Hi Bob,

The butterflys need time to find it, they will, just hang on. BB bushes are treated like perennnials that are cut back hard after winter. Wait til you see growth in late winter/early spring, then cut it back to within 4-6" of the ground. It is better to do this each season, if you want to enjoy the flowers and butterflys at eye level, otherwise left unpruned, will get very tall. You can also deadhead it, to keep it blooming longer.
I never heard of any concern for it's roots to damage underground pipes.

Bob, do what Paula says, and you will enjoy butterflies for years. I haven't heard anything negative regarding it's roots either.

Thx for the feedback. You know when I got response in my email, the 'cut back to' was listed as 4-6' (foot, dropped the second '). I was thinking........... how high does this thing grow!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL
Bob

Hi Bob, I have 3 butterfly bushes the 2 white ones have gotten as tall as 12 feet by the end of summer the purple only about 5 they don't get as tall I've never had any problems with the roots. Patty

When deadheading the spent blooms, how far down the stem should you cut? Should it be right after the bloom ends, or farther down the stem?