thinking of buying these since I lost all others this year due to rain for 3 months this summer.
Do either of these bring lots of butterflys?

If it does not rain an inch per week from april to november in zone lower 8
how often do you take a bucket of water and water them ?
Do you do the method of sticking your finger down 2 inches and if moist .do not water..

Do you water a new butterfly bush bought from the nursery planted now in late august.. till november and then not water it yourself in winter months.

I never have watered in winter and in the past all perennials lived and did well and shrubs.

This year has gotten me anxious...and sad that so much rain in 3 months must have caused disease
and or root rot in butterfly bushes..not sitting in a wet area...

I was told by a nursery that I can take one half cup of epsom salts mix in warm water to dissolve
add to one gallon of cool water and spray the butterfly bushes once every 6 weeks in spring to fall
once established...what do you think of this to help them fight disease?

Any thoughts appreciated....sheridragonfly

Are you claiming that your buddleia drownded?

I've seen them growing in standing water.... more water... usually means more seedlings.

As much of water-pigs as these things are.... very surprised if they died from too much rain...
nematodes seems far more likely.

I would suggest trying vitex instead.

Vitex is very pretty, and drought hardy, and I haven't seen any problems with nematode issues either.

As to drowning?
I can't say.