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Digging in the Dirt

Pruning Rue

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My wife and I started butterfly gardening a few years ago, and last year we were able to "raise" quite a few black swallowtail caterpillars on Fennel.  Pictured below is Sandra Mary, Alyson Grace and Stripey, and yes my niece tried to name them all :)

 

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After talking to a few people, they told me one of the best plants to attract black swallowtail caterpillars was Rue, so last September I planted one.  However, I wasn't sure if I should cut it back last fall, so I left it up all winter.  This spring, I see lots of new growth at the bottom of the plant, and it looks like most of the branches have at least a little green on them.  My question is should I cut the Rue back, or let it grow and see what happens?  If I cut it back, will I lose this years flowers?  Should I have cut it back last fall?

 

Thanks

 

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I recommend cutting the rue back to the strong growth at the base of the plant.  It's going to come back rapidly from the base sprouts providing the lush foliage the butterflies need to lay eggs in and the caterpillars to hide and grow in. Leave the rue up over winter but prune back now as the butterflies will be laying eggs  shortly and they need lush plants they can smell and find. The larvae do not overwinter on food plants but rather on a grass plant or debris close by so do not over tidy the area.

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