The leaf curling can be reversed if the leafs health is restored. Many plants like lots of sunlight, but some dont, especially the tropical climate plants, which prefer sunlight indirectly. Growing to about 3 feet, this perennial bush will be at its peak from July through September. This plant is a perennial, which dies back in fall and produces new foliage in spring. However, in these states, they are sold under the name summer lilac instead of butterfly bush to clarify that they have been approved by their respective departments of agriculture. Avoid herbicide use near the garden and keep the shrub well-watered during the growth season. . When it reaches your plant, affected leaves soon curl up and form a twisted pattern. One of the sweet things about buddleia is that it has few serious pests. As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 . Another option is to use a homemade spray from 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 cup of water. If your plant is chronically underwatered, the leaves and stems may curl up and the tips may yellow due to dehydration. The effects of transplant shock can last one year or longer. In this article, we will be discussing the reasons for plant leaves curling and folding and how can this problem be solved. Grooming and Maintenance Unlike high-maintenance shrubs, sweet almonds do not need deadheading. Keep the soil around the plant moist but not saturated. If your Peperomia is not getting enough water, the leaves will curl inwards as a result of dehydration. If temperature is the issue, then you should try to provide the plant with a more suitable environment for growth. It could also mean that the person is feeling alone, isolated, or insignificant in a crowd of people. If you missed the part about planting the butterfly bush in the sun, no problem. Step 1. Keep repeating this process until all the pests are cleared. Description. Doug Tallamy, PhD, professor and chair of entomology and wildlife ecology at the University of Delaware, revealed three hard truths about butterfly bush and why you should stop planting them at home. Place a 3-inch paper collar around the stem of the plant. As with most vegetation you need to keep an eye out for: Nematodes; For pots and small spaces, choose a compact variety such as 'Buddleja Buzz'. Almost all the other plant leaves do the same as well, with the exception of a few. Ultimately, you should carefully examine the plant and look for any signs of disease or pest damage to determine the cause of the folding leaves. These easy, sun-loving shrubs come in an array of rich colors, bloom continuously from summer to fall, and attract butterflies and hummingbirds by the score. Too much sunlight could also cause the leaves to curl this way to protect . 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. The young stem is furry, while the leaves are velvety when touched. The solution for this is to move your plant to a spot that receives more indirect light and better air circulation. The symptoms occur because the bush suffers from a lack of nutrients and water due to the loss of the fine hairs in its root system that supplied those necessary elements. In fact, Buddleja davidii (the scientific name for butterfly bush) has certain traits that make it invasive in most environments. Plant leaf curl can be caused by chemicals, particularly the herbicide 2,4-D. This means that plant leaves are not benefitting from your regular watering. Butterfly bush (Buddleia sp.) Avoid using fertilizer because it will cause the bush to put on new top growth before its root system is capable of supporting that growth. You can find it by clicking here! Everyone wants a healthy lilac plant, and when you notice curled leaves on your lilac plant, it is usually for one of the following reasons: The leaf miner, an insect that can get inside of the leaves, will weaken the structure of the plant and therefore the leaves will start to curl. These plants have been approved for sale in Oregon, where others are banned. Do this before late afternoon so the foliage can dry quickly and not be attacked by fungal diseases. Additionally, when a leaf curl is caused by an insect or mite, webbing or sticky secretions may be observed on the underside of the leaves. If a rhododendron hasn't been watered properly in quite some time, its leaves will begin to curl. Another potential cause is fungal infections, such as powdery mildew, which infects the plant and leaves them looking wilted and discolored. Some of the most common issues responsible for leaves curling upwards are pests, viral infections, an inadequate watering regime, bad positioning, or a lack of vital nutrients. Wood Rot: Another fungal disease in magnolia trees, wood root causes decay of the wood. Most insect infestations are accompanied by yellowing foliage, brown or reddish-colored spots and a sooty black mold on the leaves and stems. Heat and drought in summer months, extreme temperatures, the use of harsh chemicals, interference from destructive pests, and soil conditions can all contribute to butterfly bush leaves curling.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'remodelormove_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',157,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-banner-1-0'); When the plant is thirsty, its natural protective mechanism is to curl and close the leaves, reducing water loss in an effort to conserve energy. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. The butterfly bush tolerates a wide range of soil types and climate conditions and usually suffers few problems. Apart from that, the butterfly bushes are a beautiful addition to any garden, and they are also known for attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Then water the container thoroughly until water flows out the bottom of the container. Find out where you fall in the USDA Hardiness Zones database. After a bush is moved, it may show signs of transplant shock, such as dead leaves. These methods vary from problem to problem. Here is reasons for butterfly bush leaves curling and how to grow and care for your plant. I have given them a bit of water, not much, thinking that was the problem but still the same. Proper air circulation and a good amount of sunlight will be beneficial. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Keep the garden free of weeds; sprinkle wood ash around base of plants. Members of the mint family are a favorite of four-lined plant bug, but there are over 250 other susceptible species including butterfly bush. "Butterfly bush just doesn't stay where we plant it.". Position in full sun to semi-shade and protect from strong winds. Gently firm the soil and water it regularly. Although most butterfly bushes can take a light freeze and bounce right back, if the temperatures dip below 25 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period, the leaves will start to curl up as a defense mechanism. If too much sunlight is the culprit, then providing more shade or diffused light to the area can be beneficial. They are often found at the bottom of the leaf, and they such the moisture out of the leaves. Julie Richards is a freelance writer from Ohio. The butterfly bush is considered deer resistant, making it an ideal choice for people living in areas with heavy deer populations. Leaves can also become brittle, stunted, and appearing glossy. Flowers can come in both bright and muted shades of pink, purple, and white, leaves can be dark green to gray-green in color, and shrubs can grow to be three to 12 feet tall and wide at maturity. If you are interested in a fertilizer that will ensure your plant grows healthy for a long time with minimal intervention, I would recommend Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food. . Answer from NGA. Ensure the soil is firm but not hard as a rock. Likewise, adding mulch to the soil or container can add an extra 4-6 inches of insulation and worsen the situation. One thing to check for is whether pests are living on and nibbling away at your plant. Since underwatering can be just as dangerous as overwatering, the plant should be checked regularly to ensure the soil is kept constantly moist, but not saturated. Soil pH is important to plant health and helps with uptake of nutrients. Buddleja davidii (spelling variant Buddleia davidii), also called summer lilac, butterfly-bush, or orange eye, is a species of flowering plant in the family Scrophulariaceae, native to Sichuan and Hubei provinces in central China, and also Japan. This is a big sign that your plant needs water, and you'll want to give it a thorough watering as soon . This results in less water loss through evaporation. These vigorous growers are not subject to many disease or insect issues and are resilient enough that they dont need regular babying. To test the moisture and pH of the soil you can use the cost-effective Trazon Soil 3-in-1 Meter. Yearly pruning will help keep the size of your butterfly bush manageable. In some cases, however, the leaves may never return to their original shape and size again.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'remodelormove_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_16',158,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); It is important to identify the cause of the leaf curling when attempting to rectify the issue. Additionally, this problem can also be caused by too much or too little sunlight. These insects are tiny, but you can still see them if you look hard enough. Lindley's Butterfly Bush ( Buddleja Lindleyana ): This butterfly bush has small dark green leaves and lavender-purple flowers. Can you Physically Straighten Curling Leaves? Keep stressed plants mulched this summer to retain moisture around the roots. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_28',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');Secondly, it is important to consider the nutritional needs of your plant. New. If you see that happening, if you see your plant leaf turning yellow and then brown, its days are numbered now. When mine defoliates in autumn, the leaves change color naturally; but during the growing season, yellow leaves on my butterfly bush can signal other problems. After the blooming season, prune at least one-third of the plant down to the stems, leaving 3 to 4 inches of the stalk above the soil. Its dense growth and compact habit make it useful both as a specimen plant and for use in mixed plantings. Its noticeable above ground by yellowing leaves, smaller than usual flowers, and stems rotting on the plant. The cone or wand-shaped flower heads grow 5 to 12 inches long and bloom from summer through fall. Miss Molly is a heat loving and non-invasive. No one is known to have curled upon a leaf. Excessive watering makes the soil sodden and butterfly bush roots drown. To fix this, ensure your plant is getting enough water by checking the soil regularly and moistening it when it starts to feel dry. When butterfly bush leaves are yellow with green veins, this is a sign of iron chlorosis and can be treated by sweetening the soil with lime and fertilizing the plant to start it on the road to recovery. Why do Calathea (Prayer Plant) Leaves Curl or Fold. The curling of plant leaves cannot be ignored, as it may be the start of a leaf curl disease. This will be the clue that insects are the culprits. The soap kills mites on contact. If you want to try, cut them early in the morning and place the stems in water immediately after cutting. There are two types of leaf curls, Upward and Downward Curls. Many thanks. If the level of stress is reduced or eliminated, the leaves should be able to uncurl over time. Even if you did straighten the curled physically, it would go back to curling. You may notice your Butterfly Weed leaves curling upward lengthwise - this is normal. These plants usually grow up to a height of 8 to 14 feet and have a spread circumference of 3 to 15 feet. In zones 8-9 it will die to the ground in the winter and can be grown as a perennial. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'remodelormove_com-leader-2','ezslot_23',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-2-0');If it is determined that pests are the cause, then the infested leaves should be removed and sprayed with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Because they need good drainage and dislike cold wet conditions, there are a few tips that will increase your success with butterfly bush if you have clay soil: Never amend the soil. Because there's too little moisture in the soil, these leaves also start to droop downward. My butterfly bush leaves have begun to curl and look stunted (some look a bit chewed but maybe that's my imagination). Also, the hole should be only deep enough to allow the bush to be planted at the same depth at which it grew in its previous site so the roots get enough oxygen and water. When most people say butterfly weed, they are referring to one of several species of milkweed (Asclepias sp. This is most often the leaves at the outside of the plant. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! One of them has new leaves coming out curled up and weird, the other one looks completely normal. It is best to water your butterfly bush during the late evening hours and avoid using a lot of mulch. Growing to about 3 feet, this perennial bush will be at its peak from July through September. Curling leaves is a common phenomenon, especially in plants that are exposed to too little water or too much sunshine. Seeds rot or seedlings collapse with dark water-soaked stems as soon as they appear. The first step is to reduce the amount of water and frequency of watering. long flower spikes but ashy green unremarkable foliage. These tiny bugs can suck out all of the life from your butterfly bush leaves very quickly and lead them to start curling up as a defense mechanism. Transplant shock does not mean the bush will die, but it is in serious danger of dying. It is recommended to use high-quality potting soil that is light and contains some organic material when planting the butterfly bush. One of the main causes of lack of blossoms is improper or insufficient pruning. Butterfly Bush Leaves Curling: Most Common Reasons May 12, 2022 by Staff Writers The butterfly bush is a hardy plant that produces large purple flowers in the late summer and fall months. In this case, your tree probably just isn't getting enough water. Use caution when spraying and avoid applying in windy conditions. From egg to adult takes 10-12 days when temperatures are between 18-25C (65-75F). The solution for this is to increase the amount of water you give your plant, as well as how often you water it. New shoots will grow from the roots, increasing new flower growth. CAUSE: Aphids are tiny pests that can be red, green, black, brown or white. Leaf curl can also be spread through pruning tools, as well as other contaminated sources. Butterfly bushes should be watered well during their early spring growth seasons and often during dry spells. When a plants leaves start to curl, it can be an indication that the plant is stressed or unhappy. Using burlap, place the root ball in the newly-dug hole. The butterfly bush is a perennial plant native to thickets on rocky stream banks, mountain slopes, forest clearings and limestone outcrops in China. . If the leaves are curling from insect infestations, it is recommended to address the issue with non-toxic insect control methods. Butterfly Bush blooms from mid-summer to early fall. If you're looking for a smaller butterfly bush size, try a dwarf variety, which are in the 2 to 3-foot range. Nematodes in sandy soil can also foul the health of the plant. Buddleja shrubs are readily available and are commonly referred to as a "Butterfly Bush." They are very popular here in Solano County gardens because of their graceful weeping foliage and beautiful purple plumes in spring. The attractive flower clusters appear in the early to late summer and form into dense, cone-shaped clusters that can be 6 to 18 inches in length. Leaves generally are veined, with a central vein being the most prominent. Leaf tiers can be further distinguished by a white and green back . These insects also require proper host plants so they can reproduce. Some have attractive seed clusters hanging from their bare branches, or brightly-colored twigs glowing in the winter sunlight. There could be different reasons that your Butterfly Bush leaves are curling. Find locations near you that offer Proven Winners products. When to Plant: Early spring, fall USDA Zones: 5-9 Sun Exposure: Full sun Soil Type: Somewhat moist, well-drained soil When it's in Trouble: Overwatering may cause root rot, few flowers or plant dieback Butterfly bush will thrive in containers. Fans and excess wind can cause unintentional harm to the plant. Insecticidal soaps or regular blasts of water spray loosen the pests and discourage infestation. Disease is another concern when you see butterfly bush leaves turning yellow. Most houseplants of garden plants are prone to curl diseases. You can find it by clicking here. and position it so that the base of the plant is a bit higher than the ground. Your email address will not be published. Leaving behind an ugly tattered leaf filled with caterpillar poop. The Hosta plant is a genus of plants commonly known as hostas which also has a curling appearance and is a shade-tolerant foliage plant. Be inspired with our Gardener's Idea Book and Winner's Circle newsletter, Plants that Push the Snooze Button on Spring, The Ultimate Butterfly Bush Care Guide from Proven Winners. The butterfly bush is considered an invasive, noxious weed in Washington and Oregon, where the soil is rich and the rainfall more plentiful. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'remodelormove_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_22',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');If disease is the cause, it might be necessary to identify the exact disease and address it according to the appropriate remedy. It grows best in U.S.. The wild-origin species is white-flowered with orange or yellow centers. They get exactly the same sun, soil and water. In severe cases of this disease, entire plants may become distorted and wilted, and the stems and branches may become weakened, leading to plant death. 'Shoal Creek' vitex trees grow between 10 and 15 ft. (3 - 4.5 m) tall. Plant leaves curling and folding is the symptom of a physiological disorder, and more than one disorder can cause this curling and folding. If soil is overly acidic, phosphorus ions react with aluminum and iron to form less soluble compounds. This species originally from Asia readily takes over space where native North American plants would normally thrive. Additionally, the small leaf size means that even more surface area is vulnerable to damage from freezing temperatures. The most common cause is environmental stress due to too much sunlight, sudden temperature changes, too much or too little water, or improper humidity levels. The butterfly bush is a hardy plant that produces large purple flowers in the late summer and fall months. You should check if the pests are living in the core of your plant or not. The name 'rose leaf rolling sawfly' comes from this sawfly's habit of injecting a chemical into young rose leaves, which causes them to curl protectively around her eggs. If someone took 75% of your food away, you wouldn't be a happy camper. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_31',168,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_32',168,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1-0_1');.narrow-sky-1-multi-168{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Leaf curl is a plant disorder usually caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). The butterfly bush needs water during its growth season in early spring and during dry spells throughout the season. Curling leaves can be caused by many problems, including insect damage, disease, abiotic disorders, or even herbicides. The leaves are 6 to 10 inches long, sage-green colored on top and white and wooly on the bottom. Overwatering can also cause the leaves to curl and become yellow or droopy. How to overwinter potted butterfly bush plants? Yes! If it is still not solving the problem, then take the plant away from the window and put it at the warmest point of the room. Butterfly bush (botanical name Buddleja or Buddleia) is a group of small to medium-sized flowering shrubs. Pests. One effective method for keeping the soil moist is bottom watering which allows water to reach the entire mass of the soil. But why do the leaves start curling? The bush's new planting hole should be large enough for you to spread the plant's root ball in it. Removing the affected leaves will help reduce the spread of the disease to other parts of the plant. No. If that is not an option, you can also use soap water. It can get to be 6 to 15 feet high and 4 to 15 feet wide and is known to have a bushlike growth with graceful, arching stems and pretty, fragrant flowers. Butterfly Bush is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 15 feet high. Leaves of Butterfly Weed . Black mold growing on top of leaves. How to Prune Butterfly Bushes Step 1 - Look for new growth. Many people use various traps which stick the insects once they sit on them. For two bushes, use something 24 inches deep with 12-18 inch wide sides. It's direst enemies are neglect and drought, which can stress the plant and cause additional problems. So, if you say that no worries, I water my plant daily, you might be a bit wrong because the rate of water intake and evaporation is more or less the same. It is often caused by fungi, viruses, and bacteria that are present in the environment. plant leaves are not benefitting from your regular watering, effective method for keeping the soil moist, Eggplant Green Inside: Causes and Solutions, Watermelon White Inside: Heres what you need to know, Best Time To Start Sowing Seeds: 4 Things to know first. Spread 4-5 Feet Wide. Hardy and easy to grow the Curly Leaf Privet is deer, pollution, and salt tolerant. Filling the garden with its shaggy green leaves and conical, fragrant blooms, the butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) is a fast-growing, ornamental shrub native to China. Sign up for our newsletter. The conical flower clusters bloom in shades of purple, white, pink, and orange. It is this feeding method which saps the energy of the plant and results in symptoms like leaves turning yellow on butterfly bush. It looks just like the name suggests, with furry patches of mildew appearing on the undersides of leaves. If any of these things become extreme or prolonged, butterfly bush leaves may curl as a result. If the plant doesnt seem to get better with these measures, it may need to be professionally assessed to identify the underlying issue.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_14',156,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_15',156,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-156{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Moving the bush on a cool, overcast day gives the transplant relief from heat. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. "People who say butterfly bush doesn't move around are in the denial stage," Tallamy says. Flower thrips ( Frankliniella species) are pests of both viburnum leaves and flowers. Avoid pesticides, as Buddleia attracts many beneficial insects that could be killed. Plant it at least 18 inches away from buildings or fences (the thicket of stems can cause problems with traffic or animal pests). It may, however, crowd out native vegetation and form dense thickets in certain gardens. Youll find a range of colors, sizes, and habits among our butterfly bushes: Butterfly bush has become invasive in some areas, and is on invasive plant watchlists or even banned in some states. Yes, plants can recover from overwatering. Most often, these are spread through humidity, rain drops, and any other source of moisture. It is like taking the soul out of plant leaves, causing the leaves to curl up. The first sign that a transplanted bush suffers from transplant shock is leaf scorch. They get exactly the same sun, soil and water. This is the most common reasons or a butterfly bush not blooming. Under Watering and other associated root problems such as root rot and root-bound syndrome can also limit the succulents oxygen supply to the plant which in turn affects the rate of respiration and the amount of water within the leaves. Leaf curl can spread through air, soil, water, and other vectors like humans and animals. Be sure to select a container that has several large drainage holes, and fill the container only with a fast-draining, light-weight potting mix. Additionally, curling could be a sign of an underlying disease or nutritional deficiency. Daniel: I would strongly suspect a spider in this case, but I can't be certain. Can I prune them? In mid-summer, the young rose leaves curl up overnight, and after a week small green caterpillars hatch and start to strip the leaves, leaving behind skeletonised foliage. Aphids SYMPTOMS: Leaves develop yellow spots, then wilt. Carefully inspect your plant for pests and take the appropriate steps to eliminate any that you find. If the wilting leaves are shriveled and brown, the butterfly bush is suffering from lack of water. These vigorous growers are not subject to many disease or insect issues and are resilient enough that they don't need regular babying. Butterfly bush is a tough plant. The temperature gets too cold at a certain point in the fall, usually during October or November, for these plants to keep their leaves open and green, so they have begun to curl up. Keep an eye on the bush, and if you see caterpillars or Japanese beetles feeding on the leaves, you can simply pick them off. If the soil is damp and waterlogged, the excess water needs to be removed by letting it drain out. New leaves curling on dwarf butterfly bush - Ask Extension. Additionally, manually transferring the infected material to another plant may result in the other plant becoming infected. The butterfly bush is perfect for many locations like near ponds, streams, waterfalls, or other wet areas where they will thrive with no additional watering needed. The curling and yellowing of plant leaves is a sign of stress, but determining the exact source of the stress is important in order to address the issue. The leaves take on a yellow hue on their outer edges and along their veins. To get rid of them, prune away affected foliage as soon as you notice leafminers on your plants. Wheres the A.C? This means that your plant leaves are getting closer to their final stages. If the issue appears to be inadequate nutrition, an appropriate fertilizer should be applied. A plants structure, location, available light, and the amount of pests they are exposed to will determine how much leaves curl. We viewed your photos and we cannot say for sure what is going on. If butterfly bush leaves are yellow, it might be due to plant stress or it might be an insect invasion. If the roots are large and knobby, cut them into smaller sections with a sharp knife (make sure you sterilize it first). If necessary, use a fertilizer specifically formulated for your plant type, as this can help your plant get the nutrients it needs. This species will spread by suckers to colonize large areas. Leaf curl can occur if your plant isnt receiving enough nutrients, so consider the soil pH and the level of fertilizer youre providing your plant. If you cannot get the soil to settle well, add more compost and use a garden trowel to even everything out to level across all container parts. Like other Buddleja, 'Miss Ruby' performs best with full sun and well-drained soil. If the leaves are too dry, then increasing water to the affected area can help. Most of the time, the reason for the leaves curling upside can be pests, lack or excess of water, bad water schedule, wrong placement, deficiency of important nutrients, etc. Doubtful it is a Carolina Leafrolling Cricket, as they usually select trees. Sweet Almond Bush is a fast-growing woody large shrub or small tree native to South America. The butterfly bush ( Buddleja davidii) is a plant species that originates in China. Unlike many houseplants, Peperomia obtusifolia does not require much maintenance and can thrive in warm and low light conditions. The butterfly bush has few enemies or diseases, but the shrub may be attacked if it is suffering stress from drought, over-watering or herbicide toxicity.