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monarchs  silver wing are attracted to

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To Attract Insects, Grow Native Plants | Wisconsin Gardening eNewsletter

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Just like everyone else, I sometimes have moments of loathing for insects. It's amazing the bugs that will practically walk through your walls if you live in an over 100-year-old farmhouse like I do. Box elder beetles, Asian lady beetles, house spiders and cluster flies - these are some of the bugs I love to vacuum.

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Now Accepting Applications
for Spring 2022

Monarch Waystation Program
Monarchs need our help! Get involved in monarch conservation by creating a Monarch Waystation.

Ordering Information
Order your Monarch Watch tags, T-shirts, posters, videos, live critters and a whole lot more!

Monarch Biology
Monarch life cycle, natural populations, and monarch enemies.

Rearing Monarchs
Raise monarchs at home or in the classroom!

Milkweed
Photo guide and instructions on growing your own milkweed.

Butterfly Gardening
Tips on starting your own garden and detailed plant - butterfly lists.

Dplex-L Email List
Stay up-to-date on monarch news!

Migration & Tagging
Learn more about the spectacular migration that millions of monarchs make each year.

Multimedia Gallery
Monarch photos, drawings, essays and more!

Conservation
Find out about these issues and how you can help.

In the Classroom
Lots of great information about using monarchs in the classroom.

Research Projects
Here you'll find several ongoing projects that rely on student-scientist partnerships.

Reading Room
Articles and bibliographies relating to monarchs.

About Us
Learn more about Monarch Watch and meet the people behind the scenes.

How to Reach Us
Find out how to contact us.

Resources and Links
Need more information? Get it here!

Collecting & Donating Milkweed Seeds to Monarch Watch in support of our Bring Back the Monarchs conservation campaign? Use this link to go to the " Seed Collecting & Donating" page to find out how to send them to us or click on the graphic below to learn more about Monarch Watch's Bring Back the Monarchs conservation campaign. Thank you for your interest and support!

Please take a moment to add or confirm your email address with us to receive future updates by completing the short form at monarchwatch.org/subscribe
Thank you for your interest and continued support!

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Now Accepting Applicationsfor Spring 2022 Monarch Waystation Program Monarchs need our help! Get involved in monarch conservation by creating a Monarch Waystation. Ordering Information Order your Monarch Watch tags, T-shirts, posters, videos, live critters and a whole lot more! Monarch Biology Monarch life cycle, natural populations, and monarch enemies.

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Wildflower Database

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Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Texas' Botanic Garden

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Welcome to the botanic garden of Texas, home of sustainable, native plant gardens and education, conservation, research and consulting programs.

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Wet, cold monarchs are in particular danger. Ice crystals that form on the butterfly can kill it. Monarchs can't fly unless they can warm their muscles to 55°F. They can't even crawl below 41°F. The monarch pictured here can only crawl. It took one hour for this butterfly to crawl a few feet.

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ANTS

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red baneberry.

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black eared mouse

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praying mantis and fire ants

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seach it.

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they need water in a container

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INSTRUCTIONS (spring - or - fall installation)

Simply form the garden bed by removing the turf (assuming there are little to no existing weeds in proposed location), and top dress with an inch of quality compost.

DO NOT ROTOTILL! - You'll destroy soil structure and encourage weeds to germinate.

Lay out the plant material while still in their one gallon pots. This will be a dense planting, so do not be concerned if spacing seems tight.

Once the plants are laid out to your liking, pull the plants from the one gallon containers and gently break up the roots before placing in the ground. Gently tuck in soil around the plants to fill any air gaps.

Mulch the new planting bed with 1-2" of mulch, but keep the mulch away from the base of all plant material. This is to retain moisture and suppress weeds as the plants get established in the first year. Excess wood mulch around the base of perennials causes overheating, and rotting of the plants essential crown. Mulch will not be necessary in subsequent years.

Water in the new plant material by targeting all plants, but also getting good coverage on the garden as a whole (think rain!) Before watering, feel the soil under the mulch to determine need and frequency. A wrung out sponge is a good benchmark for ideal moisture levels.

Use a dutch hoe to routinely knock down weeds as they emerge throughout the season.

Leave the dry/dead plant stems and flower heads up all winter, and cut back each spring. Finely chop all the debris and keep in the garden as a mulch/organic material layer!

No additional inputs (fertilizers) will be required moving forward.

By year three, you'll have a monarch masterpiece on your hands!

We're here to help you make it happen, otherwise, give it a shot on your own! Either way, get those plants in the ground and you'll be well on your way to experiencing the power of native plants.

Good luck!

___________

All plant material can be purchased through the Barrington Area Conservation Trust or please contact Ringers for pricing on a fully installed garden.

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INSTRUCTIONS (spring - or - fall installation) Simply form the garden bed by removing the turf (assuming there are little to no existing weeds in proposed location), and top dress with an inch of quality compost. DO NOT ROTOTILL! - You'll destroy soil structure and encourage weeds to germinate.

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black eyed susan

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Nectar plants are flowering plants that produces nectar. Monarch butterflies rely on nectar for food, so all monarch habitat should have native wildflowers blooming the entire time that monarchs are in the state, usually from the end of April or early May through September.

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Downy phlox

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native Wisconsin plants that monarchs like - Google Search

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Sweet Garden Treats that Bring Home the Butters
and Hummers

Some people believe that by creating a butterfly garden focused on monarchs, you'll leave the other poor pollinators out in the cold...that couldn't be further from the truth!

A serendipitous side effect of starting a monarch butterfly garden is the parade of pollinators your garden will attract including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

Here are 6 butterfly garden plants frequently visited by both monarchs and hummingbirds:

1. Zinnia Flowers

Zinnias add multi-bursts of color to your garden with their showy blooms. The taller varieties attract large butterflies including monarchs, and those hyper-winged hummers.
5 Big Zinnias for your Butterfly Garden
2. Agastache 'Ava'

Originally, we added this to our northern garden as a hummingbird plant. It quickly became their favorite nectar plant, even outperforming the widely-known hummer fave black and blue salvia. Then, when the monarchs started to gather for their great fall migration, I was amazed to see they were also frequent fliers to this agastache hybrid!

Buy this for the hummers, but look for some late season visits from monarchs too.
Find Agastache 'Ava' Plants
3. Mexican Sunflowers

Possibly the nectar flower for attracting both beauties to your garden doorstep. The brilliant orange flowers are tall beacons of light that the pollinators can't miss. However, the dwarf varieties have shown similar powers of attraction.
Discover More about Tithonia rotundifolia (Mexican Sunflowers)
Get more bang from your asclepias selections. These 3 varieties are monarchs host plants for caterpillars, and nectar plants for monarch butterflies and hummingbirds...and lots of other pollinators!
(The same can't be said for most other milkweeds.)
Get Info on Asclepias speciosa (Showy Milkweed)
Get Info on Asclepias curassavica (Tropical Milkweed)
Get Info on Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)

If you're concerned about hurting monarchs by growing tropical milkweed, there are simple precautions you can take in the warm weather regions where this can be an issue. Click Here for More Info

5. Brazilian Verbena

One of biggest pollinator draws for North American gardens. These tall, purple flower spikes attract hummingbirds, monarchs, and a Noah's Ark Boatload of other precious pollinators.
More info on Verbena bonariensis (Brazilian Verbena)
6. Dwarf Butterfly Bushes

We grow a dwarf butterfly bush variety that gets lots of monarch and hummingbird visitors, but most varieties are a huge draw for both.

If you live in a region where butterfly bush is considered invasive, try a non-invasive or sterile cultivar or look for an alternative butterfly plant.

The non-invasive buzz variety has been a huge draw to our northern butterfly garden, and it has never self seeded. It even survived the 10th coldest winter in Minnesota history!
Find More Info on Buddleja Buzz and other non-invasive butterfly bushes here
7. Callistemon spp. (bottlebrush)

This Australian native grows well in warm regions of the US attracting monarchs, other butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The brilliant red blooms are on continuous display from spring through fall. Callistemon species can grow to 10 feet, but smaller cultivars are available.
Buy Bottlebrush Plants and Seeds Here
...and while you may think that hummingbird feeders are just for the hummers, a bold monarch male at Valerie's house might have to disagree:

Please comment below if you know other plants that will attract of these precious pollinators for a bountiful butterfly garden.

Share the Joy of Butterflies

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7 Butterfly Flowers for Monarchs...and Hummingbirds!

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Some people believe that by creating a butterfly garden focused on monarchs, you'll leave the other poor pollinators out in the cold...that couldn't be further from the truth! A serendipitous side effect of starting a monarch butterfly garden is the parade of pollinators your garden will attract including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

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aromatic aster

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Butterfly Garden Plants that Support Pollinators

This frequently updated butterfly plants directory makes it easy for you to find the nectar flowers and host plants you'll need to create a bountiful butterfly garden. Find western butterfly garden plant ideas here.

Most of the butterfly plants listed below attract monarchs but some will also attract other butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and moths.

These are the plants and butterfly flowers (both native and non-native) that have attracted the most butterflies to our garden and to other gardens across North America. This also includes host plants to feed butterfly caterpillars.

If you're looking for milkweed plants to support monarchs click here

While non-natives aren't suitable for planting in unattended fields, they most certainly have a place in home gardens where they can be monitored...and you'll attract and support more monarchs and pollinators with a thoughtful mix of both natives and continuous blooming annuals.

You can purchase seeds or butterfly plants by clicking on any of the bold orange links on each listing below. Regular orange links go to plant pages with more photos and info.

Butterfly Plants with Blue Butterfly Flowers

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (blue porterweed)

Porterweed comes in a variety of colors but blue seems to be the color that attracts the most monarchs. Overwinter in cold climates.

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337405002&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=porterweed&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (blue porterweed)</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337405002&#038;customid=&#038;uq=porterweed&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Butterfly Bushes

There are many butterfly bush cultivars to choose from. But the following have two things in common...they attract butterflies without being invasive. If you consider other varieties, make sure they aren't invasive plants for your region.

Buddleia davidii 'buddleja buzz' (butterfly bush)

Buddleja Buzz is compact, non-invasive and it attract butterflies. It's also supposed to be more cold hardy for the north. It's the only variety we've planted that hasn't succumbed to Minnesota winter. Colder climates should mulch with leaves in November. Buzz comes in a variety of colors including purple, sky blue, and white. Grows to 4 feet.

Get more info and garden photos on our Buddleja Buzz Plant Page.
Buy 'buddleja buzz' butterfly bush
Buddleia davidii 'Miss Molly'

This proven winner is also a non-invasive variety that butterflies love. It's as close to a true red as butterfly bushes get. It's a more compact variety that tops out around 6 feet.

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337305412&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=miss+molly+butterfly+bush&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Buy Buddleia (Buddleja) davidii &#39;Miss Molly&#39;</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337305412&#038;customid=&#038;uq=miss+molly+butterfly+bush&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Buddleia davdii 'Miss Ruby' butterfly bush

I planted this variety and it survived one mild Minnesota winter. The second year it attracted lots of monarchs, other butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Unfortunately, it didn't come back this season. I'm interested to see if Miss Molly is a hardier variety for northern regions...

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337305412&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=butterfly+bush+miss+ruby&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Buddleia davdii (Miss Ruby butterfly bush)</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337305412&#038;customid=&#038;uq=butterfly+bush+miss+ruby&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Buddleia davidii 'lo & behold'

There are several types available including 'blue chip' and 'lilac chip'. 'Purple haze' has a a lower growth habit on horizontal branches. I hear mixed reviews about 'lo and behold'. While these compact plants take up less space, some gardeners report fewer butterflies. These buddleia are almost sterile, and won't present any seeding issues. Tops out at just 3 feet...a potter's delight!

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337305412&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=lo+and+behold+butterfly+bush&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Buddleia davidii &#39;lo &amp; behold&#39;</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337305412&#038;customid=&#038;uq=lo+and+behold+butterfly+bush&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">
Find a Wide Variety of Butterfly Bush Plants Here

Climbing Vines for Butterflies

Butterfly vines can provide visual appeal, and even serve as a garden centerpiece when you find one with spectacular leaves or butterfly flowers. They also make it easier to view the butterflies!

Pseudogynoxus chenopodioides (Mexican flame vine)

The vibrant orange blooms on this climbing vine are one of the best (and only) vine flowers that attract monarchs. It also attracts swallowtails, hummingbirds, and bees to our northern butterfly garden. Mexican Flame Vine Plant Page
This butterfly vine must be overwintered indoors in colder climates.
perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 9a-11b

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337307325&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=mexican+flame+vine&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Pseudogynoxus chenopodioides (Mexican flame vine)</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337307325&#038;customid=&#038;uq=mexican+flame+vine&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Butterfly Plants with Orange Butterfly Flowers

Cosmos sulphureus (orange 'cosmic' cosmos)

These bright orange, compact cosmos will light up your garden on even the cloudiest days. They're also a popular pollination station for monarchs and more...
Cosmic cosmos are an annual butterfly flower easy to grow from seed
<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337457241&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=cosmic+cosmos&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Cosmos sulphureus (orange &#39;cosmic&#39; cosmos)</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337457241&#038;customid=&#038;uq=cosmic+cosmos&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Pseudogynoxus chenopodioides (Mexican flame vine)

The vibrant orange blooms on this climbing vine are one of the best (and only) vine flowers that attract monarchs. It also attracts swallowtails, hummingbirds, and bees to our northern butterfly garden.
More Flame Vine Photos and Info Here
perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 9a-11b

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337307325&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=mexican+flame+vine&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Pseudogynoxus chenopodioides (Mexican flame vine)</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337307325&#038;customid=&#038;uq=mexican+flame+vine&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Tithonia rotundifolia (Mexican sunflower 'torch')

Mexican sunflowers are one of the top annuals you can add to your butterfly garden. They attract many butterflies hummingbirds with their vibrant color and sweet nectar. If you want to attract migrating monarchs, this orange butterfly flower should be on the top of your list.

Learn more about Mexican sunflowers here

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337457241&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=mexican+sunflower+torch&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Tithonia rotundifolia (Mexican sunflower &#39;torch&#39;)</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337457241&#038;customid=&#038;uq=mexican+sunflower+torch&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">
5 Orange Flowers with Butterfly Powers
Long-blooming, brilliant orange flowers that will intoxicate both you and your butterfly guests.

Butterfly Plants with Pink Butterfly Flowers

Allium tanguticum ('summer beauty')

You can't ask for much more from this long-blooming ornamental allium. It's a pollinator magnet, repels aphids, and the flowers are sterile so it won't spread to unwanted areas. The best allium species I've tried for butterflies.

More Summer Beauty Secrets on the Allium Tanguticum Plant Page

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 4-9

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337413845&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=summer+beauty+allium&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Click here to Purchase Summer Beauty Allium</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337413845&#038;customid=&#038;uq=summer+beauty+allium&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Azaleas or Rhododendron come in a variety of colors including purple, yellow, red, white, and this vibrant shade of pink. The flowers attract spring butterflies, including swallowtails.
Find More Azalea Plants Here
Echinacea pallida (pale purple coneflower)

The pale purple coneflower is often mistaken for the more familiar echinacea purpurea, but E. Pallida has distinctively thin and weepy flower petals. Butterflies, including painted ladies, are common visitors. Don't be fooled by the common name, the flower petals are most definitely pink!

native region US: Eastern US

native region Canada: Eastern Provinces of Canada

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 3-10
Purchase Pallida Coneflower Seeds Here Buy Pallida Coneflowers on Amazon
Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower)

Purple coneflowers are a worthy butterfly garden staple across the eastern half of the US. The flower petals are a soft pink hue defying the expectations of their common name. There are many cultivars of this variety, but the native variety seems to attract the most pollinators.

native region US: Eastern US
Purchase Purple Coneflower Plants and Seeds Here
perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 3-8
Buy Purple Coneflowers on Amazon
Eutrochium maculatum (spotted Joe pye weed)

note: The botanical name has been changed from Eupatorium to Eutrochium.

Spotted Joe pye weed is a low maintenance butterfly plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. This is an extremely popular nectar source up until the monarch migration. See more 'Joe' photos and info here.

native region US: Click the link to see the native region for Eutrochium maculatum

native region Canada: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 3-8

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337413845&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=eupatorium+maculatum&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Spotted Joe Pye Weed Plants and Seeds</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337413845&#038;customid=&#038;uq=eupatorium+maculatum&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Monarda fistulosa (bee balm)

note: This butterfly plant has two common names: wild bergamot and bee balm.

Wild bergamot entices a wide range of butterflies and other pollinators. It typically grows 2-4 feet tall and puts forth fragrant, pink, pompom-shaped blooms from July through September. Bee balm will grow in a variety of soil conditions, but prefers dry to medium soil.

Prevent powdery mildew by planting in full sun and spacing plants 2-3′ apart.

native region US: All except Florida and California
Find Wild Bergamot on eBay
native region Canada: All

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 4-9

Butterfly Plants with Purple Butterfly Flowers

Conoclinium coelestinum (blue mist flower)

A hardy ageratum that is so appealing to monarchs, they don't mind coming down to ground level to feed on the blooms.

It does seed a lot, but the volunteers are easy to pull and the results...well worth it!
Buy Blue Mist Flower Plants or Seeds Here
C. coelestinum native region US: Eastern U.S.

C. coelestinum perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 5-10

Conoclinium greggii (Gregg's mistflower)

This hard to find, less hardy ageratum is a popular migration stop for many monarchs during their long journey to the mountains of Mexico.

For more info about Gregg's mistflower check out its plant page.
Find Gregg's Mist Flower Here
C. greggii native region US: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas

C. greggii perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 7-10

Duranta erecta (sapphire showers)

Purple ruffled flowers with jagged white edges are attractive to bees and butterflies, as well as the gardener. AKA Duranta repens, 'golden dewdrops', or 'geisha girl'.

Must be overwintered in cold weather climates. Worth the effort!

native region US: Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, Texas

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 8b-11

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337305128&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=duranta+erecta&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Duranta erecta (sapphire showers)</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337305128&#038;customid=&#038;uq=duranta+erecta&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Echium fastuosum (pride of Madeira)

This Canary Island native has become a popular butterfly garden plant on the California coast. It can eclipse 8 feet. The beautiful purplish blooms with red stamens are popular with bees and butterflies...especially monarchs! This plant is also drought tolerant and does well in poor soil.

I am overwintering this in Minnesota to see if it can be a successful butterfly plant for colder regions. I'll be sure to post my results next season.

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 9-11

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337305128&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=echium&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Echium fastuosum (Pride of Madeira)</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337305128&#038;customid=&#038;uq=echium&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Liatris aspera (rough or button blazing star)

This liatris species was sent to us by mistake when we were trying to supplement our liatris ligulistylis (listed below).

The main differences are that aspera only grows to four feet and it blooms about a month earlier.

Having both liatris species is fantastic because aspera attracts summer monarchs, while ligulistylis is blooming when the monarchs start to swarm for the great migration.

Having both varieties is one of the best mistakes that ever happened to our garden!

native region US: Eastern Half
Buy Liatris Aspera Plants and Seeds
native region Canada: Eastern Canada

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 3-8

Liatris ligulistylis (meadow blazingstar)

Many refer to this liatris as the ultimate monarch magnet. Its tall and showy purple flowers send monarchs into a frenzy. The first time I witnessed this magical effect was at a crowded state fair where a couple dozen monarchs braved large crowds for this special migration treat. Find out more about this amazing liatris species here.

native region US: Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming

native region Canada: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 3-8

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337305128&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=meadow+blazing+star&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Liatris ligulistylis (meadow blazingstar)</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337305128&#038;customid=&#038;uq=meadow+blazing+star&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Liatris scariosa (northern blazingstar)

We recently added this to the butterfly garden and were pleasantly surprised to find this is another strong competitor for the coveted ultimate monarch magnet title. L. scariosa blooms a bit later than its meadow blazing star sibling posted above, which means we'll have prime liatris blooms through the end of September. This species has very showy blooms and a slightly thicker stalk.
Find Liatris Scariosa Plants or Seeds
native region US: northeastern half
Find More Liatris Scariosa on Amazon
perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 3-8

Salvia leucantha (Mexican bush sage)

A salvia with fuzzy purple blooms, white blooms, or a delicious combination of the two.

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 7-11

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337305128&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=Salvia+leucantha&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Salvia leucantha (Mexican bush sage)</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337305128&#038;customid=&#038;uq=Salvia+leucantha&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Stachytarpheta frantzii (purple porterweed)
Find Purple Porterweed Plants Here
A superior porterweed species for attracting monarch butterflies, and even some typically red-loving hummingbirds. It seeds in warmer regions and can easily propagated with stem cuttings.

S. frantzii perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 10-11

Verbena bonariensis (purpletop vervain)

This monarch favorite is also constantly visited by a large variety of butterflies, bees, and birds. Brazilian verbena probably has the largest variety of pollinators in our northern garden. This is a butterfly plant no garden should be without.

Find out more about Verbena bonariensis
5 Purple Butterfly Flowers
perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 7a-10b

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337305128&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=Verbena+bonariensis&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Verbena bonariensis (purpletop vervain)</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337305128&#038;customid=&#038;uq=Verbena+bonariensis&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Popular purple perennials and annuals that make more monarchs come to you!

Butterfly Plants with Red Butterfly Flowers

Callistemon spp. (bottlebrush)
Buy Bottlebrush Plants and Seeds Here
Bottlebrush is native to Australia, but grows well in warm regions of the US attracting monarchs, other butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The brilliant red blooms are on display from spring through fall. In colder regions, it can be overwintered indoors. Callistemon species can grow to 10 feet, but smaller cultivars are available.

perennial region: USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11

Pentas lanceolata (tall red pentas)
Find Tall Red Pentas on eBay
While there are many new cultivars and hybrids, butterflies and pollinators seem to prefer sipping nectar from this early heirloom variety. This is not commonly available in nurseries. Hybrid varieties tend to have contrasting centers but the heirloom variety is closer to a solid red.

perennial region: USDA Hardiness Zones 8b-11

Butterfly Plants with White Butterfly Flowers

Agastache scrophulariifolia (purple giant hyssop)

If you want to attract monarchs to your butterfly garden, make sure you buy this plant by botanical name. It's often confused with Agastache foeniculum (anise hyssop) which grows much shorter and only attracts bees.

This eastern native flowers July-September and bloom colors range from lavender, to pink, to white.

native region US: Eastern U.S.
Find Purple Giant Hyssop Here
native region Canada: Eastern Canada

perennial region: USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7

Allium tuberosum (garlic chives)
Find Garlic Chives for your Butterfly Garden
In northern regions, this bright white allium blooms during the height of monarch season in late summer. It also attracts other butterflies and beneficial bees...a great all-around pollinator plant and an edible herb for you too!

perennial region: USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9

Cephalanthus occidentalis (buttonbush)

These unique, white native flowers bloom in summer and are a favorite nectar flower of swallowtails, bees, and other beneficial pollinators.

native region US: Eastern U.S. + Arizona, California

native region Canada: Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward island, Quebec

perennial region: USDA Hardiness Zones 5-10

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337579477&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=Cephalanthus+occidentalis&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Cephalanthus occidentalis (buttonbush)</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337579477&#038;customid=&#038;uq=Cephalanthus+occidentalis&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Butterfly Plants with Yellow Butterfly Flowers

Mammoth Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

These monstrous beauties can tower to 12 feet! They produce an abundance of nectar for butterflies, and lots of seeds for their bird-brained and human garden companions.

native region US: Native to the continental U.S.

perennial region: Annual plant that can be grown throughout the U.S. and Canada

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337417429&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=mammoth+sunflower+seeds&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Mammoth Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337417429&#038;customid=&#038;uq=mammoth+sunflower+seeds&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Oligoneuron rigidum (stiff goldenrod)

There are many species of goldenrod, but this species is reported to be a particular favorite for migrating monarchs. It also attracts other butterflies and beneficial pollinators.

native region US: Majority of Eastern U.S.

native region Canada: Ontario

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 3a-9b

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337417429&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=stiff+goldenrod&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Solidago rigida (stiff goldenrod)</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337417429&#038;customid=&#038;uq=stiff+goldenrod&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Rudbeckia hirta 'Denver daisy' (black-eyed Susan)

If you want to attract monarchs, try planting the traditional variety, but the 'Denver daisy' adds more visual pop with its contrasting maroon halos.

It attracts other butterflies (like the buckeye above) and bees. Birds also feast on the seeds. This has reseeded in our garden for years, but never become invasive. Grow annually or as a short-lived perennial. Drought tolerant.

native region US: All U.S. except Arizona, Nevada
Find 'Denver Daisy' Rudbeckia Seeds or Butterfly Plants
native region Canada: All Canada

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 4-9

Rudbeckia laciniata (cutleaf coneflower)

This giant coneflower variety attracts pollinators with a bright mass of yellow flowers along with sweet nectar that's an absolute favorite for bumble bees. Monarchs love this late blooming butterfly plant too, as they stock up for their long fall migration.

Get more info about the cutleaf coneflower on its personalized Rudbeckia butterfly plants page

native region US: all except far west
Buy Cutleaf Coneflower Seeds on eBay
native region Canada: all except Alberta and Saskatchewan
Find Rudbeckia Laciniata Seeds on Amazon
perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 4-8

Tagetes patula (french marigold 'disco marietta')
Find French Marigolds on eBay
Marigolds are a brilliant addition to any garden for the bright pop of color they provide all season long. While most marigolds attract some butterflies, we've noticed more visitors on the single flower varieties.

native region US: annual

native region Canada: annual

Lantana Plants

Lantana is a continuous blooming annual for most regions, that comes in a variety of sizes, growth habits, and colors.

Most lantana flowers will attract many butterflies and pollinators, but monarchs are not so easily pleased. Scroll down a couple listings to see which lantana plant has enticed them in our northern garden...
Purchase 'luscious grape' Lantana here
Lantana camara 'luscious grape'

A trailing lantana variety with intense purple blooms. A great choice for spilling off raised beds or growing in hanging pots. Grows well as an annual plant in colder regions. Click for more info on luscious grape lantana.
Find Lantana 'Miss Huff' Butterfly Plants or Seeds
perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 9a-11
Find Miss Huff Lantana Plants Here
The beautiful blooms on this lantana variety are a colorful mix of orange, red, and yellow. While monarchs rarely touch our other lantana varieties, I was pleasantly surprised to see them visiting on a regular basis, along with lantana regulars like the eastern tiger swallowtail above. Lantana blooms all summer long with deadheading. In warmer zones it can grow over 5 feet tall...
Find Lantana Plants for your Butterfly Garden
perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 7a-11b (try mulching in zone 6 and pray for a spring miracle)

perennial region: These are some of the other lantana varieties available for your butterfly garden. Refer to the info under each listing to learn more about that variety:

Zinnia Flowers
Find a Wide Selection of Benary Giant Zinnia Seeds Here
Zinnias are annual flowers that can be grown throughout North America. They are favorite flowers for many pollinators and will add an explosion of vibrant colors to your garden landscape.

Benary's Giant Zinnia Mix

Never say never to double blooms. For some reason, the butterflies don't seem to mind the extra effort it takes to steal a little nectar from the mostly double blooms of benary giant. These also come in a wide variety of eye-popping colors that will attract butterflies and other pollinators.

Profusion Zinnias

Profusion Zinnias are dwarf zinnias that come in a wide variety of colors including yellow, white, fire, cherry, orange, and pink. They are more resistant to powdery mildew than larger zinnias. Makes a great choice for borders, potting, and raised beds.

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337517736&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=profusion+zinnia&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Profusion Zinnias</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337517736&#038;customid=&#038;uq=profusion+zinnia&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">
Buy Zowie Zinnia Seeds 5 Favorite Zinnia Flowers
Zowie Yellow Flame

Pink, Red, and Yellow come together in a blaze of glory. Make sure to buy these annually from a reliable seed vendor. If you collect seeds from your garden, you'll be disappointed to find the zowie has been replaced by faded pink flowers.

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337517736&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=zowie+yellow+flame&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Zowie Yellow Flame</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337517736&#038;customid=&#038;uq=zowie+yellow+flame&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Host Butterfly Plants for Butterfly Caterpillars

Anaphalis margaritacea (pearly everlasting)

Pearly everlasting is one of our earliest blooming northern butterfly plants, and typically the first host plant to receive butterfly eggs each season. A must-have butterfly plant addition for attracting American Ladies and their offspring.

native region US: All except for southeast

native region Canada: All
Explore 25+ Milkweed Options for your Butterfly Garden
perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

Asclepias spp. (milkweed)

There are over 30 milkweed varieties that can be planted in North American butterfly gardens, and at least one variety will be perfect for your region. A must have butterfly plant if you want to attract American ladies to your garden.
Buy Bronze Fennel on Etsy
Foeniculum vulgare 'smokey' (bronze fennel)

Bronze 'smokey' fennel is a preferred host plant for eastern black swallowtails. It's attractive purple-tined foliage has the taste and aroma of anise or black licorice. The summer blooms are a wasp favorite, so plant accordingly or try another black swallowtail host plant.

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 4-9.

Passiflora incarnata (maypop passionflower vine)
Find Maypop Passionflower Here
This vigorous climbing vine supports gulf and variegated fritillary caterpillars. It also puts out some of the showiest blooms you'll see in a butterfly garden, eventually yielding a harvest of edible passion fruits that have been reported to taste like guava.

native region US: Eastern half excluding northernmost states

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 5a-9.

Prunus serotina (wild black cherry tree)

A preferred host plant for Eastern Tiger swallowtails, Coral Hairstreaks, Red Spotted Purples, and those amazing Cecropia Moths! If you're looking to support butterflies and moths this option gives you several chances...

If there's no room in your yard for a 70 foot giant, try growing your wild black cherry in a large container.
Find a Wild Black Cherry Tree to Host Butterflies and the Cecropia Moth
native region US: Eastern half + Arizona, New Mexico & Washington
Find Your Black Cherry Tree on Etsy
native region Canada: Eastern half + British Columbia

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 4a-8b.
native region Canada: All
Prunus virginiana (chokecherry tree)
Buy a Chokecherry Tree Here
A good host tree option for easy caterpillar access since it stays under 20 feet. You can also grow this height-challenged prunus species in containers. It's a host plant for Eastern tiger swallowtails, Lorquin admirals, and Two-tailed swallowtails.

native region US: All except southeast

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 2-7.
native region Canada: Eastern Canada
Ptelea trifoliata (hoptree or waferash)
Find a Waferash Tree to Host Giant and Tiger Swallowtails
Another host that conveniently stays under 20 feet. Its musky spring blooms are a pollinator favorite, and it's also a caterpillar host for both eastern and giant swallowtails. Pictures to come as our stick matures.

native region US: Eastern Half of US

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 4b-9b.
Find Ruta Graveolens on eBay
Ruta graveolens (common rue)
Buy Common Rue on Amazon
A small citrus butterfly plant that hosts black swallowtail caterpillars, as well as the caterpillar that transforms into the largest U.S. butterfly.

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 4b-11.

Zanthoxylum americanum (northern prickly ash)

The Northern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) is a Host Butterfly Plant for Giant Swallowtail Butterfly Caterpillars. This bush-like tree is a good option for those growing with less space, since it grows to only about 20 feet high. You can also keep it smaller by cutting it back.

native region US: Eastern half

native region Canada: Eastern half

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 3a-7b.
native region Canada: Eastern Canada
Zizia aurea (golden Alexander)

This lesser-known member of the carrot family grows 2-3 feet high and puts forth small, sunny blooms in late spring. It is a host plant for eastern black swallowtails.

If you have problems with rabbits make sure to place a barrier around your plants, or you'll be pulling out your hair like Elmer Fudd.
5 Spring Plants that could Save Monarch Butterflies Fall Blooming Butterfly Plants
native region US: Eastern Half of US

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

Butterfly Plants For Every Season

When planting your butterfly garden consider what time of year you see the most monarchs in your area and choose plants accordingly:
Find a Retailer offering 'Above and Beyond' Climbing Rose
Nectar Plants for Pollinators

Once your butterfly garden becomes more established, you'll start to notice all the other pollinators it attracts. Here are a few nectar flower ideas you can add to support other beneficial pollinators, including bees:

Rosa ZLEEltonstrack ('above and beyond')

This sweetly-scented climbing rose blooms prolifically in spring and can be trained to climb an arbor, pillar, or garden trellis. To our surprise, the white and apricot blooms have been an early bee favorite, so plant this spring beauty to support your local pollinators.

Boltonia asteroides (false aster)

The white mass of flowers pictured above is from just one plant. The false aster flowers bloom from September into October and are covered with late season pollinators. Even monarchs stop to nectar on it, though it is not one of their favorites.

To avoid flopping stalks, cut your boltonia back by a third in late spring.
Find White-Flowered False Aster Here
Liatris ligulistylis makes a good companion plant because it fading out just as the boltonia starts to bloom...

native region US: Eastern U.S. + Idaho, Oregon

native region Canada: Saskatchewan, Manitoba
They are also fast growing annuals started from seed.
perennial region: USDA Hardiness Zones 3b-10

Collarette Dahlias

Like zinnias, dahlias come in a rainbow of colors. They'll attract monarchs, but bees absolutely love the blooms that keep bursting until first frost. After the plants die back, you can dig up dahlia tubers to store and plant next season: Dahlia Tubers Info

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337397298&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=collarette+dahlia&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Collarette Dahlias</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337397298&#038;customid=&#038;uq=collarette+dahlia&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Solidago speciosa (showy goldenrod)

If you're interested in supporting late season bees, showy goldenrod is always filled with them and other strange, amazing pollinators. The bright yellow blooms will also get infrequent visits from migrating monarchs.

native region US: Eastern U.S.

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 3a-8b

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337417429&#038;customid=&#038;icep_uq=solidago+speciosa&#038;icep_sellerId=&#038;icep_ex_kw=&#038;icep_sortBy=12&#038;icep_catId=1509&#038;icep_minPrice=&#038;icep_maxPrice=&#038;ipn=psmain&#038;icep_vectorid=229466&#038;kwid=902099&#038;mtid=824&#038;kw=lg">Solidago speciosa (showy goldenrod)</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&#038;pub=5575044914&#038;toolid=10001&#038;campid=5337417429&#038;customid=&#038;uq=solidago+speciosa&#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (fall or aromatic aster)

I highly recommend this plant if you're looking to support late season pollinators. In zone 5 these don't start blooming until October, which could be an issue in seasons with an early (or even average) freeze. Planting in zone 6 and up gives you a better chance for a spectacular bloom season.
Buy Aromatic Aster Plants Here
Growth is bushy and compact with aromatic asters topping out at 2 feet. This butterfly plant earned its common name for its balsam-sented foliage and not because it has aromatic blooms.

native region US: Majority of U.S. except Southeast, West

native region Canada: None
native region Canada: East
perennial region: USDA Hardiness Zones 4a-9b
Find Ohio Spiderwort Here
Tradescantia ohiensis (Ohio spiderwort)

native region US: Eastern Half

perennial region: USDA hardiness zones 4-9.

Share the Joy of Butterflies

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Butterfly Plants List- Butterfly Flowers and Host Plant Ideas

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This frequently updated butterfly plants directory makes it easy for you to find the nectar flowers and host plants you'll need to create a bountiful butterfly garden. Find western butterfly garden plant ideas here. Most of the butterfly plants listed below attract monarchs but some will also attract other butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and moths.

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How to Start a Monarch Butterfly Garden at Home

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How to Start a Monarch Butterfly Garden at Home

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https://monarchbutterflygarden.net/how-to-start-monarch-butterfly-garden/

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If you're thinking about starting a monarch butterfly garden, this is the year to get growing...the future of the majestic monarch migration could depend on it!

If you've been missing monarchs recently, a large part of the problem can be blamed on the crashing butterfly population. A wicked trifecta of herbicides, habitat loss, and extreme weather is making it impossible for the monarchs to catch a break.
But every new monarch butterfly garden that emerges can have a positive impact on their struggling population.
I'm sure you've heard the saying the first step is always the hardest. I think it's especially true when you're not sure where to begin. When starting a monarch butterfly garden there are many points to consider, and those first decisions will have a big impact on your eventual butterfly garden success...or failure.

But even if you've already made unfortunate decisions creating your garden, it's never to late to assess your situation, and make a course correction that will guide more butterflies into your garden.

I'm here to help you get down the basics, so your butterfly garden gets off to a flying start. If I was starting a new monarch butterfly garden, these are the essential tips, tools, and techniques I would implement to start seeing more monarchs this season.

If you have any questions after reading this post, please post them in comments at the bottom of this page. Now, let's get your garden started...

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Assess Your Situation

Before you start creating your monarch butterfly garden garden, it's important to research some basic info to help guide your garden decisions.

1. Where do monarchs live?

Check out this helpful global distribution map to make sure it's possible to get monarch butterflies in your region.

If you're in the western U.S., check out western butterfly garden resources.

Sightings maps from Journey North reveal where and when monarch sightings are reported. They even have archives of past seasons.

The USDA has created a plant hardiness zone map to let you know what plants are appropriate to plant in your region. Some plants outside your zone can be treated as annuals.

Not all plants require the same soil conditions, but many butterfly plants prefer well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter. Compost is an excellent additive for increasing organic matter in your soil. For plants with uncommon soil requirements you can amend the soil in that area, or consider potting the plant. Research soil requirements for all your plants. This gives you the best chance to grow thriving plants!

While many sources say a butterfly garden should receive full sun, experience has shown me a variety of conditions is optimal. Some plants grow better in partial sun, and the butterflies may need refuge from the dog days of summer. Let's say "mostly sunny with a side of shade."

Butterflies prefer areas with little to no wind. Make sure your garden isn't a wind tunnel or the butterflies may blow right on by.

A butterfly garden plan doesn't need to be anything elaborate, but think about some important details before grabbing your shovel.

If you want to explore butterfly garden design layouts, try searching butterfly garden design layout images online, and then cater a plan to your specific needs.

Do you plan to expand?

How much time will you spend on your garden? (this will determine garden size and plant choices)

Read this post for a full list of things to consider before starting your school butterfly garden (much applies to home gardening)

Planting a field for Pollinators? Click here for more info

If you need more ideas and inspiration for your butterfly garden, follow us on Pinterest.
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Make Way for Milkweed

Milkweed is the cornerstone of a successful butterfly garden and planting a mix of both native and non-invasive annuals will entice more monarchs to enter your garden gates. These varieties are utilized as both host plant for caterpillars and a nectar source for butterflies.

Tip: all milkweed varieties should be planted in groups of at least . Otherwise, there is a good chance your monarch caterpillars will run out of milkweed!

1. Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed) offers pretty pink blooms and a sweet vanilla scent. It's native across most of the US and parts of Canada:

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5575044914&toolid=10001&campid=5337264191&customid=&icep_uq=asclepias+incarnata&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=1509&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg">Swamp Milkweed Seeds and Plants</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&pub=5575044914&toolid=10001&campid=5337264191&customid=&uq=asclepias+incarnata&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">2. Asclepias speciosa (showy milkweed) has deep pink, fragrant flowers with a star shaped white center. It's native to the western half of the US and Canada:

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5575044914&toolid=10001&campid=5337264191&customid=&icep_uq=asclepias+speciosa&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=11700&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg">Showy Milkweed Seeds and Plants</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&pub=5575044914&toolid=10001&campid=5337264191&customid=&uq=asclepias+speciosa&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">3. Asclepias curassavica (Tropical Milkweed) serves double duty for the monarchs. It's reported by many to be one of the most popular species for egg laying females. It's also an extremely popular nectar source for late season monarchs in our northern region.

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5575044914&toolid=10001&campid=5337264191&customid=&icep_uq=asclepias+curassavica&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=1509&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg">Tropical Milkweed Seeds and Plants</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&pub=5575044914&toolid=10001&campid=5337264191&customid=&uq=asclepias+curassavica&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">4. Ascelpias tuberosa (butterfly weed): this is a popular native milkweed grown throughout North America. While it's reported by many to be a popular nectar plant, there are conflicting reports about whether monarch mamas bypass its rough, sapless leaves for smoother varieties.

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5575044914&toolid=10001&campid=5337264191&customid=&icep_uq=asclepias+tuberosa&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=1509&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg">Asclepias Tuberosa Seeds and Plants</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&pub=5575044914&toolid=10001&campid=5337264191&customid=&uq=asclepias+tuberosa&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

For a full list of milkweed options for your butterfly garden, check out our Milkweed Resources Page

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Top Nectar Plants

Now that you've satisfied those hungry caterpillars, here are some nectar plants to give your garden instant butterfly appeal:

1. Eutrochium (joe pye weed)

This native perennial unleashes pink blooms in mid-late summer that monarchs, other butterflies, and bees go wild over. I've heard positive reports on several species including Eutrochium purpureum (sweet joe pye weed) and Eutrochium maculatum'gateway' (spotted joe pye weed), which we grow in Minnesota.

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5575044914&toolid=10001&campid=5337413845&customid=&icep_uq=Joe+Pye+Weed&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=1509&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg">Find Joe Pye Weed Here</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&pub=5575044914&toolid=10001&campid=5337413845&customid=&uq=Joe+Pye+Weed&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">2. Tithonia rotundifolia (Mexican sunflower 'torch')

Reported across North America to be one of the most popular annuals for attracting monarchs, hummingbirds, and other precious pollinators like this sulphur butterfly:

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5575044914&toolid=10001&campid=5337457241&customid=&icep_uq=tithonia+torch&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=1509&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg">Buy Mexican Sunflower Seeds</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&pub=5575044914&toolid=10001&campid=5337457241&customid=&uq=tithonia+torch&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">3. Buddleia davidii (butterfly bushes)

These beautiful, long blooming perennials attract monarchs, hummingbirds, and many other butterflies. There is an ongoing (exhausting) argument about where these plants are invasive, and where they're considered safe for planting.

For all the controversy, there are only two states in the Pacific Northwest where butterfly bush has been listed as an invasive species.

In recent years, sterile and non-invasive varieties have been created to allow butterflies (and gardeners) to enjoy these nectar flowers without the risk of crowding out native plants. I am suggesting two of the non-invasive varieties that I know attract butterflies...the jury is still out on the other varieties.

a. Buddleia davidii (Buddleja Buzz Butterfly Bush)

Buddleja Buzz is compact, non-invasive it attract butterflies. It's also supposed to be more cold hardy for the north. It's the only variety we've planted that hasn't succumbed to Minnesota winter. Colder climates should mulch with leaves in fall, take fall cuttings, or overwinter to insure your crop.

Buzz comes in a variety of vibrant colors including purple, sky blue, and white. Grows to 4 feet.

&amp;lt;a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&amp;amp;#038;pub=5575044914&amp;amp;#038;toolid=10001&amp;amp;#038;campid=5337305412&amp;amp;#038;customid=&amp;amp;#038;icep_uq=butterfly+bush+buzz&amp;amp;#038;icep_sellerId=&amp;amp;#038;icep_ex_kw=&amp;amp;#038;icep_sortBy=12&amp;amp;#038;icep_catId=11700&amp;amp;#038;icep_minPrice=&amp;amp;#038;icep_maxPrice=&amp;amp;#038;ipn=psmain&amp;amp;#038;icep_vectorid=229466&amp;amp;#038;kwid=902099&amp;amp;#038;mtid=824&amp;amp;#038;kw=lg"&amp;gt;Buddleja buzz (butterfly bush)&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&amp;amp;#038;pub=5575044914&amp;amp;#038;toolid=10001&amp;amp;#038;campid=5337305412&amp;amp;#038;customid=&amp;amp;#038;uq=butterfly+bush+buzz&amp;amp;#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]"&amp;gt;
b. Buddleia davidii (Miss Molly Butterfly Bush)

This proven winner is also a non-invasive variety that butterflies love. It's as close to a true red as butterfly bushes get. It's a mid-sized variety that tops out around 6 feet. Gardeners I've talked to give Miss Molly rave reviews for both appearance and the power of attraction...

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5575044914&toolid=10001&campid=5337305412&customid=&icep_uq=miss+molly+butterfly+bush&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=1509&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg">Add &#39;Miss Molly&#39; to your Butterfly Garden</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&pub=5575044914&toolid=10001&campid=5337305412&customid=&uq=miss+molly+butterfly+bush&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">
Find a Wide Variety of Butterfly Bush Plants Here
4. Verbena bonariensis (purpletop vervain)

A tall verbena variety growing up to 6 feet. Frequently visited by monarchs, hummingbirds, bees and other pollinators. Has the potential to become invasive in warmer regions. A great annual for USDA hardiness zones 4-7!

<a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5575044914&toolid=10001&campid=5337305128&customid=&icep_uq=verbena+bonariensis&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=1509&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg">Get Your Verbena Here</a><img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&pub=5575044914&toolid=10001&campid=5337305128&customid=&uq=verbena+bonariensis&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]">

5. Lantana camara (Ham n Eggs or Miss Huff)

Lantana camara is a tender perennial in the southern US. It's also a popular annual for colder climates. It flowers all summer long, attracting monarchs and other pollinators. There are many different colors and cultivars.

If you want a hardier variety (cold hardy to zone 7) that attracts monarchs try Miss Huff. Most lantana varieties will attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Grape lantana is a trailing variety that tiger swallowtails can't stay away from in our garden.
Buy Cold Hardy 'Miss Huff' Lantana
6. Liatris ligulistylis (meadow blazingstar)

One of the top nectar attractor for monarchs I've seen. We have had as many as 60 butterflies in our patch at one time. Don't substitute with another species of liatris or you'll miss out on all the monarchs!
Liatris Ligulistylis Plants and Seeds
Tip: Plant at least 10 liatris together to host an amazing late summer feast for the butterflies.

For a full list of native annual nectar flower options for your butterfly garden, visit our Butterfly Plants Resource Page

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Potted plants save space and allow you to bring the butterflies closer for convenient viewing. We pot mostly tropical plants, so we can easily bring them indoors to overwinter...

This lets you start the season with large tropical plants! Lantana plants grow well in pots if you're looking for ideas. You can also pot small perennials like

&lt;a target="_blank" href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&amp;#038;pub=5575044914&amp;#038;toolid=10001&amp;#038;campid=5337312354&amp;#038;customid=&amp;#038;icep_uq=May+night+salvia&amp;#038;icep_sellerId=&amp;#038;icep_ex_kw=&amp;#038;icep_sortBy=12&amp;#038;icep_catId=11700&amp;#038;icep_minPrice=&amp;#038;icep_maxPrice=&amp;#038;ipn=psmain&amp;#038;icep_vectorid=229466&amp;#038;kwid=902099&amp;#038;mtid=824&amp;#038;kw=lg"&gt;May Night Salvia&lt;/a&gt;&lt;img style="text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;" src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&amp;#038;pub=5575044914&amp;#038;toolid=10001&amp;#038;campid=5337312354&amp;#038;customid=&amp;#038;uq=May+night+salvia&amp;#038;mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]"&gt;Containers are widely available locally, but if you're looking for high quality, affordable containers check these out

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Memorial Butterfly Garden

Many butterfly gardens are created as lasting tributes to someone special that is no longer with us including parents, military members who made the ultimate sacrifice, and children that have left this earth far too soon.

Butterflies represent positive transformation and freedom. Some believe that butterflies are the souls of the dearly departed fluttering in to say hello, and that they miss you too!

An additional idea for a memorial butterfly garden is to have a garden stone with a special tribute to the person that inspired your garden:
Butterfly Memorial Garden Stones
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Get Certified

Monarch Watch is a non-profit organization that conducts research that promotes the conservation of monarch butterflies. Waystations are community-created monarch habitats throughout North America.

By registering and creating your own waystation, you'll be helping the monarchs recover from devastating population loss over the past decade. I'm proud to own registered waystation #3972. I hope you too, join this dedicated community of monarch enthusiasts.

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Starting a monarch butterfly garden is an exciting journey that yields great rewards if you're patient and persistent. Start with the basics, and when you're ready, I'm here to help take your garden to the next level.
Bring Home The Butterflies Vol. 1- How to Attract More Monarchs to your Butterfly garden...and Keep Them There!
Do you want to know more about attracting monarchs to your garden doorstep? Get more details in my 5 star rated butterfly gardening book:

Share the Joy of Butterflies

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How to Start a Monarch Butterfly Garden at Home

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If you're thinking about starting a monarch butterfly garden, this is the year to get growing...the future of the majestic monarch migration could depend on it! If you've been missing monarchs recently, a large part of the problem can be blamed on the crashing butterfly population.

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The Butterfly Site - The #1 Butterflies Information Source

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The Butterfly Site - #1 Source of Butterfly Information on the Internet! Everything about butterflies!

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putt a net over the milkweed

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1. Select location
2. Add a rock so butterflies have a place to bask (relax/find warmth) on cool mornings
3.

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Article about creating a butterfly garden plan perfect for your area. More planning ideas too.

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#2 Butterfly Flower / Butterfly Weed ( Asclepias )

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#2 Butterfly Flower / Butterfly Weed ( Asclepias )

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https://www.plantdelights.com/blogs/articles/butterfly-garden-plants-host-attract-butterflies

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This informative article with pictures talks all about what eats butterflies. A butterfly's life is interesting and sometimes short!

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butterfly-attracting flowers

large, flat rock

water source

one or more trees or shrubs

Step 1: Select Site for Butterfly Garden

Choose a site that has some sun but is also sheltered from wind. Include a few trees and shrubs for roosting at night and for cooling off on the hottest days.

Step 2: Remember the Rocks

Add one or two large, flat rocks in the sun so butterflies have a place to bask when mornings are cool.

Since butterflies cannot drink from open water, provide them with a "puddle" by filling a container, such as an old birdbath, with wet sand where they can perch and drink safely.

Add nectar plants, including aster, black-eyed Susan, butterfly bush, butterfly weed, cosmos, ironweed, Joe-Pye weed, phlox, purple coneflower, sedum, and zinnia. Include food plants for the larvae, including dill, fennel, milkweed, and parsley. Different butterfly larvae feed on different plants, so research the butterflies native to your region to determine what to plant. Remember: Butterfly larvae are caterpillars. Learn to distinguish the larvae of butterflies you're trying to attract from pest species. Minimize the use of pesticides to protect butterfly larvae and adults.

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butterfly-attracting flowers large, flat rock water source one or more trees or shrubs Step 1: Select Site for Butterfly Garden Choose a site that has some sun but is also sheltered from wind. Include a few trees and shrubs for roosting at night and for cooling off on the hottest days.

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Monarch Butterfly Garden Design - Faysalmahamud Gardens

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Garden Designs Monarch Butterfly Garden Design Butterfly Garden Monarch Butterfly Garden Design, 17 Best Images About Butterfly Sanctuary On Pinterest Gardens Monarch Butterfly Garden Design, Butterfly Garden Design A Small Starter Garden Roots Nursery Monarch Butterfly Garden Design, Monarch Butterfly Garden Design Monarch Butterfly Perennial Garden White Flower Farm,

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Wisconsin native plants are important

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Learn How to Attract and Support More Monarchs through Adventures in Butterfly Gardening and Raising Monarch Butterflies. Bring Home the Magic of Monarchs.

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By Tony Gomez

The monarch population returning from Mexico is showing its first signs of recovery after plummeting over 90% the past decade because of pesticides, extreme weather, and habitat loss...How can gardeners help monarchs get off to a strong start in 2017?

Spring is an extremely important time for monarch butterflies. The overwintering populations will soon head north to lay the first monarch eggs of the season. These butterflies need new milkweed to feed monarch caterpillars, and nectar flowers to inspire weary females to lay the groundwork (eggs) for future generations.

Many butterfly gardeners prefer summer plants that are in their prime during the height of monarch season. But to ensure there is a "height" to the season, it's important to provide the returning 'migration generation' the breakfast it needs for a productive season.
Here are 5 spring butterfly plants to consider for your garden if you want to help returning monarch butterflies get off to a flying start:
1. Spider Milkweed (Asclepias viridis)- This early milkweed variety is a shorter species that would make a great garden border for either taller milkweeds plants or nectar flowers.

Perennial most common in USDA plant hardiness zones 5-9

Essential milkweed for monarch butterfies returning north from Mexico

Height 1 to 2.5 feet

Bloom time May- July

Purple and green blooms also attract other pollinators like the Hairstreak above

Plant in full sun - drought tolerant

Find
Asclepias viridis seeds

More Photos and Info about Spider Milkweed Here

2. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)- A low maintenance plant with fragrant purple flowers that can also be used to impart a more 'subtle' onion flavor into your culinary creations.

Perennial recommended in USDA plant hardiness zones 4-9

Colder zones can grow annually

Height 1 to 2 feet

Container garden option

allium plants have been shown to repel aphids

Bloom time April-June

Showy purple blooms on green stalks

Plant in full sun

BuyChives (Allium schoenoprasum)

3. Siberian Wallflower (Erysimum x marshallii)- A winning combination of brilliant orange flowers with an intoxicating aroma that attracts monarchs, other butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Click the play button to watch a feeding monarch butterfly:

Biennial most common in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-9

Colder zones might try starting seeds indoors or plant annually

Height 1.5 to 2 feet

Good option for container gardening

Bloom time March-May

Vibrant orange flowers

Full sun to partial shade

Siberian Wallflower (Erysimum x marshallii) seeds

4. May Night Salvia (Salvia x superba 'Mainacht')- Striking blue and purple spikes make this hybrid of S.nemorosa and S. sylvestris a winner with butterflies and gardeners alike. The parent varieties are also excellent butterfly attractors!

Perennial most common in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-9

Perennial plant of the year in 1997

Height 1.5 to 3 foot spikes

Excellent container garden idea

Bloom time March-May (reblooms w/deadheading)

Deep blue and purple blooms

Plant in full sun

FindSalvia 'May Night'

5. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)- One of the earliest sprouting milkweed varieties, this is a preferred spring milkweed because of its large, thick leaves that can sustain many monarch caterpillars.

Perennial most common in USDA plant hardiness zones 4-9

Many other butterflies and bees use this as a nectar source

Height 4-6 feet - we have some that eclipse 7!

Bloom time June-August

Fragrant pink and white flowers

Plant in full sun - drought resistant

Can be invasive with underground rhizomes - tips to control common

Find Reliable
Common Milkweed Seeds

These, of course, aren't the only options that can sustain early monarch generations, but they are some of the most reliable plants in my experience. They are also commonly reported to be 'spring monarch magnets' by other butterfly gardeners.

Have you attracted early monarch butterflies with these plants? Did I forget to list your most popular monarch spring plant? Please comment below to help out other gardeners (and the monarchs!) with your spring plant experience. Thanks!

Share the Joy of Butterflies

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How to overwinter butterfly plants INDOORS...with minimal cost and effort!

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5 Spring Plants That Could Save Monarch Butterflies

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By Tony Gomez The monarch population returning from Mexico is showing its first signs of recovery after plummeting over 90% the past decade because of pesticides, extreme weather, and habitat loss...How can gardeners help monarchs get off to a strong start in 2017? Spring is an extremely important time for monarch butterflies.

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Bee balm, scarlet bee balm, wild bergamot, spotted bee balm, purple coneflower,  black eyed susan, gayfeather, primrose, yarrow, marigold, zinnias, Sweet alyssum, cosmos.

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What Flowers Attract Monarch Butterflies?

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Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are vividly colored and fascinating to watch. Their presence greatly enhances the natural environment of a garden. Unfortunately monarch butterfly numbers have been declining over the years. One reason is habitat destruction. Another factor is the use of pesticides and ...

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 Butterfly Flower / Butterfly Weed (Asclepias)

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 Butterfly Flower / Butterfly Weed (Asclepias)

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https://www.plantdelights.com/blogs/articles/butterfly-garden-plants-host-attract-butterflies

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Sweet Garden Treats that Bring Home the Butters
and Hummers

Some people believe that by creating a butterfly garden focused on monarchs, you'll leave the other poor pollinators out in the cold...that couldn't be further from the truth!

A serendipitous side effect of starting a monarch butterfly garden is the parade of pollinators your garden will attract including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

Here are 6 butterfly garden plants frequently visited by both monarchs and hummingbirds:

1. Zinnia Flowers

Zinnias add multi-bursts of color to your garden with their showy blooms. The taller varieties attract large butterflies including monarchs, and those hyper-winged hummers.
5 Big Zinnias for your Butterfly Garden
2. Agastache 'Ava'

Originally, we added this to our northern garden as a hummingbird plant. It quickly became their favorite nectar plant, even outperforming the widely-known hummer fave black and blue salvia. Then, when the monarchs started to gather for their great fall migration, I was amazed to see they were also frequent fliers to this agastache hybrid!

Buy this for the hummers, but look for some late season visits from monarchs too.
Find Agastache 'Ava' Plants
3. Mexican Sunflowers

Possibly the nectar flower for attracting both beauties to your garden doorstep. The brilliant orange flowers are tall beacons of light that the pollinators can't miss. However, the dwarf varieties have shown similar powers of attraction.
Discover More about Tithonia rotundifolia (Mexican Sunflowers)
Get more bang from your asclepias selections. These 3 varieties are monarchs host plants for caterpillars, and nectar plants for monarch butterflies and hummingbirds...and lots of other pollinators!
(The same can't be said for most other milkweeds.)
Get Info on Asclepias speciosa (Showy Milkweed)
Get Info on Asclepias curassavica (Tropical Milkweed)
Get Info on Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)

If you're concerned about hurting monarchs by growing tropical milkweed, there are simple precautions you can take in the warm weather regions where this can be an issue. Click Here for More Info

5. Brazilian Verbena

One of biggest pollinator draws for North American gardens. These tall, purple flower spikes attract hummingbirds, monarchs, and a Noah's Ark Boatload of other precious pollinators.
More info on Verbena bonariensis (Brazilian Verbena)
6. Dwarf Butterfly Bushes

We grow a dwarf butterfly bush variety that gets lots of monarch and hummingbird visitors, but most varieties are a huge draw for both.

If you live in a region where butterfly bush is considered invasive, try a non-invasive or sterile cultivar or look for an alternative butterfly plant.

The non-invasive buzz variety has been a huge draw to our northern butterfly garden, and it has never self seeded. It even survived the 10th coldest winter in Minnesota history!
Find More Info on Buddleja Buzz and other non-invasive butterfly bushes here
7. Callistemon spp. (bottlebrush)

This Australian native grows well in warm regions of the US attracting monarchs, other butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The brilliant red blooms are on continuous display from spring through fall. Callistemon species can grow to 10 feet, but smaller cultivars are available.
Buy Bottlebrush Plants and Seeds Here
...and while you may think that hummingbird feeders are just for the hummers, a bold monarch male at Valerie's house might have to disagree:

Please comment below if you know other plants that will attract of these precious pollinators for a bountiful butterfly garden.

Share the Joy of Butterflies

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7 Butterfly Flowers for Monarchs...and Hummingbirds!

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Some people believe that by creating a butterfly garden focused on monarchs, you'll leave the other poor pollinators out in the cold...that couldn't be further from the truth! A serendipitous side effect of starting a monarch butterfly garden is the parade of pollinators your garden will attract including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

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How to Start a Butterfly Garden

Beginning a butterfly garden can be as simple as choosing flowering plants that will invite adult butterflies to your garden to feed. But if you want to create a butterfly garden that will act as a sanctuary, attracting a wide variety of butterflies while also providing a place where butterflies can grow and multiply, you will first need some simple planning. By considering which plants to grow and evaluating your garden site, you can plant a butterfly garden that will help with the creation of more butterflies.

Plant Selection

Many flowering plants will attract butterflies to your location, but not all flowers are created equally in the compound eyes of a butterfly. Selecting plants that will feed butterflies while also encouraging them to stick around for a while, laying eggs and creating a new generation of butterflies, is your goal. To do this, you will need to choose plants that fall into two groups: nectar plants that will provide adult butterflies with energy and caterpillar food plants that will feed caterpillars. With careful selection from these two groups, your garden will provide for the entire life cycle of butterflies.

Choosing Nectar Plants

While shopping for garden plants, you will encounter many plants labeled "butterfly friendly." These labels are most likely telling the truth and if you choose plants labeled for butterfly gardens, they will attract butterflies. Most likely, though, these plants are nectar plants, marketed for their bright blooms, and will not provide for the caterpillar stage of a butterfly's life. Although many flowering plants provide nectar to butterflies, it is worth doing a little research to find you what plants attract the most butterflies in your area. Just as growing conditions vary by location, so do the popularity of butterfly nectar plants. Some plants will serve as both nectar and caterpillar food plants and it may be worth searching out some of these double duty offerings.

Choosing Caterpillar Food Plants

The relationship between butterflies, caterpillars and the plants they use for food is not a casual one. It is a relationship created over thousands of years as flowering plants developed along side insects. As a result of this long development, caterpillars will use only certain plants for food. At the same time, butterflies are equally picky about what plants they will select to lay their eggs on. In order to encourage caterpillars in the garden, butterfly gardeners need only select the plants that are preferred by caterpillars in their location. Nature and chemistry will take care of the rest.

Choosing Plants for Butterflies Common to Your Region

To determine which butterflies and caterpillars may arrive in your garden, visit local butterfly gardens in your region or talk to other butterfly gardeners. If such opportunities do not exist, many butterfly field guides also provide information about which butterflies are likely to visit gardens and what food sources they prefer. Once you have identified butterflies that are most likely to visit your garden, select their preferred caterpillar food plants along with nectar plants that are recommended for your growing area.

Garden Site Selection

Planting a wide range of nectar and host plants is the best strategy for attracting the largest number of butterfly species. Butterflies may be attracted to the garden by a large patch of bright flowers, but they will linger longer if there are also areas that provide shelter, water, sun and a diverse group of plants that imitate the way plants grow in the wild.

Plant Diversity
in the garden results from choosing plants of different types, such as shrubs, trees, perennials, and even vines. In choosing plants that grow to different heights, with a variety of flower shapes and colors that have different bloom times, you will be creating a garden that is attractive to a wide range of butterflies. Grouping more than one plant of each type together will help to unify the look of the garden and will lessen the distance that nectaring butterflies have to travel. If your garden is small and has no room for trees or shrubs, consider an arbor covered with vines to create height. There are many vines to choose from that act as nectar or caterpillar food plants.

Shelter
While shrubs and trees can create unnecessary shade, they do provide an important feature in the butterfly garden. Properly placed, trees and shrubs will shelter your garden from wind, which makes it easier for butterflies to explore your location. Additionally, trees and shrubs give valuable shelter where butterflies can roost at night or hide from predators. Keep in mind that many shrubs and trees are also caterpillar food plants!

Water
is needed by butterflies, but not very much. Nectar, dew, and tree sap provide butterflies with moisture but puddles and moist dirt or sand are also popular water sources. Puddling stations can be as simple as a damp area of ground covered with sand. Placed where they are easily viewed and sheltered from the wind, puddling stations are thought to provide dissolved salts in addition to water.

Sun
is essential for the butterfly garden. Butterflies are cold-blooded insects that often start their day by warming their bodies in the sun. Be sure to include a spot in the garden where sunlight will reach the ground early in the day. Large rocks, exposed soil, or even pavement are all surfaces that will warm up in morning sunlight. Try to locate your garden where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Once you have combined careful plant selection with the details of site selection, you will have created a butterfly garden that is a microhabitat providing a unique location where a wide variety of butterflies can live and grow.

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How to Start a Butterfly Garden Beginning a butterfly garden can be as simple as choosing flowering plants that will invite adult butterflies to your garden to feed. But if you want to create a butterfly garden that will act as a sanctuary, attracting a wide variety of butterflies while also providing a place where butterflies can grow and multiply, you will first need some simple planning.

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https://monarchjointventure.org/get-involved/create-habitat-for-monarchs

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Nectar plants are flowering plants that produces nectar. Monarch butterflies rely on nectar for food, so all monarch habitat should have native wildflowers blooming the entire time that monarchs are in the state, usually from the end of April or early May through September.

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These vibrant flowers and plants provide nectar for butterflies and create a bold border for your yard.

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https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+plant+a+monarch+butterfly+garden&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiQpYmLzIfiAhXH1lkKHY25D9MQ_AUICSgA&biw=1366&bih=657&dpr=1&safe=active&ssui=on
this web site help me a lot

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This link has solutions to make predators go away.

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A Growing List of Monarch Killers

Growing up, most of us were taught that monarchs are protected from predators by the toxins they absorb eating milkweed. However, over time, many predators have adapted...

The same misinformation we embraced last century continues to mislead new generations through shows like Wild Kratts: Voyage of the Butterflies . In this episode, a spider cuts a monarch from its web, refusing to eat the milkweed-laced butterfly... essentially spinning science into science fiction!

While I can't argue the show was entertaining, I've already heard this misinformation repeated from several of its young fans.

While nature's truth may not always be pretty, it must be told if monarch enthusiasts across North America want to effectively increase the struggling monarch population.

Here's what you need to know...

Common Monarch Predators and How to Stop Them

ALL Monarch Predators

Plant placement can reduce predator traffic. Monarch eggs and caterpillars on single milkweed plants often go undetected...so do plants in partial shade.

Many species of ants will feed on both monarch eggs and caterpillars. They also feed on other butterfly caterpillars:

What's worse, is ants share this strange symbiotic relationship where they protect milkweed-destroying aphids in exchange for their sweet secretions! Nature is nothing if not strange...

ANT SOLUTIONS?

In our northern climate, we have several ant species in our garden and I'm sure they eat some monarch eggs and caterpillars. However, they have not proven to be a nuisance so we leave them alone, as we do with many insects that butterfly gardeners consider pests.

If your garden pests are innocent until proven guilty, a healthy ecosystem should develop that can support both monarchs and their predators.

And as always, you always have the option of bringing in a few eggs or small caterpillars to save them from the surprisingly long list of monarch predators...

But, if their numbers start getting out of control:

Ant Solution 1

Mix 1 Tbsp. of powdered sugar with 1 part baking soda. The powdered sugar attracts them, and the baking soda disrupts their digestive tracks, eventually killing them. Place the mixture in jar lids near the plants they are invading.

Ant Solution 2

outdoor liquid ant baits- these weatherproof baits by terro are stuck into the ground so they'll stay in place during stormy weather. Ant-killing borax is the main ingredient. These pre-mixed baits are cheap, convenient...and they work!

If you know of other effective solutions for keeping ants at bay in the garden, please post in the comment section below...

Ant Solution 3

MBG Community member Roberta C. and others have reported using coffee grounds to repel ants in their gardens:

"Use coffee grounds, recycled works fine, not decaf, in your dirt around your milkweed. Ants depend on their scent trail to survive and make it home, there's something in coffee grounds that disrupts their trail or scent so they avoid coffee grounds. Grams used it in her flower beds and veggie garden."

You can also pour the grounds on their anthill to encourage them to move their base of operations...

Tip: rewet the grounds every few days to enhance the coffee smell

Mantids are skilled hunters that eat a variety of insects including monarchs. Mantids are sometimes used as biological pest control. The nymphs eat aphids and leafhoppers, but the adults will go after larger prey:

MANTID SOLUTIONS?

Mantis Solution 1

A prime example of why you should avoid biological pest control...there are usually unintended consequences!

Mantis Solution 2

Relocate monstrous mantids to less butterfly-friendly plants.

If you raise monarch butterflies, there is a great lesson to be learned from this disturbing video:

note: yellow jackets aren't the only predatory wasp attacking monarchs. Paper wasps are the worst monarch predator in our northern garden, on constant patrol for monarch caterpillars.

WASP SOLUTIONS?

Wasps are an issue for monarchs across the globe, from the US to New Zealand.

If you raise monarchs, they need at least 3 hours to dry their wings before they are released. If you want to learn more about how to safely raise and release monarchs, check out my raising resources page.

If you've read other articles on this blog, you know I'm a proponent of nurturing a healthy ecosystem which includes monarchs and their predators.

Wasps are always welcome in our garden as beneficial pollinators, but unfortunately, their children have to eat...caterpillars.

If you watched the video above, you might have have vowed to keep your garden wasp-free. I'm here to tell you that's not possible or advisable.

Remember, one monarch lays hundreds of eggs so predators are a necessary evil to maintain a healthy ecosystem in your garden...

However, that doesn't mean you need to host wasp nests on your property. We removed potter wasp nests from the bottom of a common milkweed leaf.

We also had a paper wasp nest on our house, conveniently built right above one of our milkweed patches.

Wasp Solution 1

If this happens to you, you can sacrifice most of your monarchs you can take down the nest when it's dark, cold, or raining...do this early in the season before the population explodes.

You should be able to knock down the nest with the handle of a long broom, but if you can't, or they come back, you'll have to consider more permanent solutions...

Wasp Solution 2

A community member suggested these non-toxic W.H.Y. (wasp, hornet, yellowjacket) traps that are supposed to be very effective for trapping these relentless predators without harming the environment:
Non-Toxic Wasp, Hornet, Yellowjacket traps
The next solution is potentially more dangerous to the both the environment...and to you! So please, proceed with caution...

Wasp Solution 3

This is one of the only times I'm on board with using pesticides in the garden, but please read the label carefully and try to keep the spraying directly on the nest:
Find Wasp and Hornet Killer Spray
Last season we sprayed an underground yellow jacket nest in our raised beds. We sprayed early morning during a light rain, and I never saw another wasp emerge from the nest.

Wasp Solution 4

A good way to deter wasps is by placing 5 Gallon Paint Strainers or Mosquito Netting over your milkweed. You can use tomato cages for extra support. This will keep them from snatching up your poor, unsuspecting caterpillars. This idea works best for potted milkweed plants.

Spiders are the kings and queens of camouflage. They are usually hidden from sight and will feed on your small caterpillars at night.

Also, if you raise monarchs on potted plants or stem cuttings with buds/flowers, it's easy to unknowingly invite spiders into your raising cage.

SPIDER SOLUTIONS?

If you consider that spiders feast on most of the other pests in your garden, I'd suggest keeping them around.

If you have a limited milkweed supply, consider removing any spider webs that have been formed on your milkweed plants.

You can't (and shouldn't) save all monarchs if you want to maintain a healthy ecosystem. However, bringing a few indoors to raise can help boost their low survival rate...less than 5% outdoors!

If you decide to bring a few in, feed the caterpillars stem cuttings without flowers/buds or serve single leaves.

Discover the system I use to raise monarchs with a 95% survival rate in the updated 2017 Raising Monarchs Guide

UNEXPECTED Monarch Predator

If you raise monarch butterflies, make sure you don't place monarch eggs too close together.

After a newborn caterpillar hatches, its first meal will be the nutrition-laced egg shell. If other eggs are in the vicinity, the hungry little caterpillar may wander over to an unhatched neighbor for seconds.

The same is true when placing newborn caterpillars with large ones. If they are competing for the same milkweed leaves, the large caterpillar could eat the competition for lunch...or dinner.

RAISING SOLUTION?

In the hatchery, I space eggs out so newborns won't find unhatched siblings. When caterpillars hatch, move remaining eggs to other leaves.

To prevent cannabalism of small caterpillars, make sure you're raising them in a large enough caterpillar cage, with plenty of milkweed available.

More Monarch Predators List

Assassin bugs feast on monarch caterpillars

Birds (Black-backed orioles and black-headed grosbeaks are common predators for butterflies overwintering in Mexico.)

Chalcid Wasps (monarch chrysalis parasite)

Lizards

Mice will eat chrysalides

Spined Soldier Bug- Predatory Stink Bugs

Toads

Tachinid flies (monarch caterpillar parasite)

trichogramma wasps (monarch egg parasite)

More Monarch Predators Coming Soon!

Do you have questions or comments about monarch predators in your garden? Please post in the comment section below...

Share the Joy of Butterflies

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13 Monarch Predators- Save More Monarch Butterflies

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Growing up, most of us were taught that monarchs are protected from predators by the toxins they absorb eating milkweed. However, over time, many predators have adapted... The same misinformation we embraced last century continues to mislead new generations through shows like Wild Kratts: Voyage of the Butterflies .

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https://monarchbutterflygarden.net/5-butterfly-flowers-attract-monarchs-and-hummingbirds/

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It is quite a popular food for butterflies.