Perennials: Pruning a butterfly bush

Where did you get those bicolor butterfly bushes? I have three different colors in my butterfly garden. I guess in FL you cut them back in the winter (even though there isn't really a winter down here like we had in RI). Can I propogate these by cuttings or do they have seeds that I haven't seen yet.
Gail

Gail, they have seed but they are tiny, see my post from Jan 04 above. You can also take cuttings in the Fall or Spring of the woody stems.
Andy P

linedancer: I've got some of the Bi-Color Butterfly Bush cuttings rooted for you!!! I know it's a bad excuse but it's been so crazy weather-wise trying to save my plants outside (bringing them inside) and we go camping every weekend in the summer...!

Anyway, this coming weekend is the last of the camping season and I WILL GET these cuttings sent to you!!! propagating is sooo much easier than trying to start from seed.

Jan

I'm fairly new to Dave's but after reading the questions...thought I may be able to add something here:

I have been growing a dozen or so varieties for almost 20 years now. I currently have about 30+ plants compromising nearly every "named" variety commercially available (And a few of my own blends!). The first few years, I pruned only in the Spring. Later I tried pruning in late Fall to early Winter.

I've noticed a few trends:

In my area, most of them (especially the white varieties) continue to grow/leaf past the first frost until well into the winter. With both active leaf growth and photosynthesis occuring from existing leaves in the fall and early winter...it appears the plants get a bit more stored "energy" for faster spring growth if I wait until spring for pruning. For me, a noticeable difference.

I found that fertilizing 2-3 times per year (usually Osmocote) nearly doubles the bloom production and increases growth considerably. Alternately, a good dressing of compost or other rich soil works great too.

You can readily get the "compact growth" and "increased blooms" by simply pruning throughout the year. Don't be afraid to cut a branch with active growth/blooms (bring the blooms in the house and enjoy them/root the cuttings and give as plant gifts to your friends) as long as you water and fertilize, the blooms will spring out on the new growth and the plants will look great.

I've never had any issues moving them other than the time to get re-established and growing well again. I've even experimented with some that have a higher tolerance for partial-shade that do well but certainly slower growth than the full sun plants.

Anyway...hope this helps someone. I'll post some pics this summer. Dmail if you have any questions...glad to help.

Interesting observations, Ray.
Thanks for sharing.
Andy P