help w/ how to prune yellow butterfly bush into tree

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taranne rio rancho, NM(Zone 7a) Apr 18, 2010

Hi-- I have a yellow butterfly bush that I planted last year and did really well/was very healthy. My plans were to prune it into a tree shape over time and was wondering if I was correct in taking off the new growth at the bottom of the plant this spring? I guess they're suckers? not too much growth on the main part of the bush, yet. I probably should've asked this question before I took off the "suckers," but i didn't even think of it until now. Feeling a little worried and wanted some feedback. Thanks for any info

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Grantman31 West Palm Beach, FL Apr 19, 2010

http://www.rlrouse.com/shrubs-into-trees.html

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Grantman31 West Palm Beach, FL Apr 19, 2010

Another. http://shrubs.suite101.com/article.cfm/growing_shrub_plants_as_standards
A simple google search can direct you to some interesting articles relative to your search.

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taranne rio rancho, NM(Zone 7a) Apr 19, 2010

Thanks for your input! I read the articles and think maybe that I did the right thing by taking off the bottom growth. I have actually been researching this most of the winter..... awaiting the time to prune, and then this little bush surprised me by growing from the bottom and not really having much growth at the top yet. Nothing that I read addressed this situation directly (or maybe it did, but I am so new in this gardening adventure that I don't quite know all the terms yet!). I appreciate the feedback and direction to the articles. Happy gardening! Taranne

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Grantman31 West Palm Beach, FL Apr 20, 2010

I have a hibiscus "tree" that was trained from it's normal bushy behavior. Taking the lead (straightest vertical branch in the middle of the plant) and removing the lower growth is the way to go. Stake it to prevent it from falling over and damaging itself and keep the lower suckers snipped relatively soon after they appear. Prune lightly the bushy top to encourage more growth and watch it take off. Keeping the growth off the bottom should allow the leader to thicken and strengthen as the plant needs to support the top growth, and all of that energy that it would've used to grow those lower suckers will be diverted to the top growth and leader growth. Have fun!

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