What's your question? Ask

Butterfly Bushes

Q.Blight

Zone Zone 7A | DebHoerchler added on August 12, 2018 | Answered

I think I have a blight on my butterfly bush. How do I combat this?

A.Answers to this queston: Add Answer
MichiganDot
Answered on August 12, 2018

This is a tough one as Buddleia is often problem free. First examine the plant carefully for insects. Insects that suck juices, like mites or 4 lined plant bug can cause a dead spot in leaves. Check leaf undersides for bugs and signs of downy mildew. Is the shrub in soil that drains adequately; it is susceptible to root rot in heavy clay or where hardpan is close to the surface. (I don't think root rot is the problem here.) If all checks out OK, then we are left with fungal leaf spot. Remove all the affected leaves that you find then treat the bush with an anti-fungal from your garden center. Treat tops and bottoms of leaves. Follow instructions carefully and keep an eye out for evidence the fungal disease is coming back. At the end of the season, cut the bush down to 9 inches and rake away all plant debris. Let's hope this results in a healthy plant next year. Make sure water Buddleia at soil level, not overhead. Consider thinning out some of the branches to improve air circulation. This lessens the risk of fungal disease.

Was this answer useful?
00

Log in or sign up to help answer this question.

Did you find this helpful? Share it with your friends!

You must be logged into your account to answer a question.

If you don't have an account sign up for an account now.

Looking for more?
here are more questions about...
Butterfly Bushes
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!

Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert

OK