Hi. I was wondering if anyone can help me. I live in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and planted 5 butterfly bushes last fall in full sun and excellent soil. So far, this spring, I don't see any signs of emerging growth. I have read that butterfly bushes bloom in late summer until frost, but shouldn't I at least see some greening up at this point? Thanks in advance for your help.
Deborah
* * * * Plants: 7129 | From: California | Registered: Mar 2003
| Seeded: 68.66.244.5
i have a purple emperor butterly bush that has not "started" yet either. i cut all the dead wood off from last year too,hoping that that may help it come back quicker ( i think i'm a little impatient) i have mine in a big planter pot. so i'm not too sure it's roots wintered well but i'm hoping that within the next couple of months we will see some activity let us know how it turns out
* * * * http://photobucket.com/albums/y203/lilpuppolo/ "If you want to talk bollocks and discuss the meaning of life,you're better off downing a bottle of whiskey.That way you're drunk by the time you start to take yourself seriously" Plants: 2418 | From: Pawtucket R.I. | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 68.163.165.29
posted
Have no fear, it will be back . I live in northern zone 6 and worried about the same issue last year. It seems in the colder climates they sleep a little bit longer . As was mentioned, trim it back pretty good and you will soon see little green shoots emerging from the base. Mine hit last weekend and even got a few on old wood. They really are great plants and the seeds will have new ones springing up everywhere .
I'm a cat lover too , and I live in the Chicago suburb of Schaumburg. Ditto with the other posts. I just did some spring cleaning where I cut out the woody stems from last year. I think there was some new growth just starting this past weekend when the weather was in the 80s. Of course it's supposed may snow tomorrow.
You said that you planted your butterfly bush in the fall. Were the plants dormant when you planted? I've planted all my butterfly bushes in the spring, so I don't know if that will make a difference. Native butterfly bush is very hardy. Special breeds may not be as hardy, but we'll find out in a few weeks.
I'll keep you posted on my butterfly bushes if you keep me posted on yours. I'll try to take a few pictures as soon as they sprout.
* * * * Composting is more than good for your garden. It's a way of life. Plants: 144 | From: Illinois | Registered: Apr 2005
| Seeded: 67.173.166.133
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. I live in northern zone 6 and worried about the same issue last year. It seems in the colder climates they sleep a little bit longer ![[nutz]](graemlins/nutz.gif)
. As was mentioned, trim it back pretty good and you will soon see little green shoots emerging from the base. Mine hit last weekend and even got a few on old wood. They really are great plants and the seeds will have new ones springing up everywhere ![[gabby]](graemlins/gabby.gif)
.![[kitty]](graemlins/kitty.gif)
, and I live in the Chicago suburb of Schaumburg. Ditto with the other posts. I just did some spring cleaning where I cut out the woody stems from last year. I think there was some new growth just starting this past weekend when the weather was in the 80s. Of course it's supposed may snow tomorrow. ![[scaredy]](graemlins/scaredy.gif)
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