When the classic lilac (Syringa vulgaris) fades, a butterfly lilac (Buddleja davidii) is just in the floral starting blocks. You can find out exactly when a butterfly bush blooms and how you can influence its long flowering period here.
When does butterfly lilac bloom and how do you promote its flowering?
The flowering period of the butterfly lilac (Buddleja davidii) extends from July to autumn. To promote a long and lush flowering period, withered flowers should be removed regularly, pruned vigorously in spring and the plant should be sufficiently fertilized.
Summer Blooming Butterfly Magnet
He takes his time before entering the garden stage. Under normal weather conditions, the butterfly bush puts on its flower dress in the middle of summer. From July onwards, when its large flower spikes unfold in beautiful colors and exude an intoxicating scent, the ornamental tree is swarmed by countless butterflies. The blossom show lasts well into autumn until the first cold nights put an end to the magic.
How to promote a long flowering period
With the following measures you can promote the abundance of flowers and have a stabilizing effect on the flowering period:
- Clean out wilted flower spikes regularly
- In early spring, cut back all shoots down to 30 cm
- After pruning, fertilize organically with compost and horn shavings (€52.00 on Amazon)
- Administer phosphorus-rich liquid fertilizer in the bucket every 4 weeks from May to September
Since a butterfly bush always blooms on this year's shoots, you can safely cut the branches rigorously in early spring. As long as at least 2 eyes remain on the shoot, the bush will sprout again willingly and lay its buds. The rule of thumb is: the more vigorous the pruning, the larger the flower spikes.
Tip
By consistently cutting off the withered flowers on the butterfly bush, you can also prevent invasive spread in the garden. Buddleja davidii is classified as a neophyte because it produces myriads of seeds. In order to specifically propagate summer bloomers, the cutting method is more promising anyway.
