what causes whole brown leaves on bush

Question

I’ve had a white butterfly bush for ten years that was healthy the first year. Each year since, it has grown from a tiny sprout in the spring but never gets a foot high before the leaves turn brown and it apparently goes dormant until the following spring. It’s been in a shady area and full sun with the same results. Can you help? Thanks.

Answer 1

It sounds like it may have a reoccurring fungus that kills the leaves but not the plant. Start treating the plant with a fungicide once every 1-2 weeks. It should start to regrow leaves this year. Next spring, start with a fungicide as soon as you see growth. Once you get through spring with regular treatments of fungicide, the fungus should not return.