How to Cut Back Buddleia Davidii

Buddleia Davidii is a popular purple butterfly bush. When it is full bloom, it is a great addition to any garden. However, the Buddleia needs proper cutting back during the year to ensure full and proper growth. The process is simple with the right tools and know-how.

Item's you'll need:

• Pruning shears or lopers


• Fertilizer


• Hose or watering can

Step 1: Cut back your Buddleia Davidii in early spring to ensure proper growth during the coming growing season. Cut the Buddleia down to about one foot from the ground. If the stems are too thick to cut with pruning shears, use your loppers to cut off the shoots. If you do not cut down this low, your bush will not grow to its fullest during the year.

Step 2: Fertilize your Buddleia in the early spring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to fertilize the bed with the proper amount of fertilizer. Water the bed with your hose or watering can.

Step 3: Prune your Buddleia frequently during the summer to encourage further growth. When the purple flowers begin to fade, take your shears and lop off the flower and everything underneath down to the next bud. This process is called "deadheading" the plant. By deadheading the Buddleia, you will encourage new flowers to grow more quickly.

Step 4: Cut approximately one quarter of the Buddleia down in the fall with your shears or loppers. This will allow the plant to better withstand the harshness of winter. The Buddleia will then be more healthy when the time comes for the spring pruning.