pruning

Question

I have a butterfly bush that I got this summer. Do I prune it? I think I see buds on the old wood for next year, but please tell me what to do.

Answer 1

Where I live, the bush dies back in winter almost to the ground. While it doesn't have to pruned if there isn't winter die-back, it flourishes with hard pruning. This is because it blooms on new wood. Pruning also helps to contain the overall size. It is fine to cut it back now or in early spring before it starts to leaf out.