I still have (3) fairly viable Flowering Almond Shrubs. I've always loved the spring bloom, and the shrub usually doesn't look too bad the rest of the year either. Two years ago, after 5 years or so of growth and flowering, I began to experience wilting on my shrubs right after blooming. At first, it wasn't too bad, but as the years have gone by, the effect is becoming worse and worse. I did some googling, and it appears that there is a fungal disease that is common to these shrubs that is commonly called "brown-off". What I found in prior years directed me to prune off the affected branches (to avoid infection of healthy branches) and to let the plants rejuvenate over the summer, which they did. But, as I said, each year my plants would look worse. This year, I found that this disease actually enters the shrubs via the blooms (which makes a lot of sense). Anyway, I've trimmed them back again, (thankfully, I do have some healthy growth and foliage) ... and I've given them a dose of Bayer's All-in-One Rose systemic treatment. Next year, I'm going to try and remember to give my plants a fungal treatment in the weeks BEFORE they bloom. Hopefully, this might stave off the infection.

I don't have any of the mini variety, but I do have two 3 in 1 multi colored variety. They were mail order too. Ordered them 2 years ago, and I have cut them both back to around 4 inches tall each early spring before new growth occurs. I also keep mulch on them for over wintering. I have found mine only bloom on new wood, so the part I trim usually doesn't come back, but little shoots grow off the old wood, and grow up quite nicely around the trimmed parts once the weather warms considerably. My variety is a mid summer bloomer, and doesn't start showing signs of life until it stays warm consistently. I have one planted in my butterfly garden which is in full sun, and it's is about 8 inches tall now but will grow around 6 ft tall. It just started showing new growth last week, The other is on the north side of my house, and gets only around 2 hours of afternoon sun, it stays a good bit smaller then the other (only gets about 3- 4 ft tall, but fits nicely in the area it calls home). The one in partial shade is only about 4 inches tall now and started showing life last week as well. I have had no problems with them being invasive at all. So I have to agree with the others, perhaps that is not an issue in zone 5. This is the 3rd year I have thought- it is not going to make it this year, but somehow it always comes back. I would give it some more time, I have lots of plants that would normally be in full bloom right now that are still trying to catch up from our crazy weather. Sometimes the only thing you can do is remember that the nice thing about MOST mail order companies is they guarantee there plants, without any hassle. Wish you the best of luck. I know how hard it can be to give up on one of natures little wondersÂ

Looks like a slime mold known as dog barf fungus, commonly found growing on mulch after rainy periods. While unattractive, it's harmless to plants and is not the cause of decline in your butterfly bush. Here is a link that might be useful: dog barf fungus

Well that certainly would make things easier! Probably a stupid question - but how much new growth will it put back on this year if I whack it back? Losing that height will leave a pretty big hole - but it's better than having it keep coming down until it gets reestablished. I doubt it's ever been pruned back (like I said, these people could care less about the yard.) Yesterday I filled 3 lawn bags and didn't make a dent. I'm estimating 4 or 5 more - more if I whack back this bush. haha