Pruning buddleja?

Hi, I got some new shrubs for my (equally new) garden last year, including some mallow and some buddleja (unimaginative, I know, but I like them). I know I have to cut the lavatera right back in the spring, what about the buddleja, are they the same? I think they are dwarf varieties, they did not grow much above 60 cms last year (one white, one deep purple). What month would you prune in in the spring?

 

Hi Rosie and welcome. Buddleja need pruning after they have flowered cos the flower on new growth. I'm still waiting to prune mine cos it hasn't flowered yet after 2 years :D . Hubbie tried to kill my mallow he hated it so he cut it right down to ground level, it grew even better :D :D :D

 

Hi Rosie. I have a couple of budds and I prune lightly in autumn (more like a dead-head really) but then I cut it to the shape I want in March. Others may do different and I don't think anything will kill them. They are very tough.

 

I have a huge Buddleja and cut it right back after it as flowered.
I have been doing this for years and it always grows back better than before.
The reason I do it is because it get very springly and if left through the winter most of it ends up flat on the ground.
Mine is a very tall one at least 10 foot.

 

Thanks for the replies. Will do as you suggest!

 

just cut it, it will still flower, Some gardens i cut the springs growth off in May so as to stagger the flowering and give more display.

 

Depends on how you want them. They'll put on about 4' of growth before they flower(Buddleia). I like mine short so I take them down to about 4" in Feb (like now, when the frosts finish). If you want them taller, prune at a height that will make them the height you want. Actually, you can do anything you want with them, a very tough, adaptable, plant.

 

They must be tough if they can survive me.
I have been called scissor hands when prunning.
:D

 

Buddleja is a tough old plant hack away at it and it comes back fighting!Hel.xxx.