How do I prune Butterfly Bushes?
Miss Jane Asked
How would I prune these, my flowers are all used from the bottom up, not the top down? Thanks
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Miss Jane: Butterfly Bush, or Buddleia are prolific bloomers and a great addition to any sun-loving garden. The flowers in the picture are such a pretty color and no need to worry about how they fade; this is all perfectly normal.
You can deadhead spent blooms which will encourage new ones to form. If you are asking about pruning to reduce size, this can be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. These shrubs bloom on current seasons growth (new wood) and can tolerate being cut back to about 12 inches.
For now, use a sharp pair of pruners and remove the flowers that have faded and turned brown. This will help give your plant a more manicured appearance and encourage more flowers. I hope this is helpful.
