Question
QUESTION: My bush is beautiful with its first blooms.  As they turn brown and I cut them off there are two side shoots starting to bloom.  As the summer continues they multiply. (two side shoots become 4 etc.) The bush takes on a tight mess of branches as fall approaches. I love the graceful arching of the first blooms. Any suggestions? Thank you, Audrey

ANSWER: Hi Audrey,
Thanx for your question.  I'm not sure what you're asking.  Are you asking after preparing the shrub for winter?  If so, in most parts of the U.S. and Canada, you can cut the shrub down to the ground.  In the colder areas, the shrub will die down to the ground anyway like hibiscus and come back up in May.  You can always prune to keep the shrub neat if you're concerned about the appearance of the shrub.  I hope this helps.
Tom

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QUESTION: Opps, guess I didn't word it right. I do cut down in spring.  During summer should I cut the dead brown blooms off. If I do I get a tight mess of branches losing the lovely arching in the begining. I wondered if there is a better way.  Thanks

Answer
Hi Audrey,
Thanx for the additional information.  Anytime you deadhead a butterfly bush, you may prune the stem down as far as you need to in order to keep the shrub looking tidy.  So, not only can you pinch off the spent flower but you can also trim the branch back accordingly to help maintain tidiness.  I hope this helps.
Tom