The bush will grow five to six feet. It flowers on new wood, so prune in winter or early spring. Grow the Butterfly Bush in full sun in a prepared bed. The monarch lays its eggs on this milkweed. The yellow and black-striped caterpillars eat the poisonous foliage which makes the adult butterflies poisonous to birds.
Butterfly weed is planted by seed or purchased plants in sun or part shade.
Plant in a prepared bed where the plant can grow permanently. The butterfly weed grows a large tuberous taproot that is difficult to transplant. Cut the plant back in the winter. Collect the seeds or they will germinate and become a problem. By planning and careful selection of specific plants, butterfly gardening is rewarding.