(Most western Washingtonians garden in USDA 8). There was some damage to new growth of butterfly bushes during that cold snap late last month. However, there probably won't be another one and I don't think it had much effect on mature wood (the danger of cutting back shrubs at a bad time relative to winter is that they may die back farther if their stems have been shortened than if they had been left longer). I wouldn't wait any longer.

Sounds good Bboy. We can still get a freeze or frost out here (foothills) but nothing enduring, I hope. I will lop away when I get a chance. Thanks much.

Thanx - I'd just begun to hate the way mine looks - the last few weeks of drying cold wind has really done the dieback job. I just went out and cut 'er back. it was pretty clear where dieback was happeningon too-early growth, so I cut every stem back pretty hard. It was a volunteer anyway, and really become a monster. With most plants I wouldn't cut back more than a third, but not this hardy growback gem.

btw, I only let one grow, and cut off all seed heads regularly as the Butterfly Bush is invasive in the Pacifc NW - I don't even trust variagated ones...as I've propagated plenty of stuff from hybrids. Dry stems, remove and compost seed, and consider removal of the plant before a new gardener takes over...unless they are also willing to be a voracious dead-header)

I use the flowers in bouquets for scent or color: wonderful stuff. And when travelling on the overpopulated freeway seeing buddleia running rampant in the medians in places, I am always wishing I had my pruning shears along for the ride!

Buddleias can be cut back hard about the same time as roses are pruned, which is when the forsythia is blooming. I think Seattle area prunes roses early March. Olympia prunes in mid March. Forsythia just starting to bloom here.