Milkweed plant is considered as an
unwanted specimen in the landscape and can also be invasive, but they can be
grown in container.
There are over one hundred species of
milkweeds that grow in North America, and not actually all of them are hosts
for the Monarch. Some draw Monarchs for nectar, but butterfly lovers are likely
looking for those plants that encourage the dropping of tiny eggs on them. Let
us take a look at some that are native or naturalized plants and that can grow
successfully in pots;
1.
The tropical milkweed (Asclepias
curassavica): The tropical milkweed has naturalized in warmer areas of the United
State and is a favorite of the Monarch butterfly. The tropical milkweed has
also provides nectar for them and many other types of butterflies. Those in
cooler areas may grow this as an annual plant, and it may return in protected
areas, or reseed. Container grown plants sport additional branches in their
second year and a long bloom period in summer.
2.
The whorled milkweed (Asclepias
verticillata): The whorled milkweed is a larval host plant that grows in dry or
sandy soils, this whorled milkweed is hardy in USDA zones 4a to 10b. This plant
blooms summer through fall and also provides food for caterpillars as well as adult
Monarchs and is a great milkweed in planters.
3.
The swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnate):
The swamp milkweed is “known to be high up in the Monarchs preference list.”
Native to most of the United State, you will want to include this one if you
are attempting to draw butterflies to a wet area. This specimen does not actually
have a taproot, another advantage for container growing.
4.
The showy milkweed (Asclepias
speciosa): The showy milkweed flowers are fragrant and pretty. Best confined to
a container because of its invasive tendency. Grows in western United State to
Canada and is equivalent to common milkweed in the east. The showy milkweed actually
needs a 5-gallon or larger container.
How to Grow Milkweed Plant in a Container
Actually, growing milkweed plant in pots is
the preferable method of growth for some. Container-grown milkweed plant can be
overwintered in a building or garage and placed back outside in spring. It is
advised to combine potted milkweeds plants with nectar-rich flowers in the same
container in other to provide necessary nourishment to the Monarch and other
butterflies. This really encourages them to return to the area where containers
are, so locate them near a seating area where you can best enjoy them. You can
use a large plastic container for ease of moving and winter storage. You can use
a light-colored one that is deep, as the root systems of the milkweed plants
can grow large. Some of the plants have large taproots. A rich and
well-draining soil encourages the best performance of the milkweed plants. You
can easily start the plant from seed.
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