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Mon, Apr 25, 11 at 16:41
| I have a buttterfly bush. I have had it almost 3 years now. It grows almost 3-4 feet tall every year. In spring i have been cutting it down almost to ground and it re-grows itself every year. I was wondering if what I have been doing is correct. Since it would be nice to have it just have leaves on teh current branches rather than prune it down all the way every year. I am not an experienced gardener. Any help would be appreciated. I live in northern IL 20 miles south of WI border. |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by ken_adrian z5 (My Page) on Mon, Apr 25, 11 at 18:34
| all mine died to the ground every year in my z5 ... and then eventually did not come back ... so pruning to the ground is proper .... and it is exceptional that yours comes back every year ... though do be forewarned.. that when it does not.. it will not be your fault ... ken |
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| I guess it depends on what you what (shrub/tree) and where you are. I don't cut mine down and am trying to create more tree-like (standard)specimens. I do cut off the lower branches and tie together some of the higher ones to control its exuberant growth some. It is semi-evergreen here so does provide some screening even in Winter. They're about 8 feet now--think they get to about 12 feet or so. |
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| I've been wondering the same thing. I always prune at least half because it looked like there were no buds on at least half the plant, on the top half of branches. |
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| I was told to leave the shrub alone over-Winter no matter how rangy & untidy they look until the new growths show up from the base (they love to sleep-in) usually by May in our zone. If you don't like the untidy look you might clip off all the spent blooms & top sticks. Occasionally in our zone we could have severe Winters ~ they will appreciate a mulch blanket. All 3 of my regular sized Buddleias are green at the bases & Lo & Behold-Blue Chip (mini variety) was a bit later ~ I will just now, prune close to the ground all the dead sticks! The pay off for all the trouble & dealing w/ the untidiness ~ by July all the flying beauties are glorious to behold!!! |
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