I would absolutely love to have some cuttings! However, I will be out of town for a week starting tomorrow. If this is not a problem,please advise what I need to do next. I just registered so I'm brand spanking new! I don't even know what "sasbe" is - although I have an idea! Thanks a zillion

Welcome Ruth! Congrats on the Monarch cats!! I almost never find eggs. I am happy to snag the caterpillars when I find them. As for butterfly size difference, I believe that there can be pretty significant variations in size even within the same butterfly species. So, it's normal to see different sized Monarchs. Just look for those lines, and the Viceroy will never fool you again! So cool to have the Viceroy! Angie " Early in the season when few flowers are available Viceroys feed on aphid honeydew, carrion, dung, and decaying fungi. Later generations feed more often at flowers, favoring composites including aster, goldenrod, joe-pye weed, shepherd's needle, and Canada thistle.Caterpillar Hosts: Trees in the willow family (Salicaceae) including willows (Salix), and poplars and cottonwoods (Populus). " http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Limenitis-archippus

I've had mine for 4 years and it hasn't gone past 5 feet yet. You probably wouldn't have any trouble keeping it pruned in such a manner. Mine's got at least 100 flowers on it this year, couldn't be happier!

Quick Fire hydrangeas require more sunlight than it is getting to flower. I had the same experience and moved it into a spot with more sun and the next season was rewarded with lots of blooms. Ian