Go ahead and prune it, this weekend if possible. These things are tough. The rain and next weeks warm temperatures should get new growth started. You won't loose blooms.

I agree--go on and prune it. Each spring (usually in March) when I prune my butterfly bushes I feel like I'm doing a Very Bad Thing. I take them waaay down but they always wind up towering over me by the end of the summer!

Thanks! The bush got a trim yesterday. I'm anxious to see what happens!

Kelly

Mine looks pretty bare too, as if most of the branches will not have buds. Is this normal?

I have a butterfly bush ("Black Knight") that I grew from a cutting from the original I planted at my previous house. I agree, that these are tough plants. I don't prune mine back hard like some do. I prefer mine to be on the larger side. Butterfly bushes sprout leaves from the center out, most likely the tips would have eventually sprouted, but pruning helps keep them looking good. I usually prune mine throughout the season, even while blooming, to keep the size and shape in check. This seems to cause no harm. I have even cut back whole branches in the middle of summer. The bush always seems to bloom its head off regardless. I've found that deadheading spent blooms is important to continue bloom and keep it looking good. Good luck with yours!