New plantings this year
My first thought is overwatering. Is that a possibility? Make sure the soil is well draining. If it isn't, add some compost or peat moss to help it. Neem oil sprayed on the top and underside of leaves will help if there is a fungal or insect issue like spider mites. These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/problems-with-butterfly-bush.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/brown-leaf-spots-on-buddleia.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-care.htm
My Butterfly Bush is roughly 10 years old. It receives all day sun and plenty of water. I trim it each Fall. The last couple of years it hasn't done as well as it use too. It hasn't came back in the spring like it use to either. BTW, I'm zone 6. Last Summer/Fall half of the roots wasn't producing so I cut off the 'bad part'. It is coming back but slowly. I can not see any parasites or disease on it. The bush is growing/spreading out but's not growing taller and the blooms look faded. I have given it fertilizer twice but I can't tell if it's helped any. How can I get it to grow taller, trim it? How? Fertilize it more? Any suggestions. thoughts, or ideals would be appreciated. Thank you
You can count yourself lucky if it's 10 years old. I have never had one come back that long. :)
When you trim it are you cutting it nearly to the ground? They bloom on new growth, so there is no point in keeping any of the previous year's growth. Then they grow back from the roots.
I suggest replacing it. They grow quickly and it sounds like the other one is worn out. In case it is diseased, try to plant a new one in a different spot. If you want to try to revive it, these articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/how-to-revive-butterfly-bush.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/fertilizing-a-butterfly-bush.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-care.htm
These are new bushes, purchased this year (three-gallon pots) and planted in a bed that gets morning shade and then full Sun from noon to seven. They are currently about 2 1/2 feet tall, appear healthy, thriving and we are seeing butterflies! Want to be sure we enjoy them for years to come.
Your zone is warm enough (7b to 8a) that you should only need a 2 to 4 inch layer of mulch beneath the plant during winter. Leave the plant unpruned during winter to help protect it. Then in late winter or early spring, cut the plant down to about 8 inches from the ground. New growth will soon appear and your plant will bloom on the new growth. You can leave the mulch beneath the plant year round. These articles should help with its care.
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/butterfly-bush/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/overwinter-a-butterfly-bush.htm
We have 2 bushes that have gotten too big for the space. I’d like to move them. Thinking end of September will be ok? Can the bush be split?
Moving them now might not give them enough time to reestablish before winter (you would need 6 to 8 weeks). I suggest waiting till spring to move them. You only can split them if they have separate trunks.