What's wrong with this shrub?

 


I have a shrub in my garden that looks rather poorly. It was there when
I moved
in, and is looking ugly. I'd be most pleased if anybody could
help me identify
it, and tell me what is wrong with it, as I'd like to
know if its worth trying
to save.

The shrub around 5ft tall, with woody stems growing from the base. The
leaves
are all twisted and scrunched up, and the flowers (I think thy
are meant to be
spear shaped) are icky and brown. I can't see any sign
of creep crawlies.

Attached are photos. Apologies if they're not all that clear, my camera
refused
to focus properly.

Thank you very much for your help!


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--
Pogsquog

 

Pogsquog said:

It looks like the aftermath of a severe aphid (greenfly) infestation.
Sometimes they run rampant in early spring and are later wiped
out by predatory insects.  

You might be able to find the evidence if you carefully check the
inside of some of the larger curled leaves.

Right now the best you could do would be to snip back the most
unsightly looking bits.


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Pat in Plymouth MI
    
"Vegetables are like bombs packed tight with all kinds of important
nutrients..."     --Largo Potter, Valkyria  Chronicles
 
email valid but not regularly monitored
  

 


Update: I think it's a buddleia, though I'd still like to know what's
wrong
with it :D


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--
Pogsquog

 

It is a buddleia, or "butterfly bush".  Don't know what's wrong with it as
these are usually extremely hardy.  I have several and have not seen this
with mine.

Gloria

 

Gloria said:

I really think the distortion is the typical result of aphids feeding on fresh,
new growth.  The distortion remains long after the insects themselves
have been wiped out by predation.  

--
Pat in Plymouth MI
    
"Vegetables are like bombs packed tight with all kinds of important
nutrients..."     --Largo Potter, Valkyria  Chronicles
 
email valid but not regularly monitored