huge butterfly bush....???

[goofy4tink]

I've lurked here long enough. Now that my WDW trip is over and done with, I find my garden has slightly 'overgrown' itself!! I have a beautiful butterfly bush. But it is severly overhanging my front walk. The bees are taking exception with us humans walking by and brushing up against them!! It is probably about 8' tall and about 6 ' wide, side to side. How can I get it to not grow quite so much? I did cut it way back after the last snowfall this spring. Can I cut it back in the fall? I love it to pieces but it may have to go if I can't control it. Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[olena]

Prune it all year long. Considering its current size, I suggest pruning in stages until it's the size you want. Then just keep it there.

My Mom cuts hers down to the ground every winter and they come back. That might be a little drastic for a huge butterfly bush though.

Since you have it next to a footpath, why not prune into tree form? Just a thought. I'm doing that with mine and the effect is great.

Like this tree I saw at Callaway Gardens

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks Heather. Great picture. I never knew you could do that. Thanks for the info.

Diane

 

[shep]

I didn't know they'd get that big...nice pic...

I prune mine to the ground every winter & it still gets 6 foot tall..

 

[Snowwark]

Welcome goofy4tink! I'm glad you decided to come out of lurker mode and join us!!

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks. It takes me awhile but I jump in at times