Should I Cut Back Butterfly Bush?
Cutting back a butterfly bush is usually a good idea if the plant is overgrown, flowering poorly, or needs shaping, because most varieties bloom on new wood and respond well to hard pruning. However, you should pause if the shrub is already stressed, if you live where it is considered invasive, or if you are pruning at the wrong time of year. Weighing your climate, local regulations, and garden goals will help you decide whether a hard cutback, light trim, deadheading, or removal is the better choice.