Butterfly bush wind damage.. (spring, leaves, plants, pruning)

[estella73]

Hello all,

With the recent storms in the mid-atlantic region, my butterfly bush took quite a bit of beating. It looks as though someone literally plowed through it. It is bent on 2 sides. Is there a way to salvage this bush? (ie. tying it with a string) Or just wait till next spring to trim down?

Thanks very much in advance!

[Dusty Rhodes]

Originally Posted by estella73

Hello all,

With the recent storms in the mid-atlantic region, my butterfly bush took quite a bit of beating. It looks as though someone literally plowed through it. It is bent on 2 sides. Is there a way to salvage this bush? (ie. tying it with a string) Or just wait till next spring to trim down?

Thanks very much in advance!

Trim it down in winter after it has lost its' leaves, when it wakes back up it doesn't know it has been given a haircut. I do all of my serious pruning in winter, the plants are dormant and don't know what hit 'em. Butterfly bushes only blossom on new growth. Don't be afraid to cut them back, not to the ground, but get rid of the long willowy branches.

[Bulldogdad]

If any of the plant stems are crack or ripped I would suggest pruning them to prevent further damage. Also if any stems or branches were broken off make a clean cut just below the break off point to promote a clean seal.
You didn't post any pictures but knowing how bushy the plants get it sound as if it needs a good trimming. Don't wait til spring to trim the damaged parts

[estella73]

Thank you for your quick response!

I will trim it down a bit this weekend and see if it helps, and prune it later this season. Thanks! It's my first time working with a butterfly bush, lots to learn!