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Buddleia from the flames

sabrooksabrook Posts: 1

I recently cut down an old, leggy buddleia davidii in order to re-render the wall it was growing against in a S.E. facing garden. The trunk had become hollow for the most part, and it was on its last legs, despite continuing to flower quite well. I cut it down to ground level, expecting the roots not to survive.

I planned to dig it out and replace it after the rendering work, but a shoot has sprung from the roots. My question - if I maintain just the one shoot, would it ever grow into a viable bush? Or am I better off digging it out and planting anew/afresh?

Thanks in advance.

Posts

  • plant pauperplant pauper Posts: 6,904

    If you want it to live then leave it there. If you want it to die then dig it out. Simpoles! image

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,299

    nothing lives forever, I think I'd start againimage



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 36,845

    If its got a shoot then I would leave it where it is and let it recover. They are very resilient plants.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • plant pauperplant pauper Posts: 6,904

    nut you are a heartless beast! image

  • OxanaOxana Posts: 7

    A few years ago when we moved into new place, our builders have completely ripped out buddleja. I knew nothing of the plants then and in winter that bush looked awful. Now you will never guess how this bush was treated because it looks happy, full and healthy and give us plenty of blossom to enjoy. 

    So, I'd say, give it a chance!!!

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601

    If it is a shrub you are fond of - for its beauty or its sentimental value - I would allow it to shoot and take a cutting. They are really easy to root and the new plant will have all the strength and vigour that its parent had before it became old and hollow. 

  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,521

    Buddleias thrive on being cut back hard every few years.

  • IamweedyIamweedy Posts: 1,364

    Is it possible to move a Buddleia Black Knight It is a fairly young plant I grew from a cutting of an  older one which had got out of hand. If so when should I do it? I have take cuttings "in case".




    'You must have some bread with it me duck!'

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 53,955

    In a word - yes. I'd move it now. image

    Water it well. Might be best to cut it back though - it'll be less stressed, and it will also help it to stay upright if it's windy!  

    They're shallow rooted and tend to suffer from wind rock. More in winter weather certainly, but a newly transplanted one could also get uprooted a bit.  Depends how small it is of course.

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • IamweedyIamweedy Posts: 1,364

    Fairygirl thank you. I will probably have to get Hubby to do it. To much pulling and my arms might fall off. well hurt like B********.




    'You must have some bread with it me duck!'

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