Butterfly Bush Care

Elisabeth — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:30:00 GMT

Butterfly bushes (Buddleia) are lovely decorative plants that attract scores of butterflies, plus the occasional hummingbird. Most bloom in early to mid-July, hence the nickname "summer lilac".

With proper care your butterfly bush can be persuaded to rebloom two or three times druing the growing season. Pruning is the key to stimulating flowering, and it's not difficult.

Once your butterfly bush has finished blooming, cut back the branches by one third. Be sure the plant is well-mulched and water if the weather is very dry. You should see new leaves within a few days and more flowers in about a month's time (more or less, depending on weather). You can repeat this step after every bloom cycle.

There is only one caveat with butterfly bushes. In some parts of the country they are considered invasive. A quick call to your county Cooperative Extension agent will tell you whether or not the shrubs are a problem in your area.

When to Prune

Elisabeth — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:45:00 GMT

There are certain words that strike fear in gardeners' hearts--"deer", "drought" and, especially, "pruning". The thought of pruning has been known to make strong men weak and transform no-nonsense women into indecisive wrecks.

Why? Because these otherwise stout-hearted individuals are afraid that they will do something wrong and kill plants.

They shouldn't worry. Pruning almost never kills healthy shrubs or trees.

So...when do you prune?

The answer to this is easy. Just about anything that flowers should be pruned after it finishes flowering. For example, when the Rose of Sharon shrubs in my yard drop their flowers in September, I prune them back right away. This keeps them looking full and leafy rather than sparse and leggy.

Generally speaking, prune non-flowering species when the potential for plant stress is lowest--early spring or fall. If you don't get around to it at those times, prune when you have the time. If you do it in high summer, make sure you give your newly-pruned specimens some supplemental water.

Many shrubs and some small trees need regular pruning to keep them in shape. Some, like lilacs, need pruning to prevent them from becoming straggly. Rapid growers, like butterfly bushes, can be cut back several times a season to stimulate rebloom.

When in doubt, cut back branches by a third. This generally preserves the appearance of the shrub or plant while reducing its spread.

Make sure your pruning implements--loppers and hedge shears--are sharp. The cleaner the cut, the healthier it is for the plant you are pruning.

So prune to your hearts' content and don't be afraid. Save your fear for situations that really warrant dread, like roller coaster rides and tax audits.

Growing Wise : pruning

Butterfly Bush Care

When to Prune