The best time to prune subshrubs that bloom in spring and early summer is when leaf buds emerge in spring. Although you may be tempted to prune earlier, it is best to wait until you see a little green before removing the dead tips of branches and old flowers.

How do you prune a Subshrub?

The spent flowering stems should be pruned back into the portion of the stem where you will see new, small leaves forming, just above a bud. The plant will develop a rounded shrub-like structure over time, to about 3 feet.

What time of year do you cut back butterfly bushes?

Prune in spring, after the new growth emerges.

Many people cut their butterfly bush back in autumn, as part of their fall clean up. But particularly in cold climates, this can leave your butterfly bush more susceptible to damage over winter. Do not prune until you see green buds on the stems.