Buddleja mottled leaves on new growth

Colin-Jackson · June 2023

I have recently planted out six new butterfly bush plants into one of my beds. They have now been in the bed for just over a week and there are signs of new growth. However, all the new leaves look mottled and a little bit wilty.

The bed is south facing, with (very) heavy clay soil. The plants were heeled in to make sure there was no air gaps in between the clay lumps and then given a really good drink.

I have never grown these before so I am not sure if this is normal or if they are struggling. Can someone tell me if these look healthy?

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/99/1iwgl974zbm3.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/vo/725b3ui1quox.jpg

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Plantminded · June 2023

Buddlejas prefer a free draining soil to do well. I think your plants may be suffering from lack of available water, nutrients and air due to your heavy clay soil and the fact that you have heeled them in to exclude air. Plant roots require oxygen to respire and perform their transport of water and nutrients functions. I've never gardened with clay soil but you need to incorporate plenty of organic matter to make the environment suitable for root growth and performance. Here's an RHS guide which should help:
Clay soils: plants for / RHS Gardening

Ceres · June 2023

There was a recent thread about this problem. https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1073611/what-is-wrong-with-my-buddleia/p1

Colin-Jackson · June 2023

Thanks Ceres,

It's reassuring to know its just aphids nibbling on the leaves while they are still forming. Hopefully there is enough greenery left for the plants to get establish without too much harm. Not a fan of using sprays, so will have to figure out another way to get the little pests under control.

Buddleja mottled leaves on new growth

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