This week: Choosing Milkweed for Monarchs
Hello!
Monarch butterflies are the unlucky poster child for the plight of our native beneficial insects. The number of Eastern monarchs has declined by more than 80% since the 1990s, primarily due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and extreme weather events. By planting milkweed in our gardens—its leaves are the only food monarch caterpillars will eat—we can help restore some of their habitat and support future generations of monarchs.
But which milkweed is right for your garden? Here are three of my favorites for the Eastern U.S.
Swamp Milkweed: Soggy Spots and Shade
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a narrow plant with clusters of pink flowers that sit atop four- to five-foot-tall stems. It thrives in wet conditions, such as rain gardens and along streams and ponds, but will also do well in average soils. It grows in full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to a wide range of settings. Plant it in the middle or back of a garden.
Common Milkweed: Large Sunny Gardens
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) grows to five feet tall and sports golf ball-sized mauve flowers. Unlike Swamp Milkweed, it needs a lot of sun. It will grow in almost any soil condition and spreads rapidly through both rhizomes and seeds. This is a pro and a con! It’s a big win for monarchs, but it can also become a bit too aggressive if you don’t have space for it to roam. Consider a different milkweed if this is a concern.
Butterfly Weed: Sunny Gardens, Large or Small (and Containers)
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) adds a pop of orange to any full-sun garden. This two-foot-tall, non-aggressive milkweed is perfect for containers, smaller gardens, and the front of borders. For best results, plant Butterfly Weed plants at least 3 feet from each other—don’t plant in clumps because they don’t enjoy the company of family.
Happy planting!
Elsewhere:
Are mosquito bites getting you down? Make an environmentally friendly mosquito trap in a bucket! Find out how from Homegrown National Park.
Have a good week,
Julie