I have pruned my Buddleia Davidii- again. I did prune it back in the Autumn, as described
HERE, but I recently read an article in a magazine about how to prune Buddleias
properly, and I decided that I had not done a good enough job. This is what the plant looked like after my first attempt in November:
The article I read advocated much harder pruning, so I have taken the plant down to this:
As I mentioned when I wrote about the first pruning episode, the plant got very top-heavy last year and keeled over. To counteract this I have put in a stout hardwood stake and I have strapped the Buddleia to it with a nylon tree-tie.
I have left in place the cuttings that I planted in November. They look as if they are alive all right, but I think it is best if I leave them to develop strong root systems before I attempt to re-locate them.
I should also mention that this is a good time of year for pruning shrubs - before they put on their new growth.
They are also prolific self seeders - have you seen them growing in roof gutters? I have one trained as a tree that still needs pruning and it is certainly treat them hard!
ReplyDeleteWish I could grow it here too...but no such luck!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Mark it is a good time to prune- especially the buddleia. Pruning light as you did and then a harder pruning now is ideal this season. Some gardeners who pruned buddelia hard and early have lost their plants this year.( I am watching my own with some intrepidation). I guess with all those rooted cuttings you might even risk a harder prune next year. PS I have myself just posted today on pruning!
ReplyDeleteLooks very smart. I always cut back the one we inherited here very hard - though like Roger I am a little worried that my early hard pruning and the tough winter may have done for it this year - time will tell!
ReplyDeletePruning back that far takes a lot of courage!
ReplyDeleteI am blessed to have a lot of space, so I have only pruned a little to keep my Buddleia in a pleasing shape - tall but not too wide. I have either "Nanho Blue' or 'Nanho Purple' - I forgot which one it is.
Happy Easter!
Lea
Lea's Menagerie
We used to have a Buddleia in our Sussex garden and every year hubby would cut it down to ground level! Some years I could barely see where it was! It came back every time tho thick and gorgeous! x
ReplyDeleteLooking at your pictures it seems that I have to be even harder with my pruning too - it's one of those plants that survives no matter what - thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteMid March, during a warmer spell, I cut back both my Buddleias. The weather turned colder after that and the leaves left on the bushes have turned grey and dry; I fear I have killed them. Yours look a healthy green.
ReplyDelete