| relating to spirea, butterfly bush, crepe myrtle. how much do we cut them back and when? what is best to feed them? |
| Butterfly bush should be cut back in the early spring. At that time you can thin out the oldest stems and remove anything killed by the winter weather. Some gardeners prune the shrubs back by one-third and others prune it back even closer to the ground. It's up to you - and how larger your shrub has grown. Crape myrtle produces flowers on new growth so wait until spring to prune it back. After the flowers are spent you can prune it back a second time to encourage lots more new growth and a second flush of blooms. Both plants will appreciate a 10-10-10 slow release fertilizer in the spring. Enjoy! |
