Growing BUTTERFLY WEED in pots?

[miagardener]

I have a nice butterfly weed in my garden, I specifically planted it to attract butterflies. Since that plant has seeded once, I've been growing new butterfly weed plants, this time I started some in pots, I heard they have deep taproots though, how big should the pots be and how many plants per pot? I don't mind if they don't get as big as they would in the ground, so far so good but any advice or recommendations would help. Thank you!

[applestar]

I think typically, a good rule of thumb would be a container that is in 3:2 proportion of top growth:container looks balanced, though ideally, I suppose the root mass is probably as large as what is above ground. Well draining soil mix is a must -- sand and small gravel mixed in, I think. Butterfly weed would look lovely in a concrete planter.

I seem to remember reading that Butterfly Weed doesn't like to be moved/have roots disturbed. That means at some point, the container-grown plants will start to decline from overcrowding, but you might not be able to save it by transplanting.... though perhaps you could do this in winter while the plant is dormant

[miagardener]

Well, I have not had any problems transplanting butterfly weed as of yet. I think I will take a few more out of the pot and put them in the ground and just leave one or two of them in the pot. Thanks.