I've just planted a White Profusion Butterfly bush. I don't know if it blooms on new growth or old wood. Would someone here know and share this information with me?
My thanks,
Mary
'White Profusion' Butterfly Bush - flower on new growth?
From the website 'butterflywebsite.com:
Some Buddleia species, like B. alternifolia, B. asiatica, B. colvilei and B. globosa, bloom on last year's wood. They provide nectar for spring and early-summer butterflies, and they shouldn't be pruned until after blossoming. In mild climates, cut back right after blooming for a second show in fall. Prune these bushes judiciously in fall, to maintain shape and remove old, woody stalks.
Among the many other varieties of Buddleia which bloom on new growth, it's possible to stagger bloom times for a continuous nectar supply. Deadheading (cutting off) spent blossoms will force the plant to keep blooming, in an attempt to produce seed. My Buddleia 'Lochinch,' kept in bloom well into October, brought a Red Admiral into my garden when I'd given up seeing another.
In cold climates, mulch in the fall. Cut back to about a foot high in late winter, before new growth appears. You'll be amazed by the height the shrub attains by midsummer. You'll also get larger flowers and a neater-looking shape.
White Profusion:
White flowers all summer! Butterflies flock to the multitude of 4-10 inch clusters of lilac-like flowers. Bloom begins in mid summer on branches with willow-like leaves. Plants will grow 4-8 feet tall with equal width.
In colder areas, they may die back to the ground each winter, but as they flower on new wood, you are assured of abundant bloom. Plant in a sunny spot with well drained soil. USDA Zones 5-9.