Butterfly Bush Rejuvenation

I’m embarrassed to reveal that if you visited my backyard, you may actually think, ”She’s a Master Gardener?”  At least that’s how I’ve been feeling, as I look at my Buddleia, more commonly known as the Butterfly Bush.  I see broken and weak branches, combined with very straggly, and unshapely growth. The good news is with just a bit of attention, I can turn this unsightly bush into a healthy, shapely, and attractive plant in my yard.  A couple minutes of pruning will guarantee you a beautiful mid-summer show of small, fragrant flowers, shaped in an arching form.  So here’s what to do…grab your pruners and begin the process called heading back.  You’re basically cutting the plant to a couple of inches off the ground, which ultimately results in dense new growth.  This early pruning helps you look at the framework of your bush without much foliage to distract you.   Due to our crazy weather, it’s possible you may already have some spring growth.  Not too worry, pruning to about 6 inches above the ground won’t hurt your plant and helps reduce the overall size of your bush, with the added benefit of increasing summer bloom.  I’ll finish by saying that if you have a spot in your yard for a Buddleia, you won’t be disappointed.  Not only does it truly attract butterflies, but it is also a low maintenance, fast-growing bush that thrives in our zone.

Butterfly bush. (photo by Mary Gabbard)

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