eXtension

Butterfly Bush With Yellow leaves And brown spots

Asked July 8, 2020, 5:21 PM EDT

I have a butterfly bush that is several years old and suddenly having an issue with yellowing leaves and brown spots. I have seen no bugs and did try to treat it with Bauer Rose & Flower all in one. Please help!

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Oakland County Michigan

1 Response

Hello,

This looks like four-lined plant bug damage. They are about done feeding for the season. Clean up leaves and any plant stems that have damage and remove from your landscape by burying or bagging and placing in the trash. If you usually cut your butterfly bush back each fall, remove that debris from the landscape to help reduce overwintering insects for next year.. Here are the details and pictures of what they look like-

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/four-lined-plant-bugs

https://bygl.osu.edu/node/77

The yellowing leaves could be a sign of root rot or crown rot. Check the roots to be sure they are healthy and not brown or mushy. Let the top inch or two of soil dry before watering, and don’t over water. Here are details on root rot -

http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74133.html