I need some pruning help. I know the butterfly bush is supposed to be pruned, but I don’t know if I can do it now or if I should wait until spring. I also don’t know the best technique.

Butterfly bush, or buddleia, performs best when cut back hard in the late winter or very early spring before new growth begins. I usually do this at the same time that I prune my roses, which in my Zone 7 garden is late February or early March.

Prune your buddleia down to about 6-inches from the ground to maintain a compact form and for prolific bloom production. There are also a couple of other techniques you might want to try. Pinch back new growth a couple of times before the end of spring and as summer progresses, remove the spent flowers to promote more flowers in the fall.