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Top Questions About Butterfly Weed

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Questions About Butterfly Weed

  • Answered by
    GKH_Susan on
    June 9, 2020
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is much easier to find now in local nurseries than it was years ago, especially with the plight of diminishing monarchs. The name may be changed so as not to say "weed" but check for the botanical name to be sure.

    I have also found that nurseries sell it later in the summer, July and August. You might just ask your local nurseries if they intend to sell it later. Be sure to ask the owner, the summer help might not be aware.

    Many online seed companies sell it as well, in seed and flower form. Have you checked with area native plant nurseries and seed companies? Native plants have become more popular in recent years and I'm sure there must be a nursery near you that offers wildlife friendly plants.

    There are other milkweed varieties too such as swamp milkweed and common milkweed.

    We don't recommend products or brands, so I am not able to give you specific company names, but you may find help at monarchwatch.org, a nonprofit organization.

    Here is a link to your county extension office who might be able to help:

    https://extension.wsu.edu/okanogan/

    Here is a link to an article on our website:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/milkweed/growing-butterfly-weed.htm

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    July 24, 2020
    Certified Expert
    A.

    This can happen from soils that remain moist for too long. These plants prefer the soil to be on the dry side, and will not perform their best when soils remain moist. If you provide any extra water, I would refrain from doing so. If rain is all they get, then you may be at the mercy of the weather, unforunately.

    Refrain from feeding them, as they will not be heavy feeders. The soil will container more than enough to sustain them, naturally.

    Here is an article that will help you with their care:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/milkweed/growing-butterfly-weed.htm

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    June 30, 2021
    Certified Expert
    A.

    This is the natural process, unfortunately. It will come back, however. This article will help you with the care of the plant:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/milkweed/growing-butterfly-weed.htm

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  • Answered by
    GKH_Susan on
    August 2, 2021
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) naturally blooms, then rests, then blooms again all summer. If you cut the pods off, it may bloom longer. But if you want seeds for propagation, you may want to let the pods develop.

    Butterfly weed will die back at the end of the season in areas that have deep freezes, but returns again in the spring. It is late to break dormancy, so don't give up on it.

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