The buddleia (Buddleja davidii) is a shrub with many branches that tends to grow and bloom rapidly; it is one of the plants favored by gardeners for its fragrant scent. Because it grows so fast, you need to prune it every spring before it begins to develop.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Prune the Buddleia
Step 1. Cut the branches in early spring
The time you decide to prune is very important for the health of the plant. You should always proceed as soon as spring begins, usually in March; however, the exact time depends on the region you live in. In some areas there may be intense frosts even in late spring, events that could damage the shrub.
- The decision about when to prune depends largely on the climate of the area. As already mentioned above, if you proceed too early when there may still be frosts, the plant could suffer a lot; however, waiting until summer or perhaps autumn could be fatal for buddleia. If the new growths do not harden before winter, they will be killed by the cold; this means that the whole plant will die the following spring.
- Monitor the weather forecast, especially if you live in a cold region or with an unpredictable climate. If temperatures below freezing or snowfall are forecast for the next ten days, postpone pruning; expect temperatures to be consistently mild and above freezing.
Step 2. Make a drastic cut
The buddleia blooms again; even if there are no obvious signs of damage or rot on existing branches, cut them back down to the ground in early spring; in this way, you stimulate the flowering and growth of the plant during the hot season.
- The buddleia develops in bunches of stems that sprout from the same clod; prune it by cutting these stems down to the ground.
- The branches should be about 30 cm long; stop pruning when you reach that length; if you overdo it, you can damage the plant.
- When finished, the shrub should resemble the antlers of a deer. Don't worry about how much you "cut it down" because a firm cut helps it develop new flowers at the end of the rainy season.
Step 3. Remove old branches
This plant can become very dense if several stems grow; if you feel it is too compact, remove the older branches completely instead of just shortening them.
- It is easy to recognize old stems from young ones; the latter are green in color, while the others take on darker shades and have a bark similar to a gray-brown skin.
- You should uproot the old branches, so that they cannot bloom again during the following season.
Step 4. Prune dead flowers at the end of the flowering season
Although major cuts need to be made during the spring, wait for the plant to bloom. You should then prune it once more when the flowers have wilted; cut off all dead or dying ones to keep buddleia healthy and strong.
- The flowers develop in many points of the shrub, both along the main branches and on the lateral ones that develop from the central stems; when looking for withered flowers, look at these areas.
- Inspect the plant carefully to make sure all the buds are in bloom before repeating the pruning; you shouldn't cut off the flowers, not even the withered ones, before the flowering is over.
Method 2 of 2: Caring for the Plant after Pruning
Step 1. Sprinkle mulch in early spring
If you live in a cold region, you need to work hard to keep weeds in check and keep buddleia healthy. Spread mulch or compost around the base of the shrub to retain moisture and prevent weed growth. distribute the material on the ground within a radius of 15 cm from the plant.
Step 2. Plant the new plants 1.5-3 meters from the existing ones
If you decide to increase the number of specimens you have, space them at least 1.5-3 meters from each other to ensure they have enough space to grow.
The buddleia expands as it grows, forming new stems that spread horizontally; for this reason, it is essential to ensure that it has all the necessary space
Step 3. Water properly
This shrub must be irrigated, but the amount of water varies according to the season; young specimens that are still growing should be watered abundantly.
- This plant is drought tolerant, but dry soil could be a problem; it is therefore very important to water it regularly in the months when it does not rain.
- Wet the soil at the base of the shrub thoroughly so that it is moist but not waterlogged. Before flowering it is necessary to water more; give it water at least once a week before it blooms. If you live in a region where there are periods of drought or very high temperatures, you should plan for two or more weekly waterings.
- Once the plant is fully developed, it needs less water. However, monitor the soil at its base to make sure it is moist; if it is dry, wet it a little.
