How to Deadhead Butterfly Candy for Nonstop Blooms

How to Deadhead Butterfly Candy for Nonstop Blooms

Butterfly Candy butterfly bushes are beloved for their bold color, compact habit, and nonstop blooms that keep pollinators buzzing all season long. While deadheading isn’t necessary, many gardeners enjoy the hands-on approach! With just a few quick snips, you can encourage even more blooms and help your plant shine longer and stronger into fall. Learn when and how to deadhead for the best results, plus get tips for cutting stems to enjoy that vibrant color indoors.

Illustrated cycle showing the deadheading process for Butterfly Candy® butterfly bushes. Three stages of the plant are arranged in a circular flow on a pink background: one in full purple bloom, one with fading brown blooms, and one being pruned with garden shears held by a hand. Arrows indicate the continuous cycle of blooming and pruning. The Butterfly Candy logo appears at the center.

What is Deadheading?

Deadheading is the process of removing spent or fading blooms from your plant. As flowers fade, they begin to set seed, which can cause the plant to slow or stop producing new blooms. By removing these old flowers, you’re encouraging the plant to keep pushing out fresh ones. This not only extends the bloom time well into the fall but keeps your Butterfly Candy looking tidy, vibrant, and encourages dense branching.

When to Deadhead

Start deadheading once the first flush of blooms begins to fade. For most gardeners, that means late spring or early summer. Continue the practice every week or two throughout the growing season to keep the plant at peak performance. You can stop in early fall as the plant naturally begins to slow down and prepare for dormancy.

How to Deadhead

  1. Use clean, sharp garden shears or scissors. Dirty blades can introduce disease.
  2. Locate the faded flower spike. Follow it down to the first set of leaves or side branch with healthy new buds or foliage.
  3. Make a clean cut just above the leaf node or side shoot.
  4. Repeat regularly. Aim to deadhead weekly, or as soon as the flowers begin to brown.
Side-by-side image of vibrant summer floral arrangements featuring Butterfly Candy® butterfly bush blooms. The left vase showcases hot pink blooms paired with coleus leaves and delicate white filler flowers. The right arrangement is a lush mix of lavender, violet, and magenta butterfly bush flowers in a white pitcher, creating a rich and colorful bouquet.

Cutting Blooms for Vases

Butterfly Candy blooms aren't just garden stars; they shine in floral arrangements, too. Their long, cone-shaped blooms and sweet scent make them a standout in any summer bouquet.

Here’s how to do it right:

  • Cut blooms in the morning. This is when the plant is most hydrated, helping the flowers last longer.
  • Choose stems with plenty of open flowers and a few unopened buds. This will give your arrangement a longer life.
  • Use clean scissors or floral shears and snip stems at a 45° angle.
  • Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline.
  • Place in cool water immediately and refresh every couple of days.

You can mix your Butterfly Candy blooms with other summer favorites like zinnias, ornamental grasses, or even herbs like basil and mint for a fresh, fragrant arrangement.

Deadheading is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prolong your Butterfly Candy’s bloom time and overall health. Plus, you get the added bonus of enjoying their vibrant blooms indoors! With just a little attention, your plant will reward you with waves of color, sweet fragrance, and nonstop pollinator visits. Grab your shears, snip smart, and let the bloom show roll on!

Ready to keep the color coming? Browse the Butterfly Candy collection today, and use our Garden Center Locator to find a retailer near you!

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