Software
Houzz Logo Print
lpinkmountain

My buddleia is a beast

15 years ago

Last year in the spring I planted a tiny buddleia, and it has grown into a beast! I'm posting here because I hope someone with experience growing these plants can help. I didn't cut it down last fall, so I'm wondering if I prune it by about 1/3 right now if that will be OK. Also, it seems to lean out from the fence which I'm wondering about. Seems like it might be a light issue, but the yard gets a lot of sun, albeit afternoon sun. I could try staking it back into place, but I'm wondering if there is any way to solve the question of why it is leaning in the first place? It's a variety called "Pink Delight." I wouldn't mind the height but it's the height AND the leaning that is causing it to be right in the way of my view of the smaller plants in the foreground.

Comments (6)

  • 15 years ago

    I have Pink Delight as well. I but mine down to around 12-18 inches in March...just as the buds start to show. It still towers to 8 feet tall. The branches get heavy with blossoms and do lean over around the edges. You could prune the branches that lean over, but I wouldn't expect many blossoms from those branches. No big deal. The rest will bloom away.

    You could also try erecting a stake on each side of the bush and running string between them to lift the low-lying branches.
    Kim

    Here is a link that might be useful: My Garden

  • 15 years ago

    Thanks Kim, I think you may have hit the nail on the head, it might have been the weight of the blossoms that caused it to lean so much. I didn't deadhead like I should have, I was sick last year, my whole garden is suffering from neglect! I also didn't realize if I pruned now, it would not bloom where I pruned. Don't want that! But since I didn't deadhead or prune I may have a low blooming year anyway. You say you prune them in March? Just cut back the tall canes and they sprout up again? The only buddleia I am familiar with was in a butterfly garden at a place I once worked. I didn't pay it much mind at the time, but it was sure loaded with butterflies when it bloomed!

  • 15 years ago

    Your Buddleia will still bloom. I just pruned my bushes last week. I always wait until all chances of frost damage are passed. Prune back to about 18 inches.

  • 15 years ago

    I have 2 Pink Delights, and I just love them. Butterfly bushes in general tend to grow very large and the heavy branches will lean and droop. For those of mine that are next to fence, I tie the heaviest branches towards the fence with clear fishing line.

  • 15 years ago

    That's what seems so odd to me, the buddleia has branches with some stems at least one inch in diameter! Guess that's what comes from not pruning out dead wood! Anyway, I'm going to lightly prune this year but remember to get on it earlier next year, and tie the branches up to the fence with some heavy duty twine! Seems like this beast would snap fishing line, lol! It can't be a sun issue, I was watching the spot all day yesterday and it gets sun even on the opposite side from where the plant is leaning.

    Man, I knew this baby was going to get big but I never imagined this! Thanks again for all the help!

  • 15 years ago

    The reason you cut buddleia back every year in the Spring is because it blooms on new wood. So pruning promotes blossoms. Don't be afraid to prune it. They need to be kept in check because they can grow quickly into enormous shrubs.
    Joann

0
Sponsored
Peabody Landscape Group
Average rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars8 Reviews
Columbus' Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting