One butterfly bush that stays small and is well-suited for the High Desert is the Buddleia davidii. This particular variety of butterfly bush is known for its drought tolerance and easy maintenance, making it a prime choice for those living in arid regions.
When it comes to caring for the Buddleia davidii, pruning is key. By regularly pruning this butterfly bush, you can help keep its size in check and prevent it from becoming too large for your desired space. The great thing about butterfly bushes is that they actually thrive from regular and even severe pruning, so don’t be afraid to give it a good trim.
To properly prune your butterfly bush, it’s important to follow a few guidelines. First, it’s best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This will help stimulate healthy growth and ensure that you don’t accidentally remove any new buds or flowers.
When pruning, start by removing any dead or damaged branches. This will help improve the overall health and appearance of the bush. Next, you can selectively prune any branches that are growing in unwanted directions or are becoming too crowded. By removing these branches, you can encourage a more compact and manageable growth habit.
If you’re looking to keep your butterfly bush even smaller, you can opt for a more severe pruning approach. This involves cutting back the entire bush to a height of around 12 inches in late winter or early spring. While this may seem drastic, the butterfly bush is incredibly resilient and will quickly regrow from the base. This severe pruning technique can help keep the bush at a more compact size and encourage a denser growth habit.
In my own experience with butterfly bushes, I have found that regular pruning not only helps control their size but also promotes more abundant flowering. By removing old, woody growth and encouraging new shoots, the bush becomes rejuvenated and produces more vibrant blooms.
To summarize, the Buddleia davidii is a butterfly bush that stays small and is well-suited for the High Desert. By practicing regular pruning, you can help manage its size and encourage healthy growth. Don’t be afraid to give it a good trim, as butterfly bushes thrive from regular and even severe pruning. With proper care, you can enjoy the beauty of this plant without it becoming overwhelming in your garden.
