Variegated Butterfly Bush

Harlequin butterfly bush has green leaves edged in cream and fragrant reddish-purple flower panicles. This fast-growing shrub brings both foliage contrast and summer-to-fall flowers, but it can produce abundant seed; remove spent flower clusters before seed capsules mature. ## Foliage and flowers The [NC State Extension Plant Toolbox profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/buddleja-davidii-harlequin/common-name/buddleja-davidii-harlequin/) identifies ‘Harlequin’ as a variegated Buddleja davidii cultivar and describes cream leaf margins, reddish-purple fragrant flowers, and a mature size of roughly 4–6 feet or more. It also notes that green shoots can revert and that deadheading helps reduce seed. ## Siting Grow in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. The profile gives USDA zones 5–9 and a mature size of about 4–6 feet or more; allow space for spreading branches. The species can spread by seed, so follow local planting guidance. ## Maintenance Prune in early spring to shape the shrub and remove any solid-green reverted shoots. Deadhead flowering spikes before seed capsules form, and follow local guidance where butterfly bush is considered invasive.