These are so beautiful but I noticed that they are attracting aphids in the thousands. GROSS! I am reluctant to spray them with a pesticide since the monarch caterpillars are currently setting up shop on them too. The plus side of aphids- ladybugs. They get super big and attract all sorts of wasps, bees, butterflies and other flying things. I'm also concerned that they aren't as cold weather tolerant as advertised since everything I find online says that these are "Tropical Milkweed" plants. :/
I bought 3 plants. Two grew great, the other stayed small. Attracted a ton of butterflies. Aphids attacked them, which was a hastle, but they flowered great. The two big plants needed staking when the seed-pods developed after flowering.
I ordered 3 of them as barefoot early May. They came within 10 days with good instruction. This is the first time I planted barefoot so did not have high expectations. But they came out, now are ~ 3 feet tall and started to bloom. The only reason with only 4 star is that one of plant came in as a tiny barefoot, I almost threw it away not knowing if it is a plant or something. but I planted anyway. it came out now with buds, but only 6 inch tall while the other 2 are ~ 3 feet. Also be warned they do take a lot of space so leave enough room for them. And this is only 7 weeks after planting.
Bought these plants as part of a pre-planned garden. They quickly grew to the 36" height. I did not give them 5 stars b/c they seem to need staking & I couldn't choose the color. My plants are often leaning over - too far. BUT the white ones are attracting little white butterfiles and pinkish ones are now home to a DOZEN Monarch catepillers! I hope they set up shop there for their crysalis so we can watch them develop. Great for my 3 & 4 year old kids.
I initially recieved these as part of a plan- the first group didn't grow and so was sent replacements... They grew ginormous! They do need staking but, since you could live under them it is to be expected. Really cool, fast growing, and very architectural. People and bugs stop to admire all the time. BTW, leave at LEAST 3'x3' square for grow room when planting.
