In order to unfold its fragrant blooms, a butterfly bush does not absolutely depend on a supplementary supply of nutrients. With a little fertilizer at the right time, you can still promote its floral expressiveness and winter hardiness. Here you can find out how to skilfully fertilize a butterfly bush in beds and tubs.

Correct fertilization in autumn rewards the butterfly bush with a rich bloom

In the bed, fertilizing and cutting go hand in hand

As a summer bloomer, a butterfly bush gets its annual pruning in early spring. Cut the branches back to 2 or 3 eyes. In order for the shrub to reach its majestic size by the beginning of the flowering period, stimulate growth with a fertilizer immediately after pruning. That is how it goes:

  • After pruning, spread compost and horn shavings (32.93€) 3-5 cm thick on the root disc
  • Work into the surface with a rake and pour over
  • Do this again in June and August

In September you can influence the winter hardiness with an adequate fertilizer by specifically administering potassium. Patentkali or Thomaskali are just as suitable for this purpose as comfrey manure. Potassium strengthens the cell walls in the tissue and lowers the freezing point in the cell water.

Fertilize the butterfly bush in the bucket - this is how it works

The supplies of fertilizer in the pot substrate are quickly used up, without a butterfly bush being able to send out its roots in search of further nutrients. Continuous fertilization ensures that your flowering shrubs on the balcony do not weaken. How to do it:

  • Fertilize liquidly every 4 weeks from April/May to August/September in the bucket
  • Add a phosphorus-rich fertilizer to the irrigation water according to the manufacturer's instructions
  • Do not apply liquid fertilizer to dried substrate
  • Pour clear water first

If you repot the butterfly bush in spring, the substrate is pre-fertilized for 4 to 6 weeks. In this case, the nutrient supply starts later to avoid an overdose.

tips

The pivotal point for vital growth and a lavish abundance of flowers is the choice of location. Your butterfly bush should be in a sunny to semi-shady location with 4 to 6 hours of sunshine a day. There the summer beauty is always swarmed by butterflies and lives up to her name.

Category:

Animals in the garden