The cut date is in spring
A butterfly bush blooms on this year's wood. First, the young shoots sprout with numerous flower systems. Just in time for the beginning of summer, the first panicles of flowers develop at the shoot tips. In the further course, several side branches form along the bottom shoots, which also boast flowers.
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The early spring results from the growth behavior of the summer lilac as the ideal cutting time. When temperatures are above freezing between mid-February and early March, use the secateurs to set the course for this year's flower festival. By choosing this date, you also take into account the Federal Nature Conservation Act by observing the grace period for our endangered bird life.
Cut the butterfly bush vigorously
The withered wood of the previous year has to give way so that your butterfly bush shows off its opulent flowers. The following rule of thumb applies to the circumference of the cut: the stronger the cut, the more powerful the growth. With the following cut you clear the way for young blossom wood:
- Shorten the scaffold-forming ground shoots by half, at least to a height of 100 cm
- Targeted cutting at a short distance from a leaf knot or eye
- Cut the withered side shoots from the previous year to 2 to 4 buds
- Starting with the 4th year, cut back an old scaffold shoot to 10 cm
- Choose a young ground shoot as a successor and shorten it to 30 cm
- Thin out excess, weak ground shoots on short stumps
You have done everything right when a remnant of knee-high ground shoots is left of the butterfly lilac with short side stubs. The available space determines the correct number of scaffold drives. A shapely summer lilac with three to five ground shoots as a framework is well positioned. A well-measured portion of compost with horn shavings (€ 6.39 at Amazon *) is just the right time for the ornamental shrub to sprout powerfully and to live up to its name.
Trim for an extra long bloom
Experienced home gardeners always have scissors with them on their summer patrols through the garden. Numerous flowering shrubs benefit from regular cleaning of withered inflorescences. In this regard, a butterfly lilac is no exception.
Cut off faded panicles by placing the scissor blades about an inch above a swelling bud. By dedicating yourself to withered flowers promptly, you also prevent invasive spread through self-sowing. Are overly long branches a thorn in your side? Then cut these back to a strong, outward-facing side shoot.
Tips
In the front garden, a butterfly bush is popular as a house tree because it is so easy to raise to a high trunk. Beginners in hobby gardening can purchase the gem at a reasonable price from the master gardener. A separate tutorial is dedicated to the annual pruning of the butterfly tree, which you can read here.
