Making a decision on when to prune your buddleia heavily depends on the weather in your area. As stated above, if you prune too soon early spring frost can harm the plant. However, waiting until later in the summer, or even the fall, can be deadly for the buddleia. If new growths do not harden before winter, they will be killed by the cold. This results in a dead plant the next spring. Keep an eye on the forecast, especially if you live in a colder area or an area with unpredictable weather patterns. If you see freezing temperatures or snow in your 10 day forecast, hold off on pruning. Wait until the weather’s been consistently warm and above freezing for a few weeks before pruning.
Buddleias grow in bunches of stems sprouting from the same patch of ground. You prune the plant by cutting these stems downward towards the ground. Stems should be at least a foot tall. Stop pruning once your stems are about a foot in length. Trimming any shorter could cause damage to the plant. When you finish pruning your buddleia, it should look somewhat like a stag’s antlers. Don’t be alarmed by how much you cut from the plant. Such intense pruning is what helps the buddleia grow new flowers when the rainy season passes.
It’s fairly easy to differentiate old stems from young stems. Young stems tend to be green. Old stems are of a darker shade and usually have peeling, gray-brown bark and appear woodier. [2] X Research source You should dig out old branches by the roots. This will prevent them from re-blooming in the coming season. [3] X Research source
Buddleias may expand as they grow, branching out new stems. Therefore, it’s vital you make sure the plants have the space necessary to thrive.
Buddleias do tolerate drought well. However, prolonged dry soil can be a problem for the plants. Therefore, regular watering is important in dry months. [4] X Research source Water the soil around the buddleia thoroughly so the soil is moist without being over-saturated. Before a buddleia blooms, it will need more watering. [5] X Research source Water the buddleia at least once a week before it blooms. You may want to water twice a week or more if you live in an area experiencing a drought or very hot temperatures. [6] X Research source Once a buddleia is full grown, it requires less watering. [7] X Research source However, check the soil surrounding the plant regularly to make sure it’s damp. If it feels dry, water the soil until it moistens slightly.
