If still alive, sprouts may come out of the base at ground level. Mine are just starting to do that right now.

How will I know if its alive? I am tempted to remove it and replant.

Duplicate thread....see other comments here: https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5691973/how-to-revive-a-butterfly-bush#n=5

when you get really p.o.'d at looking at it every day ... is the day you will know it is dead ...

i suspect.. in TX ... times up ...

what else in the area is still fully dormant??? .. if nothing.. and spring is well on its way ... then time to give up ...

you can give it another month.. but if its that far behind.. it is probably significantly damaged.. and whatever pops up.. probably wont be very vigorous ... and you will spend all summer being irritated at it ...

and the alternative is to be done with it.. and plant something that thrills you every time you walk out the door

in that equation.. lifes too short.. be done with it ...

ken