That's a lot of tithonias!! Are you getting lots of butterflies nectaring on them?

Sandy

Wow, what a difference between TX and PA! I just planted mine out the other day that I winter sowed and they're maybe 2 inches tall. lol Your plants look great!
Cathy

That is a very nice Tithonia patch Mechelle. I grew the Fiesta Del Sol here in my yard for the last 2 years, and I hardly ever saw any butterfly on them. I wonder why that is. I decided not to grow any this year because it gets so little attention in my yard.~~Angie

So far the butterflies have not been plentiful this year. Don't know if it has something to do with the drought we are experiencing. Normally by this time of year, I am busy taking care of lots and lots of caterpillars. All I have right now are 5 black swallowtails.

The hummingbirds have enjoyed the tithonias, so at least the birds are making good use of the nectar provided. Hopefully the butterflies will make a grand entrance and lay tons of eggs soon.

Mechelle

Mechelle, I keep thinking we must be between generations. I saw butterflies earlier, but they've been scarce for a couple of weeks. We have had really strong winds here, and cold nights. So, after our really warm spell, we are having unseasonably cool weather. I did see a Red Admiral this morning while I was planting.

Sandy

Sandy,

In years past, I have not had a "dry spell" of monarchs during the spring or summer. I have always had various stages of cats and lots of them, but not this year.

I keep seeing posts stating how many monarch cats are around and maybe not enough food, my plants are bushy just waiting for the monarchs to come lay eggs. One good thing about not having any cats right now, the wasps are out on patrol looking for any cat/egg they can find. I bought a couple of the portable bug zappers (looks like a tennis racket) and they work really well. I just have to learn how to aim for the wasps, they tend to get away from the zapper, but I get a glancing blow and manage to knock them down so I can step on it. The neighbors must think I'm crazy, dancing around (doing the happy dance when I get rid of those pesky wasps) outside when I manage to kill a wasp.

I have seen more giant swallowtails than anything, but not very many of those either. All the passion vines are awaiting the gulf fritillaries as is the cassia/senna for the sulphurs. I guess when the butterflies finally show up, it will be a spectacle!

Mechelle