I never know if a lack of response means, "don't know", "don't care" or
possibly, "that's so obvious I'm not even going to answer"

It usually means "don't know" or "haven't noticed your post yet".
I should wait a couple of days before becoming indignant at the
lack of response.

In case it's helpful, some things that *are* doing well nearby are some
neglected apple (I think) trees and ground elder, grape hyacinths and
dandelions. Does any of this suggest why the buddejas are doing so
poorly?

Did you dig in plenty of compost before planting?
Did you firm the ground well after planting to ensure good root contact
with
the soil?
Did you water them in well?
--

Hi Nick,

Thanks for replying! Apologies all round if I seemed indignant. I was just
genuinely confused about the lack of response to what I thought was going to
the sort of easy question which gets answered before my post even appears on
my server.

Anyway, it's a new (my first, hurrah!) house and the buddleja were already
there. They appear to have been stuck directly into the clay/soil and have
grass/clover growing right up to the stem. They're noticeably stunted, are
currently shooting very weakly and the new leaves fall off very easily.

I'm wondering if there's anything that can be done for them. And if not,
would there be any sense in planting new ones, into a good hole (say 2 feet)
with a whole bunch of sand and even rubble?

thanks.