Buddleia (again!)

My Buddleia flowered late, but boy has it flowered! It's now grown out into the driveway, quite weighty. Would I be able to cut those branches back, even though they're full of flowers? Or would it harm the plant as a whole?

 

Cutting is fine, in fact some recommend it.. it can grow straggly otherwise.. but generally it'll be good. As it flowers on new growth it won't affect flowering next year.

 

I planned to give it a good cut back in the spring, before it started budding, just to shrink it back if nothing else! But it is a little overpowering right now!

 

Id do it anytime around Autumn until late winter, when the plant starts to wane in activity (though Ive known Buddleias to grow throughout winter)

 

Cutting off any inconveniently placed branches will cause it no harm whatsoever. Its as tough as old boots. However, to keep those flowers, how about getting some strong string/thin rope and tying the offending branches up out of the way until the flowers have finished?

 

Good idea, I'd not thought of that!

 

I have four Buddleia and I happily chop and hack at them whenever I feel the need. I don't think they even notice. They must be the toughest trees on the planet!

 

Apart from taming it now, cut it back hard in February to keep it's size "finite" ... otherwise it will become infinite, year-by-year!

 

I have to admit I don't like Buddleia davidii, but respect what it offers bees and butterflies.. it's a noxious weed in the wild, and must annoy builders and site engineers. It is impressive how tough it is though.

Much prefer Buddleia globosa... doubt either will ever get a place in my garden though!

 

I've got one here. Never bothered to take any cuttings, perhaps I should. Would you like one if I got it rooted?

 

Thanks everyone