Pruning a butterfly bush

The timing of pruning can vary depending on the season and the specific needs of your butterfly bush. In this section, we will explore the two main pruning periods for a butterfly bush: pruning in spring and pruning in fall. Pruning in Spring. Spring is an ideal time to prune a butterfly bush, as it allows for rejuvenation and promotes vigorous ...Jul 22, 2021 ... Pruned too late. Butterfly bushes bloom on new wood, which means they set their buds on new growth in the spring. If you prune your plant too ...When and how to prune your hydrangeas, with easy ways to shape your hydrangea and tips on what kind of pruning your hydrangea needs. 00:00 Welcome00:43 When ... This video is all about pruning butterfly bushes: when to prune; why you should prune; and how to prune. I show you how to prune your butterfly bushes in a s... By Debbie Roland and Emmy Ulmschneider, Master GardenersButterfly bush (Buddleja davidii is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub with masses of blossoms from summer to autumn and it is attractive to butterflies and other nectar loving insects.This bush is also called summer lilac and the flowers come in many colors. Butterfly bush can …Butterfly bushes do not need to be pruned every year. In fact, you only need to prune them when they get too large for the space allotted. But since butterfl... If your butterfly bush doesn’t die back during the winter, you should grow it again in the spring. If you have a Buddleia alternifolia, prune your bush back hard to about ⅓ of its size immediately after it flowers. 1. You will need to cut the flower bud off with a pair of tweezers or a sharp knife. Be careful not to damage the delicate ... Prune in spring, after the new growth emerges. Many people cut their butterfly bush back in autumn, as part of their fall clean up. But particularly in cold ...butterfly bush. A large, fast-growing, deciduous shrub, to 3m tall, with long, arching shoots and lance-shaped, pointed, green or grey-green leaves up to 25cm long. From summer to autumn it bears dense sprays, 30cm or more long, of small, fragrant flowers in various shades of purple.Generally, most butterfly bush pruning should take place during the winter months, in warmer climates, while the plant is dormant. However, the …When and how to prune your hydrangeas, with easy ways to shape your hydrangea and tips on what kind of pruning your hydrangea needs. 00:00 Welcome00:43 When ...Buddleja 'Blue Chip' (Butterfly Bush) is a miniature deciduous shrub with gracefully arching branches, studded with lance-shaped, gray-green leaves and sweetly scented, elongated panicles of intense blue flowers. Borne at the tips of the current year's growth, the flower spikes are freely produced from mid-summer through early fall and sometimes to …#2: Pruning . A Butterfly Bush produces new flowers mostly on new wood, meaning the growth that’s just emerged this season. So one of the best ways to ensure lots of blossoms is to prune your Buddleia heavily each year. This will spur it to grow back vigorously to replace what it’s lost, generating lots of new flowers in the process.If you have roses in your yard or garden, they’re likely the gorgeous focal point of your outdoor space. Keeping them trimmed not only perfects their shape, but it also can keep th...The best time for dividing your Butterfly Bush is in the spring when it’s still dormant. Water thoroughly the day before. Prune your Buddleia back, dig up the root mass, and split it into two to four equal sections with a sharp spade or knife. Transfer each one into a shallow planting hole, cover the roots, and water well.Nov 9, 2022 ... Pruning butterfly bushes in late winter or early spring (January to March) helps prepare the plant for the growing season. However, pruning too ...9 hours ago ... In this video guide from BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, Ashley Edwards shows you how to prune buddleia. He advises on the best time to prune ...Pruning Black Knight Butterfly Bush. The best time to prune your butterfly bush is early spring, as it allows your flowering plant to recover from the first frost and develop more growth and blooms. You can remove the previous year’s flowering stems close to one or two buds on older branches.How to #prune a #buddleia #butterflybush #buddleja #butterfly #bushHints and Tips1. Prune in late winter early spring when the plant shows signs of new growt...Anyone who is new to the tractor world probably has some questions about the attachment called a Bush Hog or a brush hog. Used for clearing land, cleaning up pastures and finish mo...Aug 5, 2007 ... As far as pruning butterfly bush, they are very adaptable. Lots of people cut them to the ground in early spring (usually March). Doing this, ...The other option is that this “structure” does not gain too much height with annual pruning. That is, prune all the branches to about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) from the ground or a few centimeters from the birth of the old branches. With this option, Buddleia emits branches from lower down and is leafy at the bottom.To propagate a non-patented variety of seedless butterfly bush, using stem cuttings from summer growth is the best method. Here’s how: Cut a 4- to 6-inch segment from a healthy, sturdy new branch. Remove the leaves from the bottom third of the branch cutting and dip in rooting hormone powder. Plant in a small pot of moistened potting soil.Nov 15, 2021 · Although butterfly bushes tolerate severe pruning to maintain a smaller size, you can reduce the time you'll spend pruning by planting it in a location with plenty of room for the plant to develop its natural size and shape. Butterfly bushes grow from 6 to 12 feet (2-4 m.) tall with a spread of 4 to 15 feet (1-4.5 m.). Jan 1, 2023 · If you have decided to prune your butterfly bush, take these steps; Watch for new growth. Butterfly bush leaves appear low on the shrub in late winter or early spring. Wait until you notice a few hints of healthy leaves. Above the fresh, healthy-looking leaves, make a decent, angled cut. Examine your plant variety. Buddleia and buddleja are both acceptable spellings of the butterfly bush's formal name. The first, which comes from modern practice of botanical Latin, looks a little neater and tidier. The second, however, is taken from Species Plantarum (1753) by the Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus – and as such is the spelling most widely adopted by ... #prunebutterflybush #prunebudleia #deadheadbuddleiaBuddleia (Buddleja) or Butterfly shrubs are easy to prune using secateurs, pruning saw or loppers. The tim... #prunebutterflybush #prunebudleia #deadheadbuddleiaBuddleia (Buddleja) or Butterfly shrubs are easy to prune using secateurs, pruning saw or loppers. The tim...Watering: Butterfly Bushes grow best in moist, well-drained soils. Keep the soil consistently moist all summer for best growth and flowering especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilizing: Amend the soil at planting time with compost. Each spring, add a 2- to 3-inch thick layer of compost around the base of the plants. #prunebutterflybush #prunebudleia #deadheadbuddleiaBuddleia (Buddleja) or Butterfly shrubs are easy to prune using secateurs, pruning saw or loppers. The tim... Planting in the garden. The ideal planting time of the butterfly bush is in spring and summer, whereas a planting in autumn is permissible if an appropriate winter protection is used. The root bale should be meticulously watered in front of the planting. In the meantime, a 60×60 cm broad and deep planting hole should be dug.While pruning is not absolutely necessary, butterfly bushes tend to bloom better and keep a better shape if pruned hard each spring. They can also be pruned in summer to encourage new blooms, or just to tame untidy growth. For non-dwarf butterfly bushes, cut back to 12 to 24 inches and remove any dead or broken branches.Number one: early spring or early fall are the ideal times for planting. Number two: choose a spot with good drainage and plenty of sunlight. Number three: make the planting hole wide but shallow. Get those right, and your Buddleia should thrive in its new home. Do not prune until you see green buds on the stem. If you are pruning in late spring or early summer, you may need to cut back a little more than you would if you pruned earlier in the season. This is because the buds are still developing. If you cut too much back, the bud will not develop properly, and you will end up with a bud that is too ... Apr 9, 2021 ... You should hard prune the butterfly bush with garden shears in late winter, it will then bloom luxuriantly each year. Simply cut back all main ...In late winter/early spring ,while the plant is still dormant, cut butterfly bushes down anywhere 6 - 12 inches from the ground. It is especially important to ...The classic summer-flowering buddleja or butterfly bush (B. davidii) is easy to grow in a sunny spot and just needs some annual pruning to look good. There ...Butterfly bushes do not need to be pruned every year. In fact, you only need to prune them when they get too large for the space allotted. But since butterfl...You need to prune it back: The butterfly bushes' blooms will only grow on new wood. An occasional, thorough haircut in early spring will entice it to grow back ...Sep 12, 2022 ... Butterfly bush blooms on new wood. Pruning is optional; it can be done if you wish to keep your shrub on the small side. Since Blue Chip ...Pruning in Late Winter or Early Spring. The optimal time to prune butterfly bushes is during late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Aim to prune in late February to early March, depending on your specific climate and region. This timing allows you to remove any winter damage and shape the shrub before the new growing …Pugster Butterfly Bush care involves full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Water it moderately to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Pruning in early spring encourages vigorous growth and more blooms. Fertilize once in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer designed for woody plants.Pruning and cutting back a butterfly bush can help to keep it healthy and promote new growth. Here are some tips to consider when cutting back a butterfly bush. First, it is important to determine the time of year to prune the butterfly bush. Generally, the best time to cut back a butterfly bush is in the spring or early summer, after the last ...The butterfly bush is a major sun lover, so plant it in a sunny spot that gets six to eight hours of sunlight every day. "Less than that and the plants can get 'leggy' as a means to reach for the desired light," Hogan says. "This can include stretching leaves and plants growing at an angle toward the sunlight."They will be traveling by I-35. US president Barack Obama, a friend to bees and other pollinating insects in peril, has unveiled his national strategy (pdf) to mitigate honey bee l...Come next spring, prune it back to 12 to 24 inches. As it starts to grow again, this should help the plant stand tall on its own. I am trying to kill ...#prunebutterflybush #prunebudleia #deadheadbuddleiaBuddleia (Buddleja) or Butterfly shrubs are easy to prune using secateurs, pruning saw or loppers. The tim...Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) plants are sun-loving shrubs that come in an array of vibrant colors, including pink, blue, and purple. The tiny fragrant blossoms cluster into a unique cone shape and, living up to their name, attract pollinators such as butterflies. The shrub continues to produce flowers throughout the summer and fall, …A butterfly bush needs full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Plant your bush in spring or fall, paying close attention to your local frost dates. Next, you must loosen the dirt and mix in compost (dig a hole twice the diameter of the plant container you purchased). The top of the rootball should be level with the soil's surface when you ...Are you looking for a reliable Bush Hog dealer in your area? Finding the right dealer can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. Fortunately, there are several ...Apr 8, 2022 · Ideally, you’ll want to dig a hole that’s twice the size of the container the butterfly bush came with. Fill up the bottom part with organic compost and keep the root ball just an inch or two below the soil line. Fill the space with regular potting mix and compost and water deeply to establish the plant. It normally takes anywhere between 4 ... The best time to prune depends on your climate and the size and variety of shrub. Large butterfly bushes at least 4 feet tall benefit from a light cutting back in late autumn to reduce size and improve shape for the next growing season. Autumn pruning in warmer climates has less risk of creating potential for … See moreStep 1 – Your first task is to make sure that it is the right season to be pruning your butterfly bush. Early spring is the best time to begin as the plant enters its time of growth with the changing season. With a sharp pair of garden clippers, you will need to trim the top growth of the plant. Cut off about half of the plant.They make great background material for a large butterfly garden. They have a naturally rounding habit and huge, heart-shaped leaves. Most butterfly plants like full sun. But tropical asters prefer partial shade, at least during the hottest part of the day. They’re used to growing in the cloud forests of Mexico, and like moist, well-draining ...Pugster Butterfly Bush care involves full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Water it moderately to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Pruning in early spring encourages vigorous growth and more blooms. Fertilize once in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer designed for woody plants.How To Prune Your Pugster Butterfly Bush. Step 1: Gather Tools. Before beginning, gather all necessary tools such as a pair of sharp pruners or garden shears. Make sure they are clean and sanitized before use. Step 2: Identify Dead or Damaged Wood. Carefully inspect your pugster butterfly bush for any dead or damaged wood that needs removal.Kaleidoscope butterfly bush is adaptable to both full sun and partial shade. It is a low-maintenance plant and does not require much pruning. The plant is attractive to both butterflies and bees. Kaleidoscope butterfly bush is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the United States. Related plant: Abelia Grandiflora KaleidoscopeIt is best to prune in March or April, just as the first new growth is starting to show. ... Just remember that if butterfly attraction is high on your list, the ‘butterfly bush’ is not actually the best plant to choose in the UK. References. 1. Ebeling, S., & Tallent-Halsell, N. (2009). Buddleja davidii (butterfly bush).Prune your buddleia in early spring by cutting back all the branches to the ground. Stop pruning once your stems are about 1 foot in length to avoid harming the ...If your butterfly bush doesn’t die back during the winter, you should grow it again in the spring. If you have a Buddleia alternifolia, prune your bush back hard to about ⅓ of its size immediately after it flowers. 1. You will need to cut the flower bud off with a pair of tweezers or a sharp knife. Be careful not to damage the delicate ...Are you looking for a reliable Bush Hog dealer in your area? Finding the right dealer can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. Fortunately, there are several ...The steps to follow when pruning are: Cut out all dead, frost-damaged, or diseased branches. Prune the long, flowering stems of this shrub after the final bloom. Cut back by about one-half the height of the plant. Take care not to prune the stems back into the woody part of the plant.Prune the Buddleia down to around 30cm (12 in) from ground level at this time. There may already be sprouting shoots on the Buddleia in a mild spring. No matter - Prune it back hard. This will make the Butterfly Bush grow many new arching branches, that will have larger flowers than if it had not been pruned.Want to get MORE from your Butterfly Bushes? Join David in one of our trial grounds in early spring and find out how you can prune your Buddleias to get BIGG...Cover the container with a plastic bag to keep the humidity high and retain the heat and place it in a warm location with filtered light. Provide the cuttings with water regularly to maintain the soil slightly damp. With proper care, your cuttings should develop roots after 2-3 weeks.When and How to Prune Butterfly BushesPruning Butterfly Bushes is easy. This video shows you how to prune and when to do it. I have been pruning butterfly bu...Ideally, you’ll want to dig a hole that’s twice the size of the container the butterfly bush came with. Fill up the bottom part with organic compost and keep the root ball just an inch or two below the soil line. Fill the space with regular potting mix and compost and water deeply to establish the plant. It normally takes anywhere between 4 ...Prune a snowball viburnum bush by sterilizing the equipment, cutting off flowers and cutting back the older branches before the fall. To complete this project, you need bleach, a b...Nov 15, 2021 · Although butterfly bushes tolerate severe pruning to maintain a smaller size, you can reduce the time you'll spend pruning by planting it in a location with plenty of room for the plant to develop its natural size and shape. Butterfly bushes grow from 6 to 12 feet (2-4 m.) tall with a spread of 4 to 15 feet (1-4.5 m.). Jun 1, 2016 ... The best time to prune these flowering shrubs is late winter or early spring while they are resting and before they put on new growth. Since ...Feb 6, 2024 · Butterfly Bushes Pruning FAQs Will a dead butterfly bush come back? If your butterfly bush is dead…it’s not coming back. Butterfly bushes can die from harsh weather conditions, diseases, or pest infestations. However, your bush is more likely dormant and has only died back to the ground temporarily for its winter growth cycle. The classic summer-flowering buddleja or butterfly bush (B. davidii) is easy to grow in a sunny spot and just needs some annual pruning to look good. There ...Jun 5, 2023 · You can trim at almost any time if the goal is just to remove a few untidy-looking branches or remove spent blooms. But if you want to do a major cutback to invigorate your plant for the season and/or control its size, you should prune your Butterfly Bush in the late winter or early spring. Butterfly Bushes When new growth appears in the spring, it’s time to trim your butterfly bush. While some people prune their butterfly bushes in the early fall, we don’t advise this in colder climates, as it can make the bush susceptible to damage over the winter. Lilac Bushes Lilac bushes can have an irregular, rounded shape. Kaleidoscope butterfly bush is adaptable to both full sun and partial shade. It is a low-maintenance plant and does not require much pruning. The plant is attractive to both butterflies and bees. Kaleidoscope butterfly bush is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the United States. Related plant: Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope Mar 4, 2021 · Bore a hole twice as wide as the container and blend the enclosing soil with compost. The root-ball should be at the same level as the surrounding surface. Water it thoroughly after planting also regularly over the first growing season. Fresh transplants may take up to six weeks to set in and get their roots established. Sep 23, 2012 · Find dazzling flower combinations in the Perennial Companions. Subscribe to our free weekly e-newsletter. Butterfly bushes should be pruned in the spring, not the fall. Fall pruning inhibits the natural hardening off of tissues and can increase the likelihood of winter kill. The butterfly bush is a major sun lover, so plant it in a sunny spot that gets six to eight hours of sunlight every day. "Less than that and the plants can get 'leggy' as a means to reach for the desired light," Hogan says. "This can include stretching leaves and plants growing at an angle toward the sunlight."#2: Pruning . A Butterfly Bush produces new flowers mostly on new wood, meaning the growth that’s just emerged this season. So one of the best ways to ensure lots of blossoms is to prune your Buddleia heavily each year. This will spur it to grow back vigorously to replace what it’s lost, generating lots of new flowers in the process.9 hours ago ... In this video guide from BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, Ashley Edwards shows you how to prune buddleia. He advises on the best time to prune ...How to Prune Butterfly Bushes and Lantana - In this video I show how I prune my Butterfly Bushes and Lantana in the late winter. I will also give them a hair...Cut butterfly bushes back close to the ground—to about a foot tall—in late winter to early spring (photo, right). This practice eliminates twiggy habits, keeps ...The other option is that this “structure” does not gain too much height with annual pruning. That is, prune all the branches to about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) from the ground or a few centimeters from the birth of the old branches. With this option, Buddleia emits branches from lower down and is leafy at the bottom.Oct 3, 2023 · Snip a cutting, dip it in the rooting hormone, and then place it in the growth medium to begin propagation. Butterfly bush propagates easily from softwood cuttings taken in May or June. Simply take a cutting with a few leaves on it, dip it in the rooting hormone, and stick the cutting into a sterile planting medium. What tools or equipment are needed for pruning a butterfly bush? Pruning is an essential task when it comes to maintaining the health and shape of a butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii). This shrub, also known as the summer lilac, produces beautiful fragrant flowers that attract butterflies and bees. Pruning not only helps to control the size of ...Buddleja 'Blue Chip' (Butterfly Bush) is a miniature deciduous shrub with gracefully arching branches, studded with lance-shaped, gray-green leaves and sweetly scented, elongated panicles of intense blue flowers. Borne at the tips of the current year's growth, the flower spikes are freely produced from mid-summer through early fall and sometimes to …This video is all about pruning butterfly bushes: when to prune; why you should prune; and how to prune. I show you how to prune your butterfly bushes in a s...Oct 3, 2023 · Snip a cutting, dip it in the rooting hormone, and then place it in the growth medium to begin propagation. Butterfly bush propagates easily from softwood cuttings taken in May or June. Simply take a cutting with a few leaves on it, dip it in the rooting hormone, and stick the cutting into a sterile planting medium. Nov 12, 2023 · Ideal Time To Prune A Butterfly Bush. Pruning a butterfly bush at the right time is crucial to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Here’s what you need to know about the ideal timing for pruning: Late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, is the best time to prune your butterfly bush. It is best to prune in March or April, just as the first new growth is starting to show. ... Just remember that if butterfly attraction is high on your list, the ‘butterfly bush’ is not actually the best plant to choose in the UK. References. 1. Ebeling, S., & Tallent-Halsell, N. (2009). Buddleja davidii (butterfly bush).To go this route, mow the bamboo and allow it to regrow to about 3 feet or until the leaves start to expand. Apply glyphosate at a 5 percent solution or imazapar at a 1 percent solution directly ...Butterfly Bushes When new growth appears in the spring, it’s time to trim your butterfly bush. While some people prune their butterfly bushes in the early fall, we don’t advise this in colder climates, as it can make the bush susceptible to damage over the winter. Lilac Bushes Lilac bushes can have an irregular, rounded shape.Netflix's "Stranger Things" has given new life to her 1985 hit—and is minting money for the British singer-songwriter now. Since it was featured in the fourth season of the Netflix...Number one: early spring or early fall are the ideal times for planting. Number two: choose a spot with good drainage and plenty of sunlight. Number three: make the planting hole wide but shallow. Get those right, and your Buddleia should thrive in its new home.#2: Pruning . A Butterfly Bush produces new flowers mostly on new wood, meaning the growth that’s just emerged this season. So one of the best ways to ensure lots of blossoms is to prune your Buddleia heavily each year. This will spur it to grow back vigorously to replace what it’s lost, generating lots of new flowers in the process.February 22, 2016 Plant profiles shrub. Clerodendrum ugandense, also called Rotheca myricoides, and commonly known as Blue Butterfly Bush, is a wonderful plant to have at home. It’s not a fussy, high requirement plant, and it’s very rewarding to have. The flowers sport two hues of blue and truly resemble butterflies, especially the way they ...The steps to follow when pruning are: Cut out all dead, frost-damaged, or diseased branches. Prune the long, flowering stems of this shrub after the final bloom. Cut back by about one-half the height of the plant. Take care not to prune the stems back into the woody part of the plant.Jan 27, 2021 · Pruning Butterfly Bushes - In this video I show how I prune my Butterfly Bushes in the late winter every year. Consultations Available - https://www.horttube... To propagate a non-patented variety of seedless butterfly bush, using stem cuttings from summer growth is the best method. Here’s how: Cut a 4- to 6-inch segment from a healthy, sturdy new branch. Remove the leaves from the bottom third of the branch cutting and dip in rooting hormone powder. Plant in a small pot of moistened potting soil.Butterfly Bushes When new growth appears in the spring, it’s time to trim your butterfly bush. While some people prune their butterfly bushes in the early fall, we don’t advise this in colder climates, as it can make the bush susceptible to damage over the winter. Lilac Bushes Lilac bushes can have an irregular, rounded shape.Butterfly bush is hardy from zone 5 to 10, but in areas colder than zone 5, the plant may die back to the ground. To prepare your butterfly bush for the winter, first clear the base of the plant by removing all dead leaves, debris, and weeds. The next step is to prune the bush, for which many recommend cutting it all the way back to the ground.Either prune bushes all the way to the soil near wintertime and give plants compost and more mulch when they break out of dormancy in the spring, or prune right before new spring growth occurs. Butterfly bush is a beautiful shrub to add to a flower garden or to add to the back row of tall perennial flower borders.How to Prune a Butterfly Bush. Home. Gardening. How to Prune a Butterfly Bush. By Sheridan Grant. Published Sep 21, 2022. Pruning your butterfly bush is no sweat! Check out …Pugster Butterfly Bush care involves full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Water it moderately to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Pruning in early spring encourages vigorous growth and more blooms. Fertilize once in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer designed for woody plants.Jul 9, 2023 · When pruning a butterfly bush, it's important to follow the proper techniques to ensure the health of the plant. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prune a butterfly bush: Gather the necessary tools: Before starting, make sure you have a pair of clean and sharp bypass pruners or loppers. 9 hours ago ... In this video guide from BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, Ashley Edwards shows you how to prune buddleia. He advises on the best time to prune ...Mar 22, 2019 ... Start pruning buddleja when it's coming into growth in early spring. First, trim back the top growth to around half its height using secateurs. Kaleidoscope butterfly bush is adaptable to both full sun and partial shade. It is a low-maintenance plant and does not require much pruning. The plant is attractive to both butterflies and bees. Kaleidoscope butterfly bush is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the United States. Related plant: Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope Jan 29, 2024 · The Benefits of Pruning a Butterfly Bush. Pruning a butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) correctly will encourage a bountiful bloom of vibrant flowers come summer. This deciduous shrub grows quickly, reaching a height and spread of 6 to 10 feet. Although it is shaped naturally into an upright oval, the plant may become leggy if not properly pruned. What tools or equipment are needed for pruning a butterfly bush? Pruning is an essential task when it comes to maintaining the health and shape of a butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii). This shrub, also known as the summer lilac, produces beautiful fragrant flowers that attract butterflies and bees. Pruning not only helps to control the size of ...A butterfly bush needs full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Plant your bush in spring or fall, paying close attention to your local frost dates. Next, you must loosen the dirt and mix in compost (dig a hole twice the diameter of the plant container you purchased). The top of the rootball should be level with the soil's surface when you ...While pruning is not absolutely necessary, butterfly bushes tend to bloom better and keep a better shape if pruned hard each spring. They can also be pruned in summer to encourage new blooms, or just to tame untidy growth. For non-dwarf butterfly bushes, cut back to 12 to 24 inches and remove any dead or broken branches. | Cktjsnub (article) | Mvqkdjg.