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Butterfly Bush| Member | Message |
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Posted: Apr/05/2008 12:16 PM PST
When is the right time to cut the Butterfly Bush for Spring? I have not seen any growth on it yet. I am hoping that it is not dead.  
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Posted: Apr/05/2008 12:22 PM PST
It will look dead for qutie some time. Like hibiscus they like to wait for it to be nice and warm before leaving dormancy. You can cut it back right now and be patient about new growth. |
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Posted: Apr/05/2008 1:40 PM PST
Do you cut it down to the crown? It will be a miracle if my survived with the dogs. |
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Posted: Apr/06/2008 4:25 AM PST
I have eight BF bushes and I have always cut them back to about a 6" height. By the end of the summer, they are about 6' x 6' or so. BUT ~ since I have so many, this year I left one uncut, basically because it remained protected and evergreen all winter. So far, it is looking really good. It may be another clematis-type question ~ to cut or not to cut? |
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Posted: Apr/06/2008 4:41 AM PST
I have always heard to cut back only one third. I have been known to cut it back by half. They are such hardy souls that if they are otherwise healthy, you could cut them back more. Personally, I wouldn't take that chance. They are supposed to be cut back late February or early March in my neck of the woods, but as I said, they are pretty hardy and can take a bit of abuse. Mine tend to get eight to ten feet tall. |
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Posted: Apr/06/2008 5:54 AM PST
I am barely Zone 5 though depending on which ZOne chart you use. In some I am 4. Does that make a difference? |
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Posted: Apr/06/2008 8:10 AM PST
I have always cut the whole bush back to about 6-8 inches or so.. they always seem to do ok. I am zone 5 and will cut mine whenever I have a warm day and some extra time. |
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Posted: Apr/06/2008 8:26 AM PST
From what I've observed in the neighborhood, they'll get very tall and bloom at the end of the branches if not cut back. Cutting them down provides more blooms and an all-over bloom. One of my neighbor's is covered in blooms and she keeps it pretty compact. |
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Posted: Apr/06/2008 8:41 AM PST
The dogs pruned it to about that. (Thanks a lot!  ) So, I may just leave it.
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Posted: Apr/06/2008 2:57 PM PST
See? They just want to help. 
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