Help!!! Please..... Should I be trimming back my mature butterfly bushes & if so, when? and how far back should they be trimmed?
The plants were here when we moved in. Last year the largest of the two had dead flower stalks from the previous summer (which are still there) but the smaller plant bloomed profusely. Right now I'm at a stand still wondering what the heck to do with these things.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Butterfly bush
rjkoivuniemi...................Butterfly Bush is real late in coming up in spring.....You think its dead but it really is ok, it just is a late starter. I was told not to cut back the dead wood as it blooms on old wood. I would wait till you have new growth before I would start cutting. Keep in mind you are really farther north then most of us. Your area is usually 3 weeks behind us in Mid Michigan.
Deann
hmm...I've chopped mine back to about three inches for years. It always comes up from the roots. I agree...it is very late to show and I am always worried that it didn't make it through the winter.
oh boy....dug mine up this afternoon. Thought for sure it didn't make it. Maybe I'll plunk it back in the ground and wait a bit longer...
I've left the dead wood on my butterfly bush all winter and they cut it back in the spring. That's what I was told to do with it.
Hmm....a variety of information. Guess I'll try a little of each but will definately wait a bit to see if anything pops out before I get too clipper happy.
May experiment a bit here - I guess the worst that could happen is not getting any blooms this year. Thanks again!!!
I cut mine way down in the spring as well. They always come up fine.
Me too!!!
Demstratt, have you already cut yours down? I always wonder if I should wait until I see evidence of new growth. Necessary?
I did already....theres a little green coming up...I have the varigated one too!!it sure is a pretty thing...
I guess I'll do that today then. Thanks.
Your welcome..I do put epsom salt and cornmeal around it...work it in the soil!!!
Why cornmeal?
I was told to do that..soo the worms come and leave their castings!!!They work your soils...
Okay!
I cut mine back to 3-4 inches last week.
I always cut mine back in the spring.
Paul
I am soooo glad you all posted this, I thought I had lost another bb, got out there this am and moved some of the mulch and sure enough it is starting to come in :) Gonna cut it back today.
Connie
Do you guys think it is too late to transplant a few of these?
I have two that have been in their spot for a few years, and i would like to relocate.
Thanks
I transplanted one once. The first year it didn't get as big, but the second it was as big as it ever was.
Its a great time to transplant.
Paul