My butterfly bushes look horrible. How should I treat them? - Ask Extension
My butterfly bushes look terrible. How should I treat them?
Knowledgebase
My butterfly bushes look horrible. How should I treat them? #872775
Asked June 12, 2024, 10:54 AM EDT
My butterfly bushes look terrible. How should I treat them?
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
For the most part Butterfly Bush is relatively free from pests and easy to grow. I am sorry to see that your bushes have been attacked by something. It is difficult to determine exactly what pest is causing the problem from pictures, but it may be some sucking insect doing the damage.
Please check the youngest, most tender parts of the plant for any living insects. Place a white sheet of paper under the plant part and tap the plant. Do any insects fall on the paper. Can you describe them using a magnifying glass or the magnifyer on your phone? The attached articles can help you make an identification, and decide how to treat the plant.
If that is not doable, you could:
1. Spray the affected parts with a stream of water to dislodge the insects and reduce the population. Repeat for 7 to 10 days.
2. Use an insecticidal soap spray on the affected parts. It will control many of the insects that attack butterfly bush.
3. If the bush is unsightly to you, it can be pruned. You many loose blooms for this year in the pruned area, but it shouldn't hurt the plant.
4. If the flower buds continue to grow and bloom, trim off the affected leaves and enjoy the flowers. Cut back in the fall and discard any plant parts. I would not put any diseased plant material in a compost pile.
If I can be of further help, Please contact me.
https://plantaddicts.com/butterfly-bush-pests/
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/butterfly-bush/
Please check the youngest, most tender parts of the plant for any living insects. Place a white sheet of paper under the plant part and tap the plant. Do any insects fall on the paper. Can you describe them using a magnifying glass or the magnifyer on your phone? The attached articles can help you make an identification, and decide how to treat the plant.
If that is not doable, you could:
1. Spray the affected parts with a stream of water to dislodge the insects and reduce the population. Repeat for 7 to 10 days.
2. Use an insecticidal soap spray on the affected parts. It will control many of the insects that attack butterfly bush.
3. If the bush is unsightly to you, it can be pruned. You many loose blooms for this year in the pruned area, but it shouldn't hurt the plant.
4. If the flower buds continue to grow and bloom, trim off the affected leaves and enjoy the flowers. Cut back in the fall and discard any plant parts. I would not put any diseased plant material in a compost pile.
If I can be of further help, Please contact me.
https://plantaddicts.com/butterfly-bush-pests/
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/butterfly-bush/
