Butterfly Bush | Trees and Shrubs

Post New Topic Reply to Topic

Butterfly Bush

Most Active Topic:

organic raised beds (14 posts)
Florida Gardeners (8 posts)
Flower bed help (7 posts)

Most Recent Topic:

Member	Message
bensmom98 Joined: 7/26/2006 Location: Lake Champlain Valley Posts: 9121	Posted: Sep/03/2007 5:17 PM PST I bought a Butterfly Bush this year. It really was against my better judgement because it is only hardy to zone 5. I finally realized that there are 2 in my neighborhood that grow big but do not bloom. Why is that? Is it because it is too cold for it and the cold kills all the buds? That doesn't make sense to me because it blooms on new wood. Should I cut it to the ground in the fall and throw a ton of leaves over it? Quote \| Reply \| Report

KeyWee Joined: 11/29/2006 Location: West Kentucky Posts: 1752	Posted: Sep/04/2007 4:02 AM PST I had butterfly bushes when I lived in WI and yes, I cut them to the ground. They never got really big like they do here in 6b (well, now I'm a Z7, or so I hear) but they DID bloom. Plant in a protected area if you can (southside of house, out of prevailing winds). I would cut mine back in winter or very early spring, before "wake-up". And yes, mulch or allow snow to pile upor do whatever you can to baby it along. I think you will get blooms once it's established. Quote \| Reply \| Report

karslinky Joined: 8/28/2004 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 1197	Posted: Sep/06/2007 1:56 PM PST I am in the Capital District of new york and thought my butterfly bush didn't make it this year, but it just took a long time to get started. I ended up cutting it back severely when I thought it was dead, and it grew to the same size as last year, if not bigger. HOWEVER, I've since been told that it is not necessary to cut it back so aggressively, especially if you are willing to mulch some of the stems. This year I will probably trim it back 2/3 in the hopes that I get a larger bush next year. If yours didn't bloom, is it getting enough sun? I am not sure why it wouldn't unless it needs richer soil/fertilizer. Mine blooms madly. Quote \| Reply \| Report

bensmom98 Joined: 7/26/2006 Location: Lake Champlain Valley Posts: 9121	Posted: Sep/08/2007 4:55 AM PST I just bought mine this year and it is has continuously bloomed. I have two neighbors with them and they didn't bloom. I assumed it was because they are only hardy to Zone 5 (we are 4a) and they didn't mulch them. One of the plants definately gets good sun. The other gets less, but enough none-the-less. Quote \| Reply \| Report

Read Next Discussion

You must be a registered member to participate in the forums. Login or register below.