The Central European winter poses a challenge for the Asian butterfly bush. The rumored winter hardiness of down to -20 degrees Celsius only applies to a perfectly rooted and adult Buddleja davidii. Here you can find out how to successfully overwinter the flowering shrubs in beds and tubs.
A mature butterfly bush will withstand frost and snow
Recommended winter protection in beds and on the balcony
It takes several years for a butterfly bush to become hardy. Dwarf varieties in tubs are also at risk of frost damage at an advanced age. Therefore, we would like to recommend the following precautions:
- Cover the root disk in the bed with leaves, straw or fir fronds
- Place the bucket on a block of wood in front of the south wall of the house
- Equip the pot with a fleece or foil winter coat
- Spread a thick layer of leaves or wood shavings on the substrate
Don't worry if shoots freeze back in winter. Since a butterfly bush blooms on young wood, cut back all branches except for 2 or 3 buds in spring.