Early this Spring I planted a pollinator patch where an old rose garden was. Everything has sprouted now, except Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) and a single Echinacea. There's literally still no sign of life where I planted them. I water once a week (this drought isn't letting go anytime soon) and the patch is in full sun most of the day.

I have experience with milkweed, so when it's safe to assume it's dead?

Thanks.

What zone are you in? Here, I would start writing the Asclepias off. I see that in the woods, blooming earlier in the year. No comment on the other plant.

I usually see them late May in Z4b

Thanks people. It really seems like they are a writeoff and I will be contacting the nursery that sold them to me: I have been buying from them for many years (they propagate their own plants) and I have always been happy, but the latest order has not been fully satisfying.
I will keep you posted.

Best luck! It's hard to offer more specific feedback w/o knowing, generally where you are, or at least your gardening zone.

Things are pretty clear now.
This morning I also found one Sneezeweed suddenly wilting (and some idiot whom shall not be named obviously made things worse by dumping a glass of water right into the root system ), one Beebalm appears to be growing stunted and one Echinacea hasn't sprouted yet.
Coupled with five apparently dead Milkweed I think it's safe to assume this is a problem on the nursery's side. Very very weird considering all the plants I've ever bought from them are still going strong but too many people lately seem to have become a bunch of lazy bums.

I've already messaged them, let's see what they answer but I am not holding my breath. If they ignore me or try to pass the blame on me I will be taking my business elsewhere.

Did you order dormant roots/tubers?

purpleinopp said: Did you order dormant roots/tubers?

Yes, tubers. As of this morning no sign of life and finally the drought is over so I am just waiting a week or so more before digging them up and replacing them.

When you dig, go easy. You might find that it has started making some roots but nothing else yet. Let us know what you find. ; )

I will. Thanks.

Update because I have uploaded pictures just now.
This is the only survivor I found:



All other roots have disappeared, most likely rotten.

I've put the lone survivor in a small container to see if it will grow more than this (it's more stunted than it looks) and planted Lollipop Verbena as a replacement.

Honestly no idea what could have happened.

I think it will be just fine.

May need a few years to develop a significant size.

From now on it will reside in the corner of the garden dedicated to various long term projects (like growing exotic trees from seeds) and potted bulbs/rhizomes/tubers when they are off season. We'll see if it will develop into a full sized plant there.

Still very much stumped by the disappearance of all other five milkweed roots and of a single Echinacea since everything else seems (touching wood) to be going strong now.