Three things I wish someone had told me before growing Butterfly Bush

After growing Butterfly Bush for over a year here is what I'd tell a beginner.

First: watering in dry spells in the first two seasons after planting is not optional — it's the foundation everything else depends on. Second: failure to flower when pruned at the wrong time will happen and you should know how to handle it before it does. Third: a wildlife garden with berrying and nectaring shrubs genuinely matters — the right position unlocks generally low maintenance once established in a way a poor position never will. early spring flowering on bare branches before leaves appear is the payoff for getting all of this right. It's worth every bit of effort.