I planted 2 butterfly bushes last year and pruned them in late fall to about 1-2 feet from ground. So far they haven't leafed out except for some leaves at the base of the bush. Once you have pruned the bush, how long does it take for it to come back in the spring? I'm not even sure the leaves growing are from the bush or not. Actually they look dead.
This article should help determine if the bushes are still alive: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm
Some leaves have holes, lower foliage is dying off and some large shoots break off at the node. Leaves are very patchy with pale and brown sections.
This article suggests some possibilities: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/brown-leaf-spots-on-buddleia.htm
You can take some samples of leaves and stems to the Extension Service, they should be able to tell you exactly. This link will help you locate one: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
I am having work done in my garden and had to move my buddleia. Now it's wilted. How can I revive it?
When you dug up the plant, you left some of the roots behind. Now there aren't enough roots to support all the leaves. The answer is to prune off some of the branches. Make sure the earth where you replant has been well-worked, so the new roots can easily grow into it, and make sure the root ball and surrounding area get plenty of water. Here's an article on transplanting that might offer some more tips: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/tips-for-transplanting-a-butterfly-bush.htm
I have 3 buddleia shrubs. The blooms are dying off when only one inch long. Can you help please? Thanks
Is there a possibility that your plants have too much shade? That's one thing that can interfere with flower productions; another thing is too much nitrogen fertilizer - work some bone meal into the soil (to increase phosphorous) and discontinue fertilizer. Another possibility would be aphids or thrips. These articles may give you some help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/brown-leaf-spots-on-buddleia.htm
I have two butterfly bushes in my yard in NE Ohio. Each one is planted in two opposite corners in my backyard, planted in sandy soil. Both are watered regularly with the sprinkler system and both are along the west side of the yard. The butterfly bush planted closer to the north is THRIVING. The one in the south corner had a few flowers and the leaves are falling off the stems. I cut back both bushes in February or March of this year.
I would suspect that a fungus is attacking the roots or leaves of the sickly plant. Treat the plant's leaves with a fungicide and mix some fungicide into water and water the plant with it. I will say that if it is a fungus on the roots, they tend to be more resistant to fungicides and may not fix the issue. In which case, it may be best to remove the plant before the fungus spreads.
I have 2 butterfly bushes in my front yard. Both of them look like they are dead. They bloomed last summer. There are no leaves or flowers and they look very dry. Is there anything I can do to revive them?
You can trim away the dead parts of the plant and there is a chance your plant can come back from the roots.
Provide water and wait and see.
I have had very healthy butterfly bush plants fail to return after winter, for no identifiable reason.
Here is a link to refresh you about care of a butterfly plant.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-care.htm
We have very poor soil, bad drainage and full of tree roots. Would love to grow butterfly bushes and was wondering if it could be done in container gardening? The only successful gardening in our yard has been container gardens.
You can grow butterfly bushes in containers, however, you will want to only do so with dwarf varieties, such as Lo & Behold Blue Chip, Nanho Blue/White/Purple, or Petite Snow/Plum/Indigo.
For more information on the care of butterfly bushes, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-care.htm