Butterfly Bush ?

[Bildmouse]

We planted a butterfly bush two summers ago. At the end of the first season I didn't know if I should cut it back or just leave it alone and after a little research decided to cut it back. Last year it took forever to come back and I thought I had done it in. Last fall I just trimmed it back to about three feet and it started leafing a lot sooner this year. What do you do with yours? Do you dead head it like other pereniels or just leave the spent flowers hanging?

[shep]

I cut mine down to the ground and it still grows to almost 7 foot every year..
DW doesn't want me to cut it down this year though..wonder how big it will get next year??

[olena]

My Mom scalps hers to the ground. I just prune mine nearly to the ground, but that severe. They're growing nicely, so it seems to work. My Mom's butterfly bushes always grow back well too.