Hi this is my first time on this group. I have a quick question about butterfly bushes. How do you propagate them? I have two HUGE ones and need to cut them back asap as I live in southern New Hampshire so they have just a few weeks left to do it. Thanks sooo much. Here’s what they looked like last season. Right now they are still without leaves and buds. Can I propagate cuttings or do I have to wait till they look like these pictures. Thanks
These are pretty easy to propagate but not from woody branches unless they are newly woody (meaning first year woody taken in the fall). Go ahead and cut it back by 1/3 and remove all the dead wood and spent blooms to prepare it for spring growth. Once you get new green growth you can remove a branch tip of 3-4 inches. Strip the bottom leaves and cut the base at a 45° angle. Dip the cut end into rooting compound and put it in moist potting soil. Keep it warm in a well lit room (bright indirect light). You might even tent it with a ziplock bag to help with moisture retention. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!
2 J'aime Thank you sooo much for this info. I had a feeling I had to wait to take cuttings and I so appreciate your quick response. 🥰❤️
1 j'aime
I propagate from cuttings as Heather describes. I do think rooting compound is important. My small bottle has lasted me for years. Remove the bottom leaves and any flower or bud. Leave just one or two leaves at the top. I place several cuttings in one pot. Don’t give up as it may take awhile. I get almost 100% with this method. I sometimes find caterpillars feasting off my young cuttings!
Thanks for this information. I do indeed know about rooting powder and I too have a bottle that has lasted me a few years and still has plenty to go!!!!! Thanks again for reaching out.
1 j'aime