Butterfly Weed Problems

[Harveyshot]

I have tried to grow butterfly weed for several years and I've never had any luck.
This year I'm trying to grow them from packaged roots in a large container. They started out looking ok but they now seem to be having problems. Leaves are turning yellow and not looking good. Image 1 (weed-04) seems ok for now.
Thanks for taking a look.

 

[Mrsclem]

Why the heavy mulch?

 

[Harveyshot]

Why not? I always hear mulch, mulch, mulch to hold water. It's only about an inch of pine bark mulch

 

[JBtheExplorer]

I don't have a definitive answer but the roots could be rotting if the soil stays too wet. They do like relatively dry soils and full sun.

 

[Meadowlark]

I'm only in my second year of trying to grow them @Harveyshot but I can sympathize with problems with them. That's about all I can offer...sympathy.

They are slow to get going...very slow. I've read a theory that says the reason for that is they are establishing an extensive root system before putting much energy into the top plant. Makes sense to me because at some point they redirect that energy and the plant really takes off. It happened that way for me last year.

They are supposed to be a perineal but none of my milkweeds came back this spring out of several varieties including this one.

This year I also bought some packaged roots thinking maybe with a stronger root system they would do better and come back next year. I'm not at all convinced.

I'd just say keep the faith and give 'em time and hopefully they will take off.

The good news is they are sure fire Monarch attractors in spite of their difficulties.

 

[Sluggy]

Enough water may not be soaking through to the soil underneath all that bark. On the other hand as JB says they like dry soil. The bark maybe keeping the soil to wet.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

Be honest, I have had Butterfly Bushes, and find them too much trouble. Switched to Joe Pye Weed which attracts more butterflies that BB. and much easier, no issues with a Joe Pye weed.

 

[JBtheExplorer]

Be honest, I have had Butterfly Bushes, and find them too much trouble. Switched to Joe Pye Weed which attracts more butterflies that BB. and much easier, no issues with a Joe Pye weed.

OP is talking about Butterflyweed, a milkweed species, not the invasive butterfly bush. But I agree, Joe Pye is a great plant!

 

[Meadowlark]

... no issues with a Joe Pye weed.

Here I can't get Joe Pye to germinate outside.

At least I can get the butterfly weed to germinate...returning the next season seems problematic...but maybe starting from roots will do the trick.

 

[Harveyshot]

I don't have a definitive answer but the roots could be rotting if the soil stays too wet. They do like relatively dry soils and full sun.

I'll keep an eye on the moisture, thanks.

 

[Harveyshot]

I'm only in my second year of trying to grow them @Harveyshot but I can sympathize with problems with them. That's about all I can offer...sympathy.

They are slow to get going...very slow. I've read a theory that says the reason for that is they are establishing an extensive root system before putting much energy into the top plant. Makes sense to me because at some point they redirect that energy and the plant really takes off. It happened that way for me last year.

They are supposed to be a perineal but none of my milkweeds came back this spring out of several varieties including this one.

This year I also bought some packaged roots thinking maybe with a stronger root system they would do better and come back next year. I'm not at all convinced.

I'd just say keep the faith and give 'em time and hopefully they will take off.

The good news is they are sure fire Monarch attractors in spite of their difficulties.

View attachment 114104

I'll give 'em time and see what happens. Thanks.

 

[Harveyshot]

Enough water may not be soaking through to the soil underneath all that bark. On the other hand as JB says they like dry soil. The bark maybe keeping the soil to wet.

I'll keep an eye on the moisture, thanks.

 

[Harveyshot]

Be honest, I have had Butterfly Bushes, and find them too much trouble. Switched to Joe Pye Weed which attracts more butterflies that BB. and much easier, no issues with a Joe Pye weed.

Never tried JP weed. Something I'll have to try. I had a Butterfly Bush last year, but it didn't come back this year. It did attract A LOT of butterflies. Never had a problem with invasiveness. Zone 7a

 

[Harveyshot]

Here I can't get Joe Pye to germinate outside.

At least I can get the butterfly weed to germinate...returning the next season seems problematic...but maybe starting from roots will do the trick.

Just looked up JP weed and it says zones 3-7. I'm in 7 so I'll give it a try.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

Just looked up JP weed and it says zones 3-7. I'm in 7 so I'll give it a try.

In the winter it dyes out totally flat to the ground by itself. then in spring you will see it start come up. It will widen some over time, but takes a few years.