Hi Louise,

To get the maximum amount of butterflies on budlea, especially Red Admirals,
we (Dorset coast) don't prune until April. It looks pretty untidy during the
winter months agreed, but resist the temptation to start cutting before then
and delaying flowering will be well worthwhile.

Keith



"Rebecca" wrote in message
om...
Dear All,

After inheriting a garden with our new house, and spring approaching,
now is time for more questions. I hope you can help.

We have a few budlea shrubs (not sure what kind, but the common purple
variety) which are quite sparse on branches and about 4m high and span
about 15m across in total. The old flowers hang on the end of branches
that may be up to 6m of bare old wood.

So, I want to tidy up our bushes and thicken up the shrub a bit. Can
you help?

When do I prune the old flowers? (I'm in Surrey just within the M25)

How much do I cut down? If I prune off the new wood, I will still be
left with very long lanky bare branches. I'm confused. The wood all
looks old to me.

It does create a great barrier with next door so I am wary off
chopping it all down if at all possible.

Your tips would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Louise