Q.I Planted A Butterfly Bush And The Next Day It Started Wilting. I’ve Watered It Every Day. Now The Bottom Leaves Are Turning Yell
ow. Is it in shock? Too much water? Not enough water? I have lots of clay in the ground but I dug a huge hole and filled it with some compost, peat moss and garden soil.
Transplant shock most likely unless you or someone nearby has used a few chemicals that the plant did not like. Since it has a small root system, is now getting more sunlight than it probably received at the garden center and temperatures in Fayetteville, AR are in the upper 90s, all these items should make the plant be heat stressed.
You did not say how much water your are using or how deep you are watering. When you first plant a butterfly bush, water it in the morning at least once a week when the soil feels dry and apply the water slowly and deeply to help the plant establish deep roots. After it has established, water deeply if the top few inches feel dry and the temperature reaches or exceeds 85°F. Account for local rains when watering so you do not over-water. Once established, it should be somewhat drought resistant (not immune). Expect some wilting if windy and the temperatures are near 100°F. Reduce watering from "summer" watering levels once temperatures recede and stay below 85°F.
