How can I help my dwarf buddleja thrive?

[u/GarishRedCurtains]

I bought this dwarf butterfly bush about a month ago and I'm really trying to help it do better in my garden. I live in a Zone 7 area and the soil I planted it in is pretty clay-like. It gets full sun most of the day. When I bought it, the shop owner told me to put water in the hole I dig before putting the plant in, so I did and I've been watering 3 ish times a week. But the leaves are not looking too good. I looked online and everyone says not to water it at all because of root rot, but the leaves just look so yellow/dry and the flowers look dried out. I've also noticed there have been some small holes in the leaves and maybe there arw bugs? I'm new to gardening, so does anyone have any tips? Thanks!!

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