What's wrong with this shrub?

Question

I have a shrub in my garden that looks rather poorly. It was there when I moved in, and is looking ugly. I'd be most pleased if anybody could help me identify it, and tell me what is wrong with it, as I'd like to know if its worth trying to save.

The shrub around 5ft tall, with woody stems growing from the base. The leaves are all twisted and scrunched up, and the flowers (I think thy are meant to be spear shaped) are icky and brown. I can't see any sign of creep crawlies.

Attached are photos. Apologies if they're not all that clear, my camera refused to focus properly.

Thank you very much for your help!

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Pat Kiewicz · Accepted Answer

It looks like the aftermath of a severe aphid (greenfly) infestation. Sometimes they run rampant in early spring and are later wiped out by predatory insects.

You might be able to find the evidence if you carefully check the inside of some of the larger curled leaves.

Right now the best you could do would be to snip back the most unsightly looking bits.

Pogsquog · Answer

Update: I think it's a buddleia, though I'd still like to know what'swrong with it :D+-------------------------------------------------------------------++-------------------------------------------------------------------+

Gloria · Answer

It is a buddleia, or "butterfly bush".  Don't know what's wrong with it as these are usually extremely hardy.  I have several and have not seen this with mine.Gloria

Pat Kiewicz · Answer

I really think the distortion is the typical result of aphids feeding on fresh,new growth.  The distortion remains long after the insects themselveshave been wiped out by predation.

What's wrong with this shrub?

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