Question
I have 3 butterfly bushes (don't know variety,) 2 are purple and 1 is white, they were planted about 4 years ago and have been trimmed down to the ground annually.  The 2 purple ones are not growing well, they have a few tall, arching, woody branches and aren't full, the white is smaller and seems to be growing a little fuller. Is there any way I can get them to grow more fully? Right now they are so unattractive I'm considering taking them out of my front garden because I can't figure out how to get them to have a better shape. It's mid-August and none of them have bloomed yet. I live in central NJ.  Thank you.

Answer
hi maddy
i would not worry to much, most of the problems this year have been weather related which we have no control over.
it has been extremely hot and dry this growing season which hinders growth. the best thing i can tell you is to monitor your bushes more closely and adjust to changing weather patterns. water and feed as needed, do in the cool of the day as it will benefit more.  good Luck  larry  ;-)_