Can i prune buddleia in october

How to prune buddleia

You will need:

• Secateurs
• Pruning saw
• Long-handled loppers

Step 1

First, trim back the top growth to around half its height, using secateurs.

This makes it easier to see what you’re doing as you progress, and gives you better access to the base of the plant.

Step 2

Cut through the thick woody stems, around 30cm above the ground, using a pair of loppers or a pruning saw.

Can you prune buddleia in autumn uk

Where possible, prune just above a bud or growing shoot. If you’d like the plant to grow taller than 3m (for example, if it’s at the back of a border), leave the stems up to 60cm long.

Step 3

Remove any dead stubs and branches using the pruning saw or loppers.

Cut these back flush with the main trunk to minimise the chance of dieback. Also thin out any crossing branches to prevent rubbing, and remove any thin twiggy growth sprouting from the base. Don’t worry that you’re being too brutal, as buddleja is so vigorous that it will quickly re-grow.

Step 4

Aim to produce a short, strong framework of five to six main branches.

It doesn’t matter

when do i prune buddleia in autumn

when can i prune buddleia in autumn