Phoon Hencman wrote:
On 2008-02-04 20:47:24 -0500, Paul Ferguson said:

I read about pruning butterfly bushes, but I have several bushes
planted last April. They are now about 4 feet tall. Should these
bushed be pruned back to 1-2 feet high as recommended for more mature
bushes?

PaulF



Prune it back near the last frost date. Don't do it now.

As someone who has grown Butterfly bushes for many years, I can say that
that is really BAD advice. New growth starts WAY before the last frost
date and if you cut back the bush then you are likely to have less
blooms that season.

I cut mine after about the second hard freeze in the late fall or early
winter. Then, in the spring, I trim lightly if needed (mainly for
"form").

If you did not cut them at all yet, I would do it now BEFORE any new
growth starts.
--
Bill R. (Ohio Valley, U.S.A)

Gardening for over 40 years

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