Monarch butterflies are among the most beautiful and well-known butterflies in North America. Their bright orange and black wings are easy to spot in a garden. These butterflies are not just pretty. They also help pollinate flowers and support a healthy garden. If you want to see more monarch butterflies in your yard, the best way is to grow flowers they love.
This article will guide you through the best flowers that attract monarch butterflies. We’ll also explain why these flowers work, how to plant them, and how to care for a monarch-friendly garden.
Why Monarch Butterflies Need Flowers
Flowers are very important for monarch butterflies. They give them two things: nectar and places to lay eggs.
Nectar is a sweet liquid found in flowers. Butterflies drink nectar for energy.
Host plants are special plants where monarchs lay their eggs. The caterpillars eat the leaves when they hatch.
To attract monarch butterflies, your garden should include both nectar-rich flowers and milkweed, which is the only plant where monarchs lay eggs.
The Importance of Milkweed for Monarchs
Milkweed is the most important plant for monarchs. Without it, monarchs cannot survive. Female monarchs lay their eggs only on milkweed. When the eggs hatch, the caterpillars feed on milkweed leaves.
Here are some top milkweed species:
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
- Native to much of the U.S. and Canada
- Grows in sunny areas with well-drained soil
- Pink-purple blooms attract many pollinators
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
- Prefers moist soil and can grow near ponds or streams
- Has pink to rose-colored flowers
- Great for rain gardens
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
- Orange flowers
- Drought-tolerant and grows in poor soil
- Compact and great for small gardens
- Planting milkweed is the first step toward building a butterfly garden.
Nectar Flowers Monarchs Love
Besides milkweed, monarchs need nectar-rich flowers for energy, especially during migration. Choose flowers with bright colors, open blooms, and that bloom in different seasons.
Here are the top flower choices:
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
- Blooms in summer
- Easy to grow and drought-tolerant
- Monarchs are drawn to the open, flat blooms
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
- Yellow petals with dark centers
- Blooms from midsummer to fall
- Great in borders or wildflower gardens
Lantana (Lantana camara)
- Clusters of small flowers in red, yellow, orange, and pink
- Grows well in containers
- Attracts many types of butterflies
Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
- Comes in many bright colors
- Easy to grow from seed
- Blooms all summer long
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
- Tall plant with pinkish-purple flower clusters
- Prefers moist soil and full sun
- Blooms in late summer and fall
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
- Yellow flowers bloom in fall
- Often mistaken for ragweed, but does not cause allergies
- A key nectar source for migrating monarchs
Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
- Spiky purple flowers
- Grows upright and adds height
- Loved by butterflies and bees alike
Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)
- Tall, airy stems with purple flower heads
- Blooms from spring to frost
- Great in borders or cottage gardens
How to Plan a Butterfly Garden
Creating a garden that attracts monarchs takes some planning. Here are the steps you should follow:
Choose a Sunny Spot
Butterflies love the sun. Choose a place that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Plant a Mix of Flowers
Use both nectar plants and milkweed. Pick plants that bloom in spring, summer, and fall. This ensures monarchs have food throughout the year.
Use Native Plants
Native plants are better for local butterflies. They are easier to care for and more likely to attract monarchs.
Group Flowers Together
Plant the same flowers in clumps. Butterflies can find large groups of flowers more easily than single plants.
Avoid Pesticides
Many garden sprays can harm butterflies. Use organic methods to control pests. Better yet, let the natural balance take care of small problems.
Tips for Growing Monarch-Friendly Flowers
Start from Seed or Transplants
Some flowers grow better from seed, like zinnias. Others, like milkweed, are easier to start from young plants.
Water Young Plants Often
Keep new plants watered until they are well-established. After that, many of these plants are drought-tolerant.
Deadhead for More Blooms
Remove old flowers to encourage more blooming. This gives butterflies more nectar.
Leave Some Leaves
Don’t trim milkweed or other host plants too much. Monarch caterpillars need leaves to eat.
Mulch and Weed Carefully
Mulch helps retain moisture, but avoid piling it near the base of the plant. Keep weeds under control so they don’t crowd your flowers.
When Do Monarchs Visit Gardens?
Monarch butterflies travel long distances each year. Their migration depends on where you live:
- In northern states, monarchs visit from late spring to early fall
- In southern states, they may arrive earlier and stay longer
- In places like California and Florida, some monarchs may stay all year
- If you want to support them during migration, plant late-blooming nectar flowers like goldenrod and aster.
Flowers to Avoid in Monarch Gardens
Not all flowers help monarchs. Some look pretty but offer little nectar. Others can be harmful.
Double-Flowered Varieties
These flowers have many petals but little nectar. Monarchs can’t access the nectar easily.
Invasive Species
Avoid planting flowers that spread too fast. They can take over your garden and push out helpful plants.
Examples:
- Japanese honeysuckle
- Purple loosestrife
- Butterfly bush (in some regions)
Other Ways to Help Monarchs
Besides planting flowers, you can help monarch butterflies in other ways:
Provide Water
Put out a shallow dish with water and a few flat rocks. Butterflies can land and drink safely.
Build a Shelter
Monarchs like to rest in sheltered spots. Include some shrubs or tall grasses.
Join a Conservation Program
Groups like Monarch Watch and the Xerces Society offer ways to protect monarchs. You can even register your garden as a monarch waystation.
FAQs About Monarch Flowers
What is the best flower to attract monarch butterflies?
Milkweed is the most important flower for monarchs. For nectar, purple coneflowers and zinnias are top choices.
Can I grow milkweed in a pot?
Yes. Swamp milkweed and butterfly weed can grow in containers. Just make sure the pot is deep and has good drainage.
Do monarch butterflies like marigolds?
Not really. Marigolds are not a top nectar source. They might attract other insects, but not many monarchs.
Conclusion
If you want to see monarch butterflies in your garden, grow the flowers they love. Start with milkweed. Add bright, nectar-rich blooms like zinnias, coneflowers, and goldenrod. Keep your garden sunny, safe, and full of color.
Monarch butterflies need our help. By planting the right flowers, you can support their journey and enjoy their beauty right outside your door.
