The main pruning of the butterfly lilac (Buddleja davidii) usually takes place in mid-March. Then the shoots are shortened and the bush is shaped. But is that all? Does pruning help when the buddleia has faded?
It makes sense to cut the butterfly bush when the panicles stop blooming. However, this cut is very different from the spring cut. But why should you cut off spent flowers from buddleia and when and how exactly do you do this?
Buddleia blooms: Advantages if you cut off the faded ones
It's not absolutely necessary, but it's definitely worth it if you cut off spent flowers from the buddleia and do this workfor usual careadd. These are the reasons why you should always reach for secateurs and cut the Buddleja in summer:
- Withered flowers simply don't look nice and disrupt the overall appearance of the lilac bush that continues to bloom.
- This prevents the formation of seeds so that the bush does not put unnecessary effort into them. You will also stop further spread through self-seeding.
How often does buddleia bloom?
The butterfly bush only has one flowering phase, but it lasts a really long time, namely from July to September.
The flowers of the butterfly tree are cut against self-sowing
Cultivation in our latitudes and the benefits of butterfly lilacare controversial, as it is considered a threat to our biodiversity. In addition, it is also quite invasive and can spread further in an instant. In contrast to bamboo, for example, it does not do this with the help of its root system, but rather by developing numerous seed heads after flowering, which can eventually fall to the ground and sprout. The seeds are real survivors as they are not only extremely cold-resistant, but also do not rely on many nutrients in order to germinate.
This should be avoided as much as possible, which is why pruning is recommended in summer as soon as the buddleia has faded.
Interesting:In Switzerland, the butterfly bush is already on the black list of plants that should not be expanded further.
Cut off lilac flowers – When do you cut buddleia and how?
Cut the lilac flowers regularly throughout the entire flowering phase. Since the individual flower spikes develop at different times, new flowers will continue to form while the old ones are already withering. Try to stay on track and, for example, remove dead flowers once a week. Accordingly, cutting takes place during the flowering period and afterwards.
If the buddleia has faded, proceed as follows
Of course, you should cut the lilac correctly so that the cut does not cause more harm than good.
- Take the shoot with the faded flower.
- Find the first node below this flower. If another flower is expected on this shoot, focus on the bud instead.
- Place the scissors directly above the knot or bud.
- Make a clean and straight cut as bruises and tears increase the risk of infection.
- What is cut off comesnoton the compost. The panicles can still ripen and form seeds in the compost heap, which you then unintentionally spread the next time you fertilize.
Also interesting:Cutting butterfly lilac in spring with instructions
Should it be better to remove the butterfly lilac completely?
The fact that it is viewed as a negative plant for the garden raises the question of whether one should avoid cultivation entirely. In general, it can be said that you do not have to remove an existing shrub in the garden straight away. Its many nectar-rich flowers provide a perfect food source for insects (including many butterflies, which gives the plant its name).
However, it is important to avoid spreading and the best way to achieve this is to cut off the panicles as soon as the buddleia blooms.
More about cutting in summerfind out here.
