Buddleja (butterfly bush) should be planted only with great caution. It can self seed and spread aggressively in the garden.

Pruning Buddleja davidii, B. albiflora, B. japonica, and B. officinalis is usually done in late winter or early spring. It can be pruned back hard to a height of several inches or it can be pruned to any height desired. Just be sure to cut right above a leaf at the desired height and not in between leaves.

Another group of Buddleja needs no more pruning than necessary to keep the plants shapely and free of crowded, weak shoots. Pruning this group is done immediately after flowering; these species include B. alternifolia, B. globosa, and B. colvilei.

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service