Buddleia (again!)

Discussion in 'Other Plants' started by Ellen, Aug 9, 2013.

  1. Ellen

    Ellen Total Gardener

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    My Buddleia flowered late, but boy has it flowered! It's now grown out into the driveway, quite weighty. Would I be able to cut those branches back, even though they're full of flowers? Or would it harm the plant as a whole?
     
  2. stephenprudence

    stephenprudence GC Weather Guru

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    Cutting is fine, in fact some recommend it.. it can grow straggly otherwise.. but generally it'll be good. As it flowers on new growth it won't affect flowering next year.
     
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    • Ellen

      Ellen Total Gardener

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      I planned to give it a good cut back in the spring, before it started budding, just to shrink it back if nothing else! But it is a little overpowering right now!
       
    • stephenprudence

      stephenprudence GC Weather Guru

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      Id do it anytime around Autumn until late winter, when the plant starts to wane in activity (though Ive known Buddleias to grow throughout winter)
       
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      • clueless1

        clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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        Cutting off any inconveniently placed branches will cause it no harm whatsoever. Its as tough as old boots. However, to keep those flowers, how about getting some strong string/thin rope and tying the offending branches up out of the way until the flowers have finished?
         
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        • Ellen

          Ellen Total Gardener

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          Good idea, I'd not thought of that!
           
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          • Lea

            Lea Super Gardener

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            I have four Buddleia and I happily chop and hack at them whenever I feel the need. I don't think they even notice. They must be the toughest trees on the planet! :)
             
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            • Kristen

              Kristen Under gardener

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              Apart from taming it now, cut it back hard in February to keep it's size "finite" ... otherwise it will become infinite, year-by-year!
               
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              • stephenprudence

                stephenprudence GC Weather Guru

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                I have to admit I don't like Buddleia davidii, but respect what it offers bees and butterflies.. it's a noxious weed in the wild, and must annoy builders and site engineers. It is impressive how tough it is though.

                Much prefer Buddleia globosa... doubt either will ever get a place in my garden though!
                 
              • Kristen

                Kristen Under gardener

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                I've got one here. Never bothered to take any cuttings, perhaps I should. Would you like one if I got it rooted?
                 
              • Ellen

                Ellen Total Gardener

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