Help identify problem with Buddleja please

Discussion in 'Pests, Diseases and Cures' started by Ellie P, May 15, 2024.

  1. Ellie P

    Ellie P Apprentice Gardener

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    My previously healthy, 4 year old Buddleja Buzz plants have both developed a problem with misshapen shrivelled leaves, turning dry and black. Whole stems are affected. Photos attached. Any advice welcome please
     

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  2. Angie Jones (nut)

    Angie Jones (nut) Gardener

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    I think it's a virus, I've seen a lot like that this Spring (fortunately not mine yet). A whole sales area in a GC I visited recently, I'd have been embarrassed to put them up for sale
     
  3. hans

    hans Gardener

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    Clear up and burn any fallen leaves. I have no idea what is causing this. I suppose you could try a suitable plant feed. Over my many years of growing I have had plants that are doing badly suddenly recover and do well. Hopefully yours will recover best of luck.
     
  4. Thevictorian

    Thevictorian Gardener

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    If it is the older growth then it could be a virus but I've seen a similar thing caused by aphids in early spring on the new growth.
     
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    • NigelJ

      NigelJ Total Gardener

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      I don't think it's a virus, I think it's more likely to be a fungal problem and related to the excessively wet weather. I have several Buddleja and one has similar symptoms to yours with whole stems dying back, first noticed a couple of months ago when the previously healthy vigorous Buddleja was observed to have a couple of dead/nearly dead branches; the third has now joined the party. I had a similar thing happen to a Buddleja officinalis some years ago, one month flowering and healthy next month virtually dead.
      I don't see many aphids on my Buddleja.
       
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      • The Buddleja Garden

        The Buddleja Garden Gardener

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        Mullein (Verbascum) aphid is causing the distortion and yellowing - I can see them in photo #4. Sooty moulds follow due to the sugar content of the aphid excrement and you get die-back. In the short term, try washing off the aphids with water, possibly with a horticultural soap. Don't consider using anything systemic or a contact insecticide. The former will contaminate the nectar and damage pollinators, the latter will kill the predators who'll cure the problem.

        The predators - ladybirds, their larvae, hoverfly and lacewing larvae - will soon appear and clear up the aphids.

        It's a new pest for Buddleja, and it seems the mullein aphid has evolved and expanded its diet - Buddleja is a close relative of verbascum.

        Nigel also has a point - the wet winter has stressed Buddleja, and any plants with weakened roots become more susceptible to all sorts of problems including die-back.
         
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        • NigelJ

          NigelJ Total Gardener

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          Verbascum aphid that's a new one on me; I have found mullein moth caterpillars on buddleja in past years.
          I'll keep an eye open for these aphids in the future.
           
        • Ellie P

          Ellie P Apprentice Gardener

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          Thank you so much, that's very helpful! Horticultural soap ordered today :)
           
        • The Buddleja Garden

          The Buddleja Garden Gardener

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          Photo on 2024-04-24 at 10.05 #2.jpg

          Here they are, vicious little monsters, on the underside of a leaf and destroying one of my precious cuttings.
           
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