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Dwarf butterfly bush in distress #871155

Asked June 02, 2024, 1:46 PM EDT

I have pictures attached.  Bush has yellow leaves with brown spots forming.  New growth has leaves curling inward.

Randolph County North Carolina

Expert Response

You did not specify the species.  Callicarpa americana has no disease or insect problems, but C. dichotoma , from Japan, does.  See https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/callicarpa-dichotoma/: Susceptible to leaf spot, stem diseases, and black mold.

Other than some yellowing, I did not see brown spots, particularly leaf spot.  I did notice the leaf curling, which I believe is probably due to getting a lot of rain. Sometimes the bottom row of cells on a leaf expand more quickly than those on top causing the leaf to curl. Plants outgrow this condition, so keep an eye on yours and see if the leaves begin to look normal as the leaves properly expand. 

The interveinal chlorosis may be due to some nutritional deficiency.  If pH is too high, then plants cannot absorb iron and magnesium.  See https://publications.extension.uconn.edu/2019/11/04/interveinal-chlorosis/.  Have you had your soil tested?  It’s free.  Learn more at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/agronomic-services/soil-testing.  Samples must be submitted in their box, but you can bring your sample in a plastic bucket and fill the box at the soil lab. You can also pick up a soil test kit with boxes, form for submission, and information at the Wake County extension office, 4001 Carya Dr., Raleigh.


Sorry, I misread and thought of beautyberry instead of butterfly bush, Buddleja sp.  There are no listed problems on Buddleja beyond spider mites, which are a problem in hot, dry weather.  Look for fine webbing near tips of branches and tiny, dot-sized critters. If they are alive, when you gently poke them w/ your fingernail, they’ll move.  Learn more, and about control at https://currituck.ces.ncsu.edu/2020/08/spider-mites-2/

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