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Buddleia alternifolia - so named because it bears
it's leaves alternately along the stems, whereas Buddleia davidii
(Butterfly Bushes) have their leaves in pair!
Early to mid summer flowering garden shrub, which flowers on stems that
were grown in the previous year. It therefore needs pruning right after
its flowering period, in order to allow new flowering stems to grow
before the onset of winter.
Prune old flower stems back quite hard (about one
third of the way) immediately after flowering. This will allow time for
long arching weeping stems full of flower buds for next year to grow. Do
NOT prune this Buddleia in the spring - which is the normal pruning
regime for the Buddleia davidii types.
If grown as a large shrub, then also prune some of the
older stems right back to the ground. new growth will soon shoot out
again. If grown as a weeping tree - firstly make sure that it has a good
thick stake. The top growth can be cut back very hard - more than
halfway - to allow the new weeping branches space to grow. Prune all
flowered stems in this way.
If grown as an attractive weeping, flowering hedge,
then clip back to old wood in July at latest - right after flowering,
then no further pruning until after flowering the following year. Not a
hedge for confined places or near footpaths.
Also Pruning
Buddleia davidii types
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