How to Care for a Butterfly Bush in Fall
The scientific name for the butterfly bush is Cassia bicapsularis. This shrub has colorful flowers known to attract butterflies. The butterfly bush can grow as tall as 8 to 10 feet. There are several pluses to owning a butterfly bush. They are not prone to insect infestations or diseases, are easy to maintain and can grow in almost any kind of soil. There are a few things you should do to care for your butterfly bush in the fall. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the roots of your butterfly bush in the fall if you didn't do so in the spring. The mulch protects the soil from cold and helps the soil retain moisture.
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Prune any blossoms that have begun to fade. You can do this in the fall and again in the spring. This will allow new flowers to bloom.
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Prune the stems of the butterfly bush in the fall after a frost. You can be aggressive and cut the stems down to 4 inches from the base of the shrub. If you don't prune in the fall, then you should prune them in the spring produce new flower blossoms. It's best to cut them back in the fall.
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Tips & Warnings
The only time you must water your butterfly bush is in the summer. Even then, you only need to water the shrub if you haven't had any rain in a while.
Most butterfly bushes do not require fertilizer to thrive. If you feel that your soil is not adequate, choose a slow-acting granular fertilizer.
References
- Photo Credit monarch butterfly on butterfly bush image by Scott Slattery from Fotolia.com
