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Butterfly Garden

Pruning buddleia

15 years ago

Is it too late to heavily prune a butterfly bush? Mine is about 4 years old and over six feet tall but looks pretty skinny this spring. I've read it can be pruned down to about 12 inches in the spring but don't know if I can still do it and have it come up this year.

Thanks!

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Comments (3)

MissSherry
15 years ago
I prune mine down to about 18"-2' in spring most years - I only pruned lightly this year, and it hasn't bloomed as much. Next year, I'll give it the big haircut again!
Unless there's any danger of frost this late in spring, you can certainly prune yours heavily.
Sherry
Linda Ricketts
Original Author
15 years ago
Sherry,

Thanks!
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Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
15 years ago
I agree, pruning should absolutely invigorate your bush. If you want more, try rooting the pieces you remove. Tips with 2-3 nodes buried work best for me. Keep moist until established.

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