Spring-Planted Butterfly Bush Failure: The Root Establishment Trap

Spring-planted woody plants often die in late summer because warm weather drives top growth before roots establish. The root system remains the same size as at planting. If watering lapses even briefly, roots fail and the plant dies in August/September. Replace now, but plant the new one in late September when soil is warm but air cooler. Future rule: plant woody plants in fall or early winter.