Butterfly Bush Getting Brown And Dead Lower Limbs

Question From: Covington, Georgia, United States
Q: MY BUTTERFLY BUSH WAS DOING GREAT BUT THEN IT STARTED HAVING BROWN AND DEAD LIMBS AT LOWER PART OF THE BUSH. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO PREVENT THIS?

A: It's hard to say exactly what's up. If the lower part of the shrub is shaded, that could do it. Spraying of fertilizers and weed killers on lawns can migrate to the lower part of the bush and cause damage. Lack of water doesn't help. So it may be a variety of things. I'd be sure to keep it watered, especially in high heat and mulch around it to help hold moisture. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy