Butterfly Bush Pruning

Question

Late last year I pruned my very large, healthy butterfly bush to about 12″ high. It is April and I see no signs of any new life. Have I killed it?

Answer 1

I doubt you killed it, but if you took off more than a third of the plant during pruning, it would certainly slow its growth and open it up to other issues. The plant could also just be slow to start this year. This article should help determine if the bush is still alive: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm For additional info on pruning in the future, this article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-pruning-how-to-prune-a-butterfly-bush.htm