purpleinopp said:Here's a pic I took on 4/20/2002 when I lived in OH, also Z5b. They're late starters, but I'm pessimistic about your plant at this point.
When did you trim yours? The usual rule for BB's is to leave them alone until new leaves appear in the spring, then shape as desired.
pirl said:Try scratching the bark with your fingernails or some sharp tool. If you don't see green tissue, you do have a dead Butterfly Bush.