I'm not a buddleia expert, but, I think the butterfly bush pruning rules apply mainly to cold, continental type climates, where a late freeze in May could stunt its ability to successfully make new growth for the duration of the growing season. I don't think it gets that cold in London, does it? I'm under the impression that all of Britain has a fairly mild climate, thanks to the Gulf Stream. I live in a mild climate (except for the hot, humid summers) and mine hold most of their leaves all winter long - I prune mine to about 2 ft. - 3 ft. tall in early spring. If yours has grown 10 ft. tall, then you must be getting enough heat for good growth. I say, go ahead and prune it, it'll probably do it good, make it bloom more, which is what you really want. It's your garden, and if it's blocking much-needed UK light, then it needs a trim! Sherry

I arrived at TDG just before noon today & the entomologist took the 3 adults as well as the last 5 healthy crysalids...I had a couple that weren't viable. He releases new BFs at noon everyday so they went out with several dozen Zebra Longwings & a bunch of other more tropical BFs...he had Malachites, Small Postman & several Scarlet Mormon(Papilio Rumanzovia) butterflies. He was also releasing a few of our native BFs...an Orange Barred Sulphur, a Sleepy Orange, & a BST along with my 3 Monarchs! Glad they have a new home with nectar available. He mentioned that if these are in "migratory" mode...they won't nectar & will fly to the top of the glass & try to get out...so they may not survive long if that's the case. He also mentioned that you were there last week, EG! He said this was a really weird Monarch migration because there were migrating Monarchs & mating Monarchs coming through North Texas at the same time. I have several PST crysalids but they will be fine until spring in my box in the garage. I am planning to plant a lot more A.fimbriata for them for 2012. They seem to prefer the tender leaves of A.fimbriata over my A.tormentosas. I'm hoping to get seeds of several other native pipevines for my garden as well for them. Take care, Lila Here is a link that might be useful: Scarlet Mormon Info

I think you should certainly try them and see. Are the ones still growing potted? As soon as your weather warms I would water and begin fertilizing to give them a good start. It is possible they will bloom earlier since they are already growing. How tall are they? My butterfly's are normally around 4 ft when they bloom. Hope this helps a little. James Maloy

Plants that are native to your geographic area are best suited to survive, and they evolved along with the butterflies that will be found near you, so are familiar to "your"butterflies. I would find a list of native blooming plants and try to provide flowers that bloom throughout the seasons when butterflies are typically active where you are located. Here in Michigan, New England Asters and all kinds of Goldenrod are the most common nectar sources in late fall Martha