Fire ants built a mound in Vitex shrub pot

Question

My small Vitex shrub, still in it’s original black plastic pot, became full of fire ants. I treated the pot under and up to 2 feet around the pot with Amdro Fire Ant Killer treatment. Plant seems to be weakening. How can I help it to flourish and save it? Leaves not as green and hardy, actually yellowing. Should I remove it from pot and clean the roots and repot in new soil and pot? Fire ants have just about killed my large butterfly bush.

Answer 1

Yes, I would remove the plant and clean the soil and roots.
Do this in the coolest part of the day, in the shade to avoid stressing the plant as much as possible.

Replace with good quality potting mix.