Pruning Butterfly Bushes?

Question

I have 10 Buddleia davidii in my yard, a house I recently moved into. I read that you should prune them in March, obviously I missed that, but they are huge already and I am afraid they will grow out of control if I do not prune them, however they have already started to grow leaves. Have I missed my opportunity to prune?

Answer 1

in zone 7 the only time i would not prune them is late fall. they grow big down here. some up to 10 ft by 10 ft and the petites get about 5 feet. they are pretty much a weed and grow very fast. im always deadheading them throughout the summer to maintain numerous blooms. when you prune them in spring you can cut them way back, say 80%

Answer 2

They won't get out of control. They only get to be about 3-5 feet tall depending on the variety and conditions. Some get larger, but you can always prune them back next year. See what happens with them this year and let that be your guide for next year.

Answer 3

I live in North east so I usually wait until I see a couple leaves at the bottom since they bloom on new wood. They are easy.

Answer 4

No you can prune butterfly bushes any time thet always come back stronger.

Answer 5

I usually cut mine to the ground in march, but depending on how much they have leafed out I would leave them about 3' high, and thin them out.

Answer 6

you will be ok to prune right back now and they will still be bushy and flower this summer i have done this loads of times with mine its good for them

Answer 7

Nope. Now is a good time to do it. I've hacked on them pretty much year round and they're just fine. They flower on new growth, unlike many other shrubs.