Tried posting and adding eight photos and it posted eight photos of my damaged hydrangea. I assume you can only add one photo so here is my original post with one pic. My first year in planting milkweed. I have a couple questions as a novice. The plants I purchased thrived. I planted seeds I ordered and they also have done well. Seeds were planted in pots. I went on vacation for two weeks and upon arrival back home found that the plants I planted in the ground appeared to have leaves that were eaten, some whole some partial. Also my hydrangea and a climbing flower were heavily damaged. Upon closer inspection I found caterpillars on them. I left the caterpillars alone. I assume this is the process but confused about where the caterpillars go after feeding on my plants. I live in Southwest Kentucky. Should I transplant the potted plants to the ground or is it ok to leave them potted? I have yet to see any milkweed blooms. When do they produce the pods? Any help appreciated. Photos attached.