Were the plants pretty pot-bound? Of course, that is going to restrict growth, including new branches, foliage, and the size of the flowers. Flowers will, however, get larger, as the plant matures. I'd get them either potted up quickly into the ground or larger pots as soon as possible. You will then see them grow a lot better.

I planted out a Royal Red this year that had wintered over in a 2-3 gallon pot. I couldn't believe the growth it put on after being planted in a newly prepared bed that I had amended with chicken manure and pine fines. The soil was already pretty loamy. It is now in full bloom and gorgeous.

Butterfly bushes do best when cut back/trimmed in late winter to very early spring. So, I'd not do any of that until next year.

Susan

Susan,

I hadn't thought to pop them out of the pots and check out the roots. Makes perfect sense though. I will check them when I get home today.

I had planned to put them into larger pots but just hadn't gotten to it yet and honestly wasn't sure I wanted to go any further with them if something was wrong with them.

Thanks for the information!

Vanessa

You're very welcome, Vanessa! Let us know if you have any more questions.

Susan

If they are pot bound, you will want to tease or cut the roots somewhat to free them and stimulate new growth. Here's a google search with lots of articles:

Here is a link that might be useful: pot bound