Butterfly Bush Trimming

Discussion in 'Woody Plants' started by Claudia, Apr 16, 2007.

  1. Claudia

    Claudia Member

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    In the growing stage, before blooming, I notice that my Black night butterfly bush grows very leggy, straight-up shoots. I want to trim it to make it bushier. But I read that it won't bloom if you do that! That sounds a little nutty to me, but I don't want to take a chance. Is it true? Or nonsense?
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    One method is to prune whole thing low each year as growth begins at end of winter. This results in fewer stems with larger flowers. However, if you want a bigger top with more branching you will do minimal pruning. Snipping individual shoots a bit won't have much effect on the overall presentation, unless you overdo it.
     
  3. Eric La Fountaine

    Eric La Fountaine Contributor Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Butterfly bush is very vigorous, if you prune it way back during active growth, you will lose blooms for a while, but it will quickly recover. Typically Buddleja is pruned back hard (to 30-45cm) while dormant in late winter.
     

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