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Help with my sad Butterfly bush

3 years ago

I planted this Spring in a large planter with lots of space for it to grow and thrive - including a lot of natural compost mixed into the soil. Please see attached pictures. Plant is growing, but it is pretty gangly and, most concerning, many of the leaves are turning yellow. Overall, it doesn't look super healthy. Any advice? Thx!

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Comments (3)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
3 years ago
does that pot drain ... look like it might be sodden ...

if you could provide some more history.. it would help ...

why did you add compost to media??

how do you water... when it needs ? .. do you ever allow it to dry ... where are you.;. how much sun ... how hot ...

when planted.. serious root interruption.... etc.. etc....

ken
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
3 years ago
Yes, adding compost to potting soil is never a good idea. I'd suspect the pot and media is retaining too much water. And to be honest, butterfly bush does not require a highly enriched soil anyway. It pops up here in abandoned parking lots and along the gravel verges of roads....it'll grow anywhere it can sink its roots into!!
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HU-591154886
Original Author
3 years ago
Thx for the helpful thoughts. I thought adding compost was just the right thing to do to enhance the soil experience (I am just making it out of kitchen scraps, paper and a bit of starter soil). Rookie mistake? In any case, the pot has good drainage on the bottom, but it's possible that it is getting and retaining too much water? I am going to see if less water is helpful. I am also going to check the ph level of the soil tomorrow morning and see if it is strongly one way or the other. Wondering of all the banana peels in the compost might be creating an issue? I read online about too much phosphorus causing low iron. Maybe that is an issue?

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