Butterfly lilacs enchant with their splendor of flowers in summer. We also enjoy the many butterflies in the garden. But butterfly bushes grow very quickly and become quite large. With the right measures you can keep the shrub small.
How can I keep my lilac small?
To keep a butterfly lilac small, you should cut it back to 20 to 30 centimeters every year in March, choose a partially shaded location and possibly use a root barrier or plant pot. Alternatively, you can also rely on small-growing species such as the dwarf butterfly lilac.
Can I keep a butterfly lilac small?
Butterfly lilac, Latin buddleja, can be kept small using various measuresThe plants belong to the buddleia group. With good care and the right location, the bushes are very vigorous and reach heights of up to four meters. Since butterfly lilacs are very undemanding and vigorous, these subshrubs also tolerate measures to limit growth very well. This hardly affects the flowering.
How can I keep a butterfly lilac small?
Aregular cuthelps to keep the butterfly lilac small. Since the buddleia is very easy to cut, it sprouts again without any problems. Most species require a sunny location for maximum growth. If, on the other hand, you choose a partially shaded place, the buddleia will not grow as much. Another option is to use a root barrier or a planter. If the roots cannot spread, growth is restricted.
How do I separate a butterfly lilac?
In order to keep the buddleia small, it must becut heavily every year. To do this, the plant is cut back to 20 to 30 centimeters with pruning shears in March. The cut is made above a bud that leads outwards. From here you cut diagonally downwards. This work should be done on a frost-free and rain-free day. Since the plant blooms on new wood, pruning can also help if the butterfly lilac is not blooming.
Tip
Plant a dwarf butterfly lilac that stays small
Small varieties of buddleia have also been available for several years. These bushes reach a maximum height of 1.5 m. Nevertheless, these shrubs bloom just as beautifully and attract butterflies to your garden. But dwarf butterfly lilacs also need to be cut. If you are afraid of the effort, the forest goat's beard or the willow-leaved spar are alternative flowering wonders for the garden.
