Butterfly Bush Disease
The butterfly bush is a fast-growing bush with long arching branches and sweet-scented blooms. Called the butterfly bush for its strong appeal to many varieties of butterflies, this easy care plant is usually disease free, though it may sometimes be infected by virus or mildew. Does this Spark an idea?
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Features
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The butterfly bush grows quickly with slender, arching branches 6 to 10 feet long tipped with purple flower spikes.
Benefits
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Plant the butterfly bush as food and shelter for butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. The nectar flowers provide food, and the long, slender leaves provide shelter.
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Virus Disease
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Cornell University reports that plant viruses such as cucumber mosaic virus, alfalfa mosaic or tomato ringspot virus may infect butterfly bushes.
Mildew Disease
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According to Purdue University, downy mildew may affect butterfly bushes when the leaves are too wet or the plant has insufficient air circulation.
Prevention/Solution
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Most mildew disease is preventable. Space plants apart for ventilation, and avoid foliage watering. In damp climates, choose disease-resistant hybrid butterfly bushes.
Considerations
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Use organic or natural fungicides or insecticides to prevent harm to butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators.
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