Question
I am losing my second butterfly bush in two years in the same garden where several other bushes of the same kind are very healthy. I suspect a borer of some kind. There is a hole in each damaged branch. How do I get rid of this problem?

Answer
Hi Lynn,
Thanx for your question.  It sounds like you may have stem borers. Use orthene to combat this pest.  Ususually, they are difficult to get rid of once they have begun to bore and you should cut off the stems in which you see their holes and burn the cuttings.  Always cut butterfly bushes down to the ground at the end of the autumn and discard the branches.  Proper horticultural hygiene will help keep down pests.  I hope this helps.
Tom