The butterfly bush has a reputation for being undemanding and uncomplicated. You should take a closer look at its cultivation so that it develops its brilliant flowering potential. All important questions about the successful care of butterfly lilac receive a precise and actionable answer here.
How do I properly care for a butterfly lilac?
Successful care of a butterfly lilac requires regular watering, balanced fertilization, pruning in spring, winter protection and, if necessary, repotting. Choose a sunny location to maximize flowering potential and avoid disease.
Does a butterfly bush need to be watered?
The butterfly lilac can easily cope with short-term drought. However, this stress should be the exception. It is better to pour water on the root disc as soon as the soil has dried thoroughly. Only let normal tap water run out of the jug spout until no more moisture is absorbed.
How do I properly fertilize the flowering bush?
The rapid growth and the magnificent flowers and leaves require a lot of energy from a butterfly bush. By fertilizing the ornamental tree in a balanced way, you support growth and flowering. This is how it works:
- From May to September, fertilize the bed every 4 weeks with compost (€41.00 on Amazon) and horn shavings
- Work the organic material into the root disc a little and add water
- Alternatively, administer a complete fertilizer with long-term effects in May
In the pot, pamper the butterfly bush with a liquid fertilizer for flowering trees according to the manufacturer's instructions. At the beginning of September, stop supplying nutrients so that the shoots mature before winter.
When and how is a buddleia cut?
The butterfly bush is also popular with beginners because it is extremely easy to cut. Since it sets its buds on new wood, spring is the best time for pruning for the late bloomer. Wait for the last ground frosts to shorten the branches significantly. If you cut a shoot back to 20 cm, the ornamental tree will thrive this year as compact and full of flowers.
Do precautions for the winter time make sense?
The butterfly bush only gradually develops sufficient winter hardiness for the Central European climate. When young and in the pot, the flowering tree depends on winter protection. How to overwinter the buddleia with expertise:
- Before the onset of winter, pile up leaves, straw and needles on the root disc
- After the leaves have fallen, cover the branches with a transparent, breathable material
- If there is a clear frost, water a little on mild days
A frost-free winter quarter is ideally available for potted plants. Alternatively, wrap the pot thickly and place it on a wooden block in a niche protected from the wind.
Is the butterfly bush susceptible to disease?
In a sunny location and lovingly cared for, the butterfly bush knows how to defend itself against pathogens. Under the influence of a rainy, cold summer, the flowering tree often suffers from downy mildew. Nitrogen-based fertilization also causes nematodes to appear, as well as narrow leaf disease caused by tombus viruses.
Tip
Cultivated in a bucket, the care program for butterfly lilac is supplemented with regular repotting. On average every 1 to 2 years, the vigorous flowering bush has roots through the pot, so it needs a larger container. The best time for this measure is in early spring, shortly before the start of the new growing season.
