How to prune a butterfly bush

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Maintaining garden bushes by pruning and removing dead growth is an important annual activity for most gardeners.

By trimming bushes and shrubs you remove dead or diseased branches and encourage strong and healthy growth the following growing season.

If you have a butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) in your garden, you may be wondering when and how to prune it. butterfly bushes are fast-growing shrubs that can become leggy and overgrown if not properly pruned. Pruning is best done in early spring or winter.

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Pruning butterfly bushes

This is an easy process. These bushes are renowned for being strong and hardy plants and there are no firm rules in place for pruning them.

The simplest approach is to remove any dead, broken or diseased branches, deal with any tangles and clear the bush up to make it look more presentable and allow air to pass through.

A common approach is to cut the plant right back to within 12 to 18 inches of the ground, allowing it to grow strongly and healthily the following spring.

If you do choose to cut the plant right down then it is always a good idea to protect the plant with a layer of mulch over the winter months.

You can also prune butterfly bushes in the summer, to keep the plant under control and, as they are resilient and fast growing, and by doing so you’ll encourage extra flowers and shoots to grow.

Tips for pruning a butterfly bush

butterfly bushes respond well to pruning, so don’t be afraid to cut them back hard if needed.

for a more compact bush, prune in early spring before new growth begins.
for a more natural look, prune in late winter or early spring, letting the new growth shape the bush.
Pruning butterfly bushes is best done in late winter or early spring.

You can also prune butterfly bush in the summer, to keep the plant under control and, as they are resilient and fast growing, and by doing so you’ll encourage extra flowers and shoots to grow.
Cut the plant right back to within 12 to 18 inches of the ground, allowing it to grow strongly and healthily the following spring.
Always use sharpened shears or gardening gloves when pruning your butterfly bush. This will help avoid any nicks or cuts to the plant.

Be sure to remove any dead, broken or diseased branches, deal with any tangles and clear the bush up to make it look more presentable and allow air to pass through.
If you do choose to cut the plant right down then it is always a good idea to protect the plant with a layer of mulch over the winter months.