Well the 2014 Asclepias variegata seed distribution is complete. I sent out 26 packets of seed to folks all over the US and four went to international destinations. Folks from Brazil, New Zealand, Germany, and England were the lucky recipients of those overseas request. I hope everyone does well with this year's seed. I would also like to thank ctnchpr for again supplying these seed. Hopefully next year we will have even more seed but whatever we have will be distributed as in the past. Here's wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and the hopes for a Most Prosperous New Year! Regards, Mark (wildflowerman_2000)

The thing is..it's not rare (at least in the woods here), but apparently difficult to cultivate in captivity. I had great germination the year Mark sent me some (3 or 4 years ago), however, not a one of them overwintered. But A. perennis, which seems to be easy to grow, did the same behavior..of course drainage in wet springs here can be bad for many plants, so that may be my problem.

@beesneedz are your redring plants still growing?

I take cuttings all season long to keep them going. Easier than finding the seeds. They root easily. I grow them until a good size and out they go. I take cuttings from the cuttings.Before my cuttings get planted, I take cuttings from the growing tips. They root easily. I always have at least 20 plants growing. If you join one of the many Monarch Societies in Florida, you can get free seeds from the members.There are mixed opinions about the variety. Most of the Societies ask that people tag their butterflies and swab them for OE. I do the best I can. My yard is full of Monarchs. We do tag them and know most do not travel very far from our home. More and more people are trying to help them. Other butterflies need help as well. I grow parsley and fennel for the Swallowtails. I am not young either. But I would like these beautiful creatures to be around for my grandchildren, great grandchildren and for evey child to see. Jane