Butterfly Weed Problems

[Meadowlark]

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

Maybe explains why it didn't work here...in zone 9.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

Maybe explains why it didn't work here...in zone 9.

yes, its a native plant up here. found sometime in edges of woodlands etc.

 

[Terryval]

The first time I saw butterfly weed (which is now my favorite wildflower, btw!) it was growing in bare dirt - actually more like dried clay than dirt, in full sun, with no neighbors. Others here have mentioned caution against overwatering (and I saw your replies) but I thought I'd share my observation as this species may well thrive on neglect.

I planted some plugs in front of our house years ago (along with Green and Gold) and walked away...a late frost got a lot of them a few years ago but some survived and I've seen evidence of seeds taking root elsewhere. Like a lot of natives it does its thing on its own time and can't be rushed...

 

[Meadowlark]

... as this species may well thrive on neglect. ..

I have an affinity for those species that thrive on neglect....and interestingly they are usually native ones.