posted
Howdy all! I have a question about butterfly bushes: I never got around to cutting my bush back this past fall/winter, as I have the previous two growing years, and now it's starting to leaf out. I'm thinking it's too late to cut it back now..? And I'm wondering if I will be able to cut it back next season, without affecting it's blooming? Any tips and advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Chris
Plants: 10 | From: Southern Maryland | Registered: Mar 2004
| Seeded: 138.162.0.41
posted
I think you can leave the bush for this year. Some people never cut them back, but I find that it makes them leggy instead of bushy. I cut mine back in Feb. or early Mar., depending on the weather. You might wait a little longer in your area. When I see a little green, then I cut them back. It won't hurt the flowers next year,as long as the shrub has not bloomed out. That's why I cut in back in late winter. Don't worry, it should be fine this year. Good Luck!!!!!
* * * * Plants: 215 | From: ridgeland,SC USA | Registered: Aug 2002
| Seeded: 204.251.214.75
posted
I know what you mean by looking "leggy"; that's exactly what I don't want. I'll just be happy if it'll still 'bush out' next year, but I'm definitely going to leave it alone for this one. Thanks, Mom54!
Plants: 10 | From: Southern Maryland | Registered: Mar 2004
| Seeded: 138.162.0.41
posted
As long as you dead head it will be fine this year. I'm in the south and I cut mine back a lot. I have two of them and it doesn't seem to cause any damage. If it gets too leggy just dead head not allowing growth other than the flower.
posted
I wish I could say I had thought of that, Sheri, but I'm a little thick! (Perhaps I need pruning?!) I will definitely try that technique, (dead-heading the growth, except flowers), if it begins to get too leggy. Thanks! Plants: 10 | From: Southern Maryland | Registered: Mar 2004
| Seeded: 138.162.0.41
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