My gosh, if only everyone could explain things as well as you. This was so helpful. You have also given me the courage to prune, prune, prune, and prune some more without fear. Butterfly bushes are so fragrant and lovely, it's hard sometimes to be so extreme with pruning, but I believe you when you say the bush will be so much happier and healthier! Thank you!!!
Thank you for your kind words. This Buddleja has bloomed most of the summer and was a very attractive element in my garden. Thank you for visiting my channel.
Beautifully explained and all caught on camera - great photography, editing and nice, relaxing, soothing music. A very tastefully produced video. I will like and subscribe for sure. In conclusion - super attention to detail! Finally, I would like to see the end result of that rather drastic haircut of that shrub, please. If at all possible?
Hi, yes it feels drastic, but I like the blooms to be in my eye level. I have the follow up footage, just don't have time to edit my videos anymore. But you can see photos on my Instagram account, with the same name. Eva
I've always been afraid to be so aggressive when pruning my butterfly bush, but you gave such a good tutorial. I live in Colorado zone 5. I'm waiting for the snow to melt so that I have good access to the plant to prune it. Thank you so much!
Hi, sounds like we live in similar climate, just on a different continent 😉. I pruned mine just today, as the weather is warming up and new buds are appearing. Thank you for watching. Eva
Yes, it seems brutal, but the shrub needs this to produce beautiful blooms in the summer. I am preparing a June video and there is a quick follow up on this Buddleja full of buds. On freshly planted shrubs, I would wait at least one season with pruning. Thanks for watching.
Hello, I found this video to be very informative and very clear. You showed the whole pruning process in great detail. You've given me the knowledge and the courage to go ahead and prune mine next spring. I'm sure going to look up your other video's. thank you very much!
Purchase my first Buddleja from as big box store. Afraid it would die if left out side thru the winter. Placed in a south facing garage and it’s doing well. Did not know how to prune the shrub ,but with your guidance I will follow your lead. Thank You from Ship Bottom,NJ USA.
Hi, thank you for watching. Once you plant the shrub in its final spot, let it get established and prune it only when it gets to the desired height. Eva
Yes, they need regular pruning, as the blooms appear at the ends of the branches. Without pruning, Buddleia can grow big with sparse flowers on the tips.
Grusgott! I used to love pruning buddleja, it's so forgiving and rewarding an excellent plant to learn pruning on. I like to leave a few of the youngest thick canes because this becomes the new frame work, as very old wood is not that productive after a year or two.
Great instructions 😀 thanks so much. I am in Dublin Ireland and wonder when I should prune so hard? Our winters are not as harsh as yours due to being on the coast. Am afraid that I will kill it!
Don't worry, buddlejas are tough, you won't kill it. In a mild climate, prune in late winter/early spring, just as the new buds start to emerge. If you're not sure how far down to prune, leave about 60 cm long stems. This way there should be plenty of buds left for new season. You can always leave the shrub unpruned and watch it over the summer, how the new growth appears on the shrub. Now, remember, this hard prune in my video, is done a on a mature shrub, that is several years old. I wouldn't recommend it on a young, freshly planted shrub. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching and subscribing.
Just found your channel and think this is an excellent video. You are great at explaining everything. I have only one question. Why did you make your pruning cuts straight across? I have always angled mine in the direction I want the new growth to grow. I will be binge watching all your videos. Thank you😊
Hi, sorry for the late reply. To cut at an angle or to cut straight? From my experience it does not make a huge difference. The angle cuts are thought to help the rain water to drain properly, away from the new bud. So in case it freezes, it will not damage the new growth. This is maybe true with pruning roses, at Buddleja it doesn't matter as much. Important thing is that you prune the shrub so it doesn't get out of hand. Thank you for watching. Eva
I just cut my one that was out of control quite viciously..I couldn't see buds as low down as I wanted to go (ie 30/40 cm high), and that's worrying me! Those thick branches hide the buds, (if they have any good ones) very well compared to the young growth where i can see little white forms (and even full leaves up higher.). Should I have only cut where I saw the white buds higher up? (they were on much thinner stems)
Hello, after pruning a branch, is it necessary to apply a plant tar to prevent parasites and fungi from getting into the wood? Thank you for your help.
Hi, it could be several issues. The most common is not enough water. Also too much water is not good, causing the roots to rot. Another issue could be iron deficiency, which has yellow leaves with green veins. In this case sprinkle lime fertiliser around the plant. Hope this helps.
Hello, in a warm climate, buddleja is an evergreen shrub. You can prune it twice, in Jan-Feb (before the new spring growth appears) and late summer as well, right after blooms fade. This will produce a second round of blooms in the fall. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching, Eva.
Hi, start gradually. At first, trim only the top one third, wait one growing season and observe the new growth. Don't trim too deep, as the very old thick wood might not produce new buds any more. Thank you for watching.
Hi from Austria. I prune mine in spring, as the summer here is much shorter. In CA, you can prune twice a year, spring and late summer (after the blooms fade). This will produce a second round of blooms in fall. Thanks for watching.
2m sounds ok. Buddlejas can grow very large, but this is mostly in height. Depending how much privacy you need, you can prune it in spring time (once you see small buds growth). At the beginning of my video you can see how big mine was last summer, I leave it for the winter and prune back in spring.
Hi, I never tried to root the cuttings. I get new shoots (small young plants) pop up from the ground around the shrub all the time, so I never had the need to experiment with the cuttings. But it is a good question, I will look into it. Thank you for watching. Eva
This is when you get cut happy, omg no this shrub is ruined it was going to be so thick and beautiful and big !!! I understand cut the dead wood but this reminds me of going to a hair stylist and you ask for a trim and walk out with a Bob
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My gosh, if only everyone could explain things as well as you. This was so helpful. You have also given me the courage to prune, prune, prune, and prune some more without fear.
Butterfly bushes are so fragrant and lovely, it's hard sometimes to be so extreme with pruning, but I believe you when you say the bush will be so much happier and healthier! Thank you!!!
Thank you for your kind words. This Buddleja has bloomed most of the summer and was a very attractive element in my garden. Thank you for visiting my channel.
What a very thorough video. Answered many questions I had over the years. Thank-you!
Happy to help, thank you for watching. Eva
An excellent demonstration & explanation of pruning a Buddlija bush. Thank you so much. Cheers from Western Australia 😊🥰❤️💕😍😘
Hi, glad to help, thank you for watching. Eva
Thank you for this video. Love from Italy ❤
Hi Marieta, thank you for watching. Greetings from Austria. Eva
Wow it took LOTS of videos but I finally found exactly what I was looking for ! Thank you.
Awww, thank you for your kind words. Happy to hear you find my video helpful. Eva
Beautifully explained and all caught on camera - great photography, editing and nice, relaxing, soothing music. A very tastefully produced video. I will like and subscribe for sure. In conclusion - super attention to detail! Finally, I would like to see the end result of that rather drastic haircut of that shrub, please. If at all possible?
Hi, yes it feels drastic, but I like the blooms to be in my eye level. I have the follow up footage, just don't have time to edit my videos anymore. But you can see photos on my Instagram account, with the same name. Eva
Would love to see another video with the same Buddleja in bloom.
Hi, I have the follow up footage, just no time to edit the video. But definitely something I want to do.
I've always been afraid to be so aggressive when pruning my butterfly bush, but you gave such a good tutorial. I live in Colorado zone 5. I'm waiting for the snow to melt so that I have good access to the plant to prune it. Thank you so much!
Hi, sounds like we live in similar climate, just on a different continent 😉. I pruned mine just today, as the weather is warming up and new buds are appearing. Thank you for watching. Eva
While watching your videos I’m about to cry I felt bad but I know it’s the right thing to do I just planted 2 today I’m excited🥰
Yes, it seems brutal, but the shrub needs this to produce beautiful blooms in the summer. I am preparing a June video and there is a quick follow up on this Buddleja full of buds. On freshly planted shrubs, I would wait at least one season with pruning. Thanks for watching.
Well done, and Thank you, I feel I can go out and prune our's.:)))
Hi, you got this, buddlejas are very forgiving at pruning. It will reward you with beautiful blooms at eye level. Thank you for watching. Eva
Thank you. I learned a lot from watching this.
Thanks for watching and visiting my channel.
Love your gardening.above all the others.jeff
Awww thank you for encouraging words, I am always happy to meet new fellow gardeners. Thank you for watching, Eva.
Thank you! I forgot to prune last year and had a sad, scraggly bush. Boo! This was really helpful.
Excellent, learnt a lot, many thanks from Mönchengladbach, Germany.
Happy to help. Hope you will grow this beautiful shrub in your garden. Greetings from Ennstal, Austria.
Excellent video. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks for watching.
hey thank you for the advice really helped me with my plant Thanks 🌲😁
Thanks for watching. Happy to help.
Thank you I learned a lot about cutting the right way 🌳
Thank you for watching. Happy to help.
I liked your demonstration. Very thorough and your English is spot on! Bravo!
Thank you for our kind words. And thank you for watching. Eva
Very informative, 🙏
Very good explanation
Hi, thank you for stopping by, happy to help. Eva
Hello, I found this video to be very informative and very clear. You showed the whole pruning process in great detail. You've given me the knowledge and the courage to go ahead and prune mine next spring. I'm sure going to look up your other video's. thank you very much!
Aww thank you for your kind words. Eva
Very helpful. Good visualization and explanation of what you did and why you did it. Thank you.
Hello, thank you for your kind words. Happy to hear you find the video helpful. Eva
A very interesting and informative video. Thanks for sharing 👍.
Thank you very much! Excellent. Most helpful indeed.
Thanks for watching.
Thank you. I love this plant. I have rooted 2 plants. Lots of water.
Hi, thank you for watching. It is one of my favorites too, blooms all summer long.
Purchase my first Buddleja from as big box store. Afraid it would die if left out side thru the winter. Placed in a south facing garage and it’s doing well. Did not know how to prune the shrub ,but with your guidance I will follow your lead. Thank You from Ship Bottom,NJ USA.
Hi, thank you for watching. Once you plant the shrub in its final spot, let it get established and prune it only when it gets to the desired height. Eva
I am learning to prune mine. We have a beautiful, big Buddleia and I hope to have more blooms next season.
Yes, they need regular pruning, as the blooms appear at the ends of the branches. Without pruning, Buddleia can grow big with sparse flowers on the tips.
Grusgott! I used to love pruning buddleja, it's so forgiving and rewarding an excellent plant to learn pruning on. I like to leave a few of the youngest thick canes because this becomes the new frame work, as very old wood is not that productive after a year or two.
Yes, buddlejas a very forgiving when it comes to pruning. Thank you for watching. Eva
Thanks for a great explanation!
Very helpful. I have a similar sized butterfly bush. I will be getting after it soon. Thanks.
Thank you for watching, I am sure you'll do fine. Buddlejas are very forgiving shrubs. 😉🌱🌳
Great instructions 😀 thanks so much. I am in Dublin Ireland and wonder when I should prune so hard? Our winters are not as harsh as yours due to being on the coast. Am afraid that I will kill it!
Don't worry, buddlejas are tough, you won't kill it. In a mild climate, prune in late winter/early spring, just as the new buds start to emerge. If you're not sure how far down to prune, leave about 60 cm long stems. This way there should be plenty of buds left for new season. You can always leave the shrub unpruned and watch it over the summer, how the new growth appears on the shrub. Now, remember, this hard prune in my video, is done a on a mature shrub, that is several years old. I wouldn't recommend it on a young, freshly planted shrub. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching and subscribing.
Just found your channel and think this is an excellent video. You are great at explaining everything. I have only one question. Why did you make your pruning cuts straight across? I have always angled mine in the direction I want the new growth to grow. I will be binge watching all your videos. Thank you😊
Hi, sorry for the late reply. To cut at an angle or to cut straight? From my experience it does not make a huge difference. The angle cuts are thought to help the rain water to drain properly, away from the new bud. So in case it freezes, it will not damage the new growth. This is maybe true with pruning roses, at Buddleja it doesn't matter as much. Important thing is that you prune the shrub so it doesn't get out of hand. Thank you for watching. Eva
I just cut my one that was out of control quite viciously..I couldn't see buds as low down as I wanted to go (ie 30/40 cm high), and that's worrying me! Those thick branches hide the buds, (if they have any good ones) very well compared to the young growth where i can see little white forms (and even full leaves up higher.).
Should I have only cut where I saw the white buds higher up? (they were on much thinner stems)
Hello, after pruning a branch, is it necessary to apply a plant tar to prevent parasites and fungi from getting into the wood? Thank you for your help.
In 6 years of pruning.... I have not once covered cuts on this plant and have not had any issues.❤
Hi, my butterfly bush the leaves are turning yellow…what should I do?
Hi, it could be several issues. The most common is not enough water. Also too much water is not good, causing the roots to rot. Another issue could be iron deficiency, which has yellow leaves with green veins. In this case sprinkle lime fertiliser around the plant. Hope this helps.
How can one get extra plants from the original please ?
I learned a lot. I am in zone 9, California central valley. Winters are mild here. When would I prune my buddleja?
Hello, in a warm climate, buddleja is an evergreen shrub. You can prune it twice, in Jan-Feb (before the new spring growth appears) and late summer as well, right after blooms fade. This will produce a second round of blooms in the fall. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching, Eva.
My tree is very large. How far down can I trim it. Thank you
Hi, start gradually. At first, trim only the top one third, wait one growing season and observe the new growth. Don't trim too deep, as the very old thick wood might not produce new buds any more. Thank you for watching.
Also, better to prune in Spring and not the end of fall? I live in California, USA.
Hi from Austria. I prune mine in spring, as the summer here is much shorter. In CA, you can prune twice a year, spring and late summer (after the blooms fade). This will produce a second round of blooms in fall. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for your help!
What distance would you put between each Buddleja to make a kind of hedge? I planted some 2m apart
2m sounds ok. Buddlejas can grow very large, but this is mostly in height. Depending how much privacy you need, you can prune it in spring time (once you see small buds growth). At the beginning of my video you can see how big mine was last summer, I leave it for the winter and prune back in spring.
Will the buddleja. Davidii grow from any of those cuttings you just took when pruning?
Hi, I never tried to root the cuttings. I get new shoots (small young plants) pop up from the ground around the shrub all the time, so I never had the need to experiment with the cuttings. But it is a good question, I will look into it. Thank you for watching. Eva
Yes.... they will grow from cuttings.... not as readily as Rose of Sharon and Hydrangeas tho❤
Yes they will grow from cuttings, very easily. That's how I grow mine 😊
This is when you get cut happy, omg no this shrub is ruined it was going to be so thick and beautiful and big !!! I understand cut the dead wood but this reminds me of going to a hair stylist and you ask for a trim and walk out with a Bob
You know nothing about pruning.