What are these and are they worth keeping?

Bought a house- these are in front by the street. What are they, how do I trim them to make them look decent. I do need to keep them to block street noise and general privacy. Thank you!! Kevin

Comments for What are these and are they worth keeping?

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Buddliea
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

Good thing you asked, Kevin! I think these are Buddliea, which is Butterfly Bush, and yes, they attract butterflies.

The shrub itself is not that attractive, especially as they are marginally hardy in a lot of areas, hence the dead branches. It's a bit late to prune them now, as they are in full leaf, but you could reach in carefully and cut those off as far down as you can reach.

They don't just attract butterflies, but bees and dragonflies too.

Be patient, when they bloom your new house will be the talk of the street.
PS
by: Jacki

Don't trim off too much of the new growth. These will bloom on that wood, which after all, is the whole point of these shrubs.

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