Pruning Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)

Buddleia 'davidii'

Buddleia 'davidii' or Butterfly Bush is a wonderful shrub in the landscape for the naturalized garden. Hardy in zones 5-10 and growing between six and twelve feet in height,  its delicate arching branches and colorful nectar filled flowers are a major attraction for Hummingbirds and butterflies. Butterfly Bush are evergreen in areas where minimum winter temperatures are above twenty degrees and are deciduous where temperatures go below freezing.  In areas colder than zone 5, Buddleia may die back all the way to the ground and will grow vigorously once spring arrives.  In areas zone 5 and colder it is advisable to leave branches on until spring and to cover the root crown with mulch for winter protection.  Buddleia grow best in a well-drained fertile soil in full sun.

When To Prune Buddleia:  Buddleia 'davidii' blooms on the new wood of the season and should be pruned in late winter /early spring to encourage new growth.  Prune before new growth starts to appear to approximately 12 inches (30 centimeters) above the ground.  Buddleia are a type of plant that highly benefit from a severe pruning.  "Hard" pruning Butterfly Bush promotes many new arching branches with larger flowers than if the plant had not been pruned. 

Later in the Season Pruning:  It is also beneficial to prune off dead and faded flowers once the flowering season has completed. With regular "deadheading" or removal of spent flowers your Buddleia will put its energy back into producing even more flowers well into fall.  In colder climates, never prune completely to the ground in Fall for it can be detrimental to the plant.  It is best to wait until late winter/early spring to perform this task.

Retaining Height of Buddleia:  If you chose to use your  Buddleia as a backdrop shrub simply allow it to grow larger then prune new growth so that the plant is approximately 24 inches (60 centimeters) in height.  Also by keeping the height in the center of the plant a little above the sides, the plant will grow in a nice shape appearing taller.  In either case, whether you choose to keep your plant higher as a backdrop or lower in front, a hard pruning will always benefit your plant and encourage new growth for the season. 



Buddleia Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip'

If you would like to try a dwarf form of buddleia that does not grow above three feet in height try the new Buddleia 'Blue Chip' from the Lo & Behold collection!


Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee @A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved.