Can the flowers from butterfly bush, penstemon, butterfly flower or orange carpet be eaten?
Butterfly Bush is considered edible though has no nutritive value.
Here is a link with more information.
http://aces.nmsu.edu/medicinalherbs/documents/vol_02.pdf
Penstemon is not edible for humans or pets!
This is the first year I've had one of these. Love the butterflies it attracts. (Wonder how they know it's there?) Anyway, I'm finding that I have to daily go out and snip off many dead blooms. Is this normal? Thanks.
Yes, deadheading your Butterfly Bush can be a daily chore, but this helps bring more flowers to your plant through the summer!
The Butterflies will appreciate your efforts!
Butterflies are attracted to flowers that are red, yellow, orange, pink and purple.
Here is an article with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-care.htm
I wondered if I need Ericaceous compost. I have two other buddleias with no problems though.
Yellowing leaves generally indicates a watering issue, to much or to little.
Insects also can become an issue that may cause yellowing of leaves when the plant is stressed.
Adjust water as needed and inspect the plant for signs of insects or disease.
Neem Oil is a good treatment.
Here are some links for you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
This is an established, mature bush. I did prune it back last year. I have a full bush of blossoms, but most are opening brown and spent. Thank you
This is likely a watering issue, to much or to little.
They prefer a deep watering but need well draining soil so the roots do not sit in soggy soil.
Inspect the plants for any signs of aphids or spider mites.
Neem Oil is a good treatment if you suspect insects. It works as both an insecticide and fungicide and is safe for people, pets and bees.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-care.htm
How do I do this? What time of year?
To deadhead Buddleja, simply use sharp, clean clippers to cut off each flowering head after its flowers have turned brown. Cut down to the branch point where two other flower heads branch off.
For pruning the entire bush, see this article:
I have bought several butterfly bushes and they have long branches and I want to prune back to make them more manageable. Will this hurt the growth of these new plants?
You can trim your plants back now. Here is a link with more information.
A butterfly bush has made a home in the center of one of my larger flower beds. When it came up last year, I recognized the leaves (I'd had one for many years but it died.) so I let it grow. To my surprise, it has shot up 6 feet this summer. Well, of course, this is not acceptable and I need to move it. When and how can I safely transplant it to a more appropriate place? I will try to attach photos but I'm not always successful.
Spring or fall is great timing to move your Butterfly Bush.
Here is an article that will help you.