Summer lilac (Buddleja davidii) is one of the most popular fast-growing shrubs in this country. This is often planted in natural and cottage gardens, but is also generally recommended because of its easy care and robustness. It is rightly called “butterfly lilac” because its magnificent flowers are rich in pollen and nectar and thus attract many butterflies and bees. So that your summer lilac bushes can grow well and enchant with beautiful flowers, you should take care of them properly. One of the most important requirements is how and when you prune the buddleia. The most important things are summarized below.
The purple butterfly bush is one of the most widespread shrubs in this country
When to cut summer lilac?
If you don’t prune the buddleia back every year, it will get out of control and look untidy. In addition, the flowers are becoming fewer and smaller. With a correct pruning, which is also carried out at the right time, the plant gets strong, upright shoots, which then become arched. Namely, they produce the gorgeous buds that are purple, pink, rose, or white in color. Buddleia should be pruned back in early spring. Late March/early April is probably the best time for pruning. The new shoots that will soon grow on your buddleia are very hardy and usually not susceptible to frost damage. It is generally better if you prune the buddleia before growth really begins. However, once the new leaves have formed, you can still perform the pruning required.
The fabulous reward for a well-done pruning
How to cut summer lilac?
Cut back the buddleia to about 30 cm from the ground. In a mild spring, shoots can already sprout on the bush. This isn’t a problem, it just means you should prune it back heavily. This will cause the Buddleia to grow many new arching branches that will have larger flowers.
Don’t be afraid to give the buddleia a radical pruning in spring!
Within a few weeks you will have a beautiful arching shrub that will soon grow to around 2 meters in a few months with fresh foliage and lush flowers. Its branches will cascade as mentioned above, making for a pleasant arch. The new main shoots will also send out some side shoots, which will also bloom but have smaller flowers than the main spikes.
Extra tip:
Buddleia bushes behind a large bed can simply be cut back to around 60 cm each year. This has the advantage that flowering stems start higher and you can plant other shrubs and perennials under or near the base.
A rather light pruning in spring will probably not have optimal results
If the leaves and shoots are already there, you can also cut the summer lilac
Pruning the butterfly bush in summer?
In addition to the heavy pruning in spring, it is also advantageous to cut off all dead and wilted flowers throughout the summer when the main flowering period is over. Pruning Buddleia in summer is beneficial for the plant as it doesn’t need to produce seeds on the old flowers. The flowering period is certainly extended well into summer and even into autumn.
The summer cut is also considered a care and beauty cut
Everyone would like to have such a fabulous feast for the eyes in the garden
And butterflies, bees and co. will also be particularly happy
We hope that you now have the necessary know-how to be able to cut your summer lilac. Now is still quite appropriate to do it. Dare and give your fast-growing shrubs the right pruning. You can then enjoy the blooming result in the summer!
Butterfly bushes are delicate and lush at the same time
The flowers can also be mixed colors in some hybrid strains
Their color and scent attract many pollinating insects
A caring pruning in summer ensures more freshness of the shrub
The dwarf varieties of summer lilac are suitable as fast-growing, flowering ground covers
