butterfly bush

Water Butterfly Bush (Rotheca myricoides ‘Ugandense’) deeply and regularly to keep the soil moist but not saturated. Water the plant every 2-3 days during the hottest part of the summer to ensure it is receiving enough moisture. During cooler seasons, you can reduce the watering to every 5-7 days. Monitor the soil and when it begins to dry, water accordingly. Be sure to water the plant in the early morning or evening to avoid evaporation and leaf burn.

The Butterfly Bush (Rotheca myricoides 'Ugandense') requires full sun to partially shaded sunlight conditions in order to thrive. This plant likes to be in direct sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours a day in order to reach its full potential. It tolerates partial shade, but does best and produces more vibrant blooms in full sun. If this plant is grown in an area with less than 4 hours of direct sunlight, it may become spindly or not grow as vigorously. For best results, position this plant 5 to 6 feet from south facing walls and other structures to provide the necessary exposure to the sun.

Butterfly bush (Rotheca myricoides 'Ugandense') should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. To keep the shrub from becoming overgrown and leggy, prune it back by 1-third to 1-half of its height each year. To prune, start by removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Then, prune the remaining branches at an angle, cutting back to a healthy bud. Prune flowering stems directly after blooms fade to encourage additional late summer flowering. Trimming on an angle will also help maintain the naturally rounded shape of the shrub.