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When to Prune a Butterfly Bush
When to Prune a Butterfly Bush. The centerpiece of any butterfly garden is the buddleia---a shrub so successful in attracting these lovely insects that it is usually known by its nickname, butterfly bush. Buddleias have a long blooming season, during which they are covered with long cone-shaped clumps of blossoms that come in all shades of purple,...
The centerpiece of any butterfly garden is the buddleia---a shrub so successful in attracting these lovely insects that it is usually known by its nickname, butterfly bush. Buddleias have a long blooming season, during which they are covered with long cone-shaped clumps of blossoms that come in all shades of purple, from almost white to almost black. Modern hybrids bloom in several shades of red, and a new variety has yellow, pom-pom-like blossoms.
Two Types
The most common type of buddleia commercially available in the U.S. is the orange-eye type (Buddleia davidii). Each blossom has a tiny orange dot at the center. It grows in a compact, rounded bush with its branches arching up.
The less-common type is the fountain buddleia (Buddleia alternifloria). It has a more treelike growth, with long branches that droop down.
When to Prune
Orange-eye buddleias bloom on new wood, so they should be pruned in late winter or early spring, when you see the first signs of new growth. Pruning in the fall before the plant has gone completely dormant greatly increases the possibility of damaging, perhaps even killing, your buddleia. Fountain buddleias bloom on old wood, so they should be pruned in late summer or early fall, soon after they are done blooming for the season.
How to Prune
Prune an orange-eye buddleia severely, leaving no more than 6 to 12 inches of the stem or stems. Think of your buddleia as an enormous herbaceous perennial that should have all of last year's growth cut off, rather than as a bush. Orange-eye buddleias grow rapidly, so a shearing down to the ground every spring will only increase the bushiness and vigor of the plant and thus the beauty of the display.
Fountain buddleias should not be pruned so radically. Cut each branch back by about a third. If there are any dead stems, cut those back all the way to the ground.
Deadheading
Both types of buddleia will benefit from deadheading. Cut off blossoms once they're past their prime. This will both increase the number of blooms and lengthen the bloom season.
Food and Water
Butterfly bushes are low-maintenance shrubs. They don't require elaborate fertilizing routines; just give each plant a shovelful of compost every spring. They prefer well-drained soil and need to be watered only during droughts, when you should water them deeply no more than once a week.
