I started a lavender Buddleia davidii hybrid by seed this year. It has 5 canes with a few small branches coming off the main canes. Winter is beginning to make itself felt in Baltimore and I wanted to know if I needed to prune my young butterfly bush, and if so, then how? It flowered this year and I cannot wait until next year, but want to ensure that I do everything right!
Thanks,
Chris
Most shrubs/trees should be at least a year or two old before you begin the pruning process. With that in mind, this article will help with pruning yours in the future: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-pruning-how-to-prune-a-butterfly-bush.htm
It must be transferred due to construction. They were planted four years ago. Will they survive the transfer?
Yes, they should be fine. This article will help with transplanting them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/tips-for-transplanting-a-butterfly-bush.htm
My friend gave me a butterfly bush. It had been out of the ground for about five days. I have replanted the bush but it looks pretty bad. What should I do?
It has transplant shock. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm
I live in central Illinois. We just had a bad frost and got a lot of my bushes. Will they come back to life this year?
They should regrow their leaves. Here is information that may be of some help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/tips-for-saving-cold-damaged-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm
My yard is full of butterfly bushes. I would like to donate some to a plant sale. Can I just take cuttings off and transplant them, or do I need to dig to the root? I was wondering if a cutting will grow roots if taken from the tender part of the plant.
Yes, you can take cuttings. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/propagating-butterfly-bush.htm
Can removing seed pods from butterfly bush make it bloom more?
While you do not have to remove the seed pods, you can, and it will improve its overall appearance and promote healthier blooming. It is really up to the individual gardener.
Just planted butterfly bush in the morning and by the evening bush has wilted look. I made sure the soil was moist. The area planted in has a minimum of 8 hours of sun a day. Did I miss anything? Any suggestions?
It has transplant shock. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm