A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Plants and Flowers Forum deadheading butterfly bush

I asked the nursery where I bought this how to deadhead this plant and he said either above or below the first set of leaves. I don't know whether to count the leaves hugging the flower and again, forgot if he said above or below-memory problem!
I searched the web for how to deadhead this bush and saw a few different ways. One was to pinch the flower where it meets the twigs and another said but back dead flowers to the next set of flours.
Being a former legal secretary, I am detailed oriented.
I am confused as to what to do and would appreciate advice.
Thanks,
Karen

To just deadhead, go to the first set of leaves behind the flower down on the stem. Cut above those leaves as close as you can, leaving them intact.
Butterfly bushes are very forgiving. If you cut too much, they will spring back. And if you do not care for the shape or a branch is hanging out in an odd place, they can be trimmed to suit your fancy. You probably will not hurt the shrub.