Butterfly bushes are stunning fast-growing flowering shrubs that produce masses of trumpet-shaped blossoms that release an appealing scent and attract plenty of pollinators.
You can find them in different varieties: flowers come in many colors. However, the “traditional” butterfly bush is the lavender one. These shrubs are evergreen from USDA hardiness zones above 8. This article will answer the question, ‘Do You Deadhead Butterfly Bushes?’
Do You Deadhead Butterfly Bushes?
But regardless of where you plant them, you won’t have much to do to have them thrive! Indeed, these flowering shrubs are low-maintenance and require little to no attention from your side.
As their name suggests, butterflies love to feed on these plants’ nectars. However, you’ll need to add other host plants if you are trying to build a butterfly garden in your yard!
Butterfly bushes don’t support these stunning insects’ reproduction cycle. Consider adding plants where butterflies like to lay their eggs. And don’t forget to plant species on which larvae can feed.
The truth is that Butterfly Bushes grow so aggressively that they are invasive in most parts of the country.
Native to China, these plants might take over native ones and disrupt the natural ecosystem of your region. In warm climates, it is a weed that you must contain.
If you still like the idea of adding butterfly bushes to your yard, you must take care of it to contain their spread. But if you don’t want to feel that pressure, consider getting hybrids created to be less aggressive to prevent headaches from these shrubs taking over your garden.
But how do you deadhead your butterfly bushes, and should you cut them back in the fall. Here’s why should you not skip on this process.
You are in the right place to find out! Keep reading this essential guide to learning everything you should know to contain the spread of butterfly bushes and reduce their aggressive behavior.
Butterfly Bush Care: Our Tips to Contain their Growth
For starters, you shouldn’t fertilize these flowering shrubs. Too much food might make these plants leafier and induce less flower production. Overfertilization can also cause yellowing leaves. Depending on where you live, you might have to take more drastic measures to contain the spread of this bush.
Consider removing dead flowers to encourage bloom production. Don’t forget to deadhead blooms so prevent them from spreading seeds that might take over your garden.
Dead flowers will not only detract from the beauty of your shrubs: they can also contribute to the invasive potential of Butterfly Bushes. So, deadheading is a crucial step to contain their growth.
Keep in mind that this practice isn’t the same as pruning. The latter is done about once or twice per year to maintain your plants in an attractive shape. It also contributes to their health.
Indeed, pruning helps with improving the airflow and minimizes the risk of fungal infections and attacks from pests. Instead, you can deadhead your plants throughout the blooming season. The term refers to removing the blossoms from your plants when they start to shrivel up.
You can also deadhead your butterfly bush to enjoy a long flowering season: by removing dying flowers, your plant will keep producing blooms. Plus, it is one of the best ways to keep its invasive behavior under control.
Flowers contain seeds that spread fast: removing them will prevent butterfly bushes from taking over your garden. Pull the spent blossoms off the plant or use a pruner to cut them above a set of leaves.
Also, you can cut flowers to include in stunning compositions to brighten your interiors. Take blooms early in the morning (you’ll get the best results doing so the day after it rains) and cut them from the bottom up. Put them in a vase of water for a beautiful decorative effect. Don’t forget to change the water regularly!
Consider adding a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. Spread a thicker layer if you live in a cold region to regulate the soil temperature. Also, don’t forget to prune your bushes at least once per year in the wintertime to stimulate bloom production the following season.
Do You Deadhead Butterfly Bushes?: Conclusion
Don’t plant butterfly bushes in your yard. Due to their invasive behavior, they will cause more trouble than benefits. Instead, consider adding native flowering bushes to your garden.
They will better support the native landscape and won’t harm the ecosystem as invasive species do.