Molly Butterfly Bush
Best low-maintenance shrub for gardeners wanting to attract local pollinators.
Discover the 'Miss Molly' Butterfly Bush, a stunning addition to any garden, perfect for perennial beds or foundation plantings. This heat-loving shrub features fragrant, honey-scented, rose-red blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds from summer through fall. Growing to a manageable 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, it offers a non-invasive, deer-resistant habit. Thriving in full sun, the 'Miss Molly' provides a long bloom time and is an excellent choice for container planting, bringing vibrant beauty and life to your outdoor space.
$29.98
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
858
/ 2598
#858 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-24%
Below average
Mature Height
4860
/ -" tall
Who it's for
- Eco-conscious gardeners looking to support local pollinator populations
- Landscapers seeking vibrant, season-long color for their garden beds
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, deer-resistant landscape plants
Who should skip it
- Environmentally cautious gardeners living in regions with strict invasive species regulations
- Hands-off gardeners who prefer plants that do not require pruning
- Gardeners with shaded yards or heavy, poorly draining soil conditions
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
A magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds throughout the entire growing season.
Garden Versatility
Compact size makes it perfect for containers or small perennial beds.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits without requiring constant protective maintenance.
Climate Adaptability
Thrives in high heat while maintaining a robust, non-invasive growth habit.
Bloom Longevity
Provides consistent, honey-scented color from early summer straight through to frost.
Maintenance Ease
Fast-growing and forgiving, ideal for gardeners seeking low-effort, high-impact results.
Key Specs
Mature Height
48-60" tall
Mature Spread
48-60" wide
Growing Zones
5-9
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Ships As
Potted Plant
Neonicotinoid Free
Yes
Planting Depth
Base of stem at soil surface
Features
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Fragrant, honey-scented blooms
- Long bloom time until frost
- Manageable size for various garden placements
- Non-invasive growth habit
- Easy to grow and heat tolerant
- Suitable for container planting
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Miss Molly Butterfly Bush for its stunning deep magenta red coloration, which truly distinguishes it from other varieties. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller gardens and containers. A key highlight is its exceptional ability to attract pollinators, with many reporting a significant increase in butterflies and hummingbirds throughout the long blooming period. The shrub is generally regarded as hardy and easy to care for once established. While some initial shipments arrived small, reviewers confirm that the plant rewards patience with vigorous growth and spectacular color in following seasons. This plant delivers high value through its vibrant ornamental display and strong ecological benefit, making it a garden favorite.
Know before you buy
Yes, 'Miss Molly' is a sterile cultivar, meaning it does not produce viable seeds that spread uncontrollably in the landscape. It is a safe, non-invasive choice for gardeners who want the beauty of a butterfly bush without the ecological concerns associated with older varieties.
Absolutely. Its manageable 4-to-5-foot size makes it an excellent candidate for large pots. Just ensure your container has adequate drainage holes and use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix.
For the best performance and most vibrant rose-red blooms, 'Miss Molly' requires full sun, which means at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
This variety is considered deer and rabbit resistant. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, the scent and texture of the foliage typically discourage them from making a meal of it.
This shrub thrives in loamy, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Avoid planting it in areas where water tends to pool, as butterfly bushes prefer consistent moisture without being waterlogged.
As a deciduous shrub, 'Miss Molly' will lose its leaves in the winter. You can prune it back in late winter or early spring before new growth appears to maintain its shape and encourage vigorous blooming throughout the summer and fall.
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Ready to buy?
$30