The buddleia (Buddleia) is one of the shrubs whose flowering attracts butterflies since its main species is commonly called the butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii). Being a shrub with a very good hardiness, not very demanding in terms of maintenance, it is however particularly vigorous which can lead it to take on uncontrolled proportions, so its size is essential. It should be practiced at the right time and by proceeding with the right gestures to ensure that it is floriferous when its season comes!
When to prune the buddleia?
The pruning of the buddleia is intended to contain its strong development and to maintain a harmonious silhouette, highlighting in particular its weeping habit, with regard to the butterfly bush which flowers from May to September on the shoots of the year. .
The size of the butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) is practiced every year so that it does not end up forming a tangled mass of stems that flower less and less and whose aesthetic appeal diminishes.
The pruning period for this summer-flowering shrub is in beginning of springi.e. in March, when growth is about to resume, by choosing a beautiful sunny day with no risk of severe frost announced.
The pruning of buddleias that bloom in the spring on the stems of the previous year, such as Buddleia globosa, Buddleia alternifolia, is not necessarily to be done every year, but it is preferable to practice it every 2 or even 3 years maximum.
These spring-flowering buddleias should be pruned as soon as flowering is complete, so usually in July.
Whether it is an annual, occasional pruning or rejuvenation of an old buddleia, the pruning period remains the same.
Fans of gardening with the moon will take a look at the lunar calendar with the aim of intervening during a descending moon period, to allow the sap to go down in the branches, opting for a “Flower” day, in order to put all the chances on your side so that your shrub is very floriferous.
How to prune the buddleia?
Depending on whether the buddleia flowers on the wood of the year or on the wood of the previous year, the technique will not be the same otherwise it could compromise flowering, in some cases.
As always, be sure to sharpen, clean, and sanitize your pruner.
The pruning of the summer-flowering buddleia
For the butterfly tree (Buddleia davidii) which blooms in summer, you can cut back all the branches that bloomed the previous summer to 10cm from the branch that carries them just above a pair of eyes, then cut the dead or stunted branches flush, and finally , lighten the center of the antlers so that it is lighter.
A butterfly bush that is old or neglected for a long time can be pruned severely by cutting back its most beautiful branches to 30-40cm from the ground and cutting the others, which are less vigorous and less well oriented, flush.
The pruning of the spring-flowering buddleia
For the other buddleias, those with spring flowering, whose exuberance is much less, pruning is only practiced if necessary and will above all consist of cleaning the shrub to remove dead or damaged branches and maintaining a balanced shape while gradually renewing the stems destined to bear flowers.
For all the buddleias, the removal of faded inflorescences as you go along makes it possible to prolong flowering.