For the butterfly bush, nothing right now. From what I've read, it can be late May or June before signs of life appear. I have learned new growth most often comes from the root. On established bushes, experts advise cutting them way back. They have "die back", so they will appear dead and then take off. I am prepared for mine NOT to take off. So the branches look dead which I've learned is normal but I've included a picture of the roots before and after I added more dirt. It appears some of the dirt I buried it with last year washed away or the ground heaved a bit and exposed some of the root system. So the jury is still out...
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| Before more dirt added |
I threw a bit more dirt at the base...
So onto the milkweed front. I have been faithfully planting seeds since fall of 2013 in hopes at least one plant would make it. Last fall I just threw seeds out by hand and didn't even plant any. Last year I noticed a plant that appeared to be milkweed but not Common milkweed that I was planting. I have learned it can take until year three for a plant to flower. I caged off that plant and this year it is really taking off and appears to be ready to flower this season. I find it funny that the plant that is finally coming up may not be one I planted. I asked God for one plant and I have it. The leaves are narrower and the stem/base appeared different than a Common milkweed plant. But they may change as they mature. The big test and reveal will come this summer if/when it flowers. I have suspected it to be a Swamp milkweed plant but the location may not make sense for that type. Butterfly milkweed are also found in Iowa and have narrow leaves. Expect many updates. The next order of business is to make my cage taller to keep the deer out of it.
Here are pictures from the last few weeks...
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