It has been raining so much here that I haven't really been able to get out and look at my butterfly weed. From a distance, I could tell that it wasn't looking its best, but neither is anything else right now. Well finally yesterday, I got to get out to that corner of the yard and saw 2 Monarch Cats (along with more aphids that I think I have ever seen in one place, where's a lady bug when you need one?? LOL). I don't have pics, but am really excited.
Next questions, what should I be looking for next? Can the aphids hurt the cats? Once the butterfly weed stalks are completely leafless, will they grow more leaves or can they be cut down?
Thanks!!
I found CATS!!
I usually just leave my plants alone once leaves are gone unless they look like they died back a bit. More leaves will eventually appear. Do you just have one plant? Those cats eat such a LOT once they start getting big. I've got a bunch of milkweed, although not as much as I had last year. Right now there's only a few Queen cats to feed around here, so they get as much fresh foliage as they want.
I have quite a few butterfly weed plants (although they do look pretty shabby right now). I put in the about 5 nursery pots of them and they have done pretty well. I went out yesterday to look at them again, but couldn't find them. I hope they are okay. I will have to check on them again today.
Thanks for the advice. I will leave the plants alone and just let them go.