Monarch butterflies are among the most iconic and beloved insects in North America. Known for their striking orange and black wings, these butterflies not only capture the imagination but also play a vital role in pollination. However, the Monarch population has been in decline due to habitat loss, climate change, and the widespread use of pesticides. One way gardeners can help protect these beautiful creatures is by planting a variety of plants that attract and support Monarch butterflies.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best plants to include in your garden to make it a haven for Monarchs, providing them with nectar, shelter, and a place to lay their eggs.
Why Monarch Butterflies Need Our Help
Before diving into the plants that attract Monarch butterflies, it’s important to understand why they need our help. Monarchs are migratory insects, spending their summers in the northern United States and southern Canada and migrating to Mexico for the winter. Along the way, they rely on a variety of nectar-rich plants to fuel their long journey.
However, Monarch populations have been declining steadily due to several factors. Loss of native milkweed, their primary host plant for laying eggs and feeding their larvae, is a significant issue. Additionally, the use of herbicides and pesticides has further reduced their food sources. As a gardener, you can make a difference by planting the right plants that not only attract Monarchs but also provide them with the essential resources they need to survive and thrive.
The 8 Best Plants For Monarch Butterflies
1. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) – The Essential Host Plant
Milkweed is the single most important plant for Monarch butterflies. This native perennial serves as the primary host plant for Monarch larvae. Female Monarchs lay their eggs on the underside of milkweed leaves, where the caterpillars feed on the plant. Without milkweed, Monarchs cannot complete their life cycle.
There are many species of milkweed to choose from, including Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca), Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), and Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa). All of these species provide a vital food source for Monarch caterpillars and produce nectar-rich flowers that attract adult Monarchs and other pollinators.
Growing Tip: Milkweed thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance. Just be sure to choose a variety that suits your region’s climate.
2. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) – A Nectar Powerhouse
Butterfly bush, as the name suggests, is a favorite of all kinds of butterflies, including Monarchs. The plant produces long, fragrant flower spikes in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue, which are packed with nectar. Monarchs and other butterflies are naturally drawn to the sweet-smelling blooms, making butterfly bush an excellent addition to any butterfly garden.
While butterfly bush is a great nectar source, it is important to note that it is not a host plant for Monarch caterpillars. However, it plays a critical role in attracting adult Monarchs to your garden, offering them a much-needed fuel source.
Growing Tip: Butterfly bushes thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are fast-growing and can reach heights of up to 10 feet, so be sure to plant them in a spot where they have room to spread out.
3. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) – A Late-Summer Nectar Source
Goldenrod is a fantastic late-season plant for Monarchs, offering a nectar-rich food source during their migration. The plant’s small, yellow flowers bloom in late summer to fall, providing an essential resource for Monarchs as they prepare for their long journey south. Goldenrod is also an excellent plant for attracting a variety of other pollinators, including bees and other butterfly species.
While goldenrod is a nectar source for adult Monarchs, it is not a host plant. However, its late bloom time makes it a perfect complement to other early-blooming plants in your garden, ensuring Monarchs have food sources throughout the growing season.
Growing Tip: Goldenrod prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in a variety of soil types, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden.
4. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.) – A Vibrant Pollinator Magnet
Coneflowers are another excellent choice for attracting Monarchs. These native perennials produce large, daisy-like flowers with bright purple, pink, or white petals and a prominent central cone. Monarch butterflies love the nectar produced by coneflowers, and their sturdy stems and large blooms provide an accessible landing pad for the butterflies.
Coneflowers are also a valuable plant for other pollinators, including bees and other butterfly species. Planting a variety of coneflowers in your garden will help create a thriving ecosystem for Monarchs and other beneficial insects.
Growing Tip: Coneflowers thrive in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. They are drought-tolerant once established and require minimal care, making them perfect for a low-maintenance garden.
5. Lantana (Lantana camara) – A Bright and Hardy Attraction
Lantana is a vibrant, heat-tolerant shrub that Monarchs find irresistible. Its small, tubular flowers come in a range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink, which attract Monarchs and other pollinators. The plant produces clusters of nectar-rich blooms, making it a great addition to any butterfly garden, particularly in warmer climates.
While lantana is an excellent nectar source, it is not a host plant for Monarchs, so it is most effective when used to complement other plants in your garden that provide both nectar and larval food.
Growing Tip: Lantana thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is heat and drought-tolerant, making it perfect for sunny, dry spots in your garden. Be sure to prune it regularly to encourage more blooms.
6. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.) – A Tall, Nectar-Rich Plant
Joe-Pye weed is a tall, native perennial that produces large, pink or purple clusters of flowers that attract Monarchs and other pollinators. Its nectar-rich blooms are particularly valuable in late summer and fall, offering Monarchs a vital food source as they prepare for their migration.
Joe-Pye weed is a great plant for creating a more natural, wildflower-inspired garden. It also attracts other pollinators, such as bees and hummingbirds, making it a great plant for fostering biodiversity in your garden.
Growing Tip: Joe-Pye weed thrives in moist, well-drained soil and full sun. It can grow up to 6 feet tall, so be sure to plant it in the back of your garden or in areas where it has room to spread.
7. Zinnia (Zinnia spp.) – A Colorful Monarch Favorite
Zinnias are easy-to-grow annuals that are loved by Monarch butterflies for their bright, showy flowers. Available in a range of colors, from red and pink to yellow and purple, zinnias provide an abundance of nectar for adult Monarchs. They are particularly effective when planted in masses, creating a vibrant, butterfly-friendly environment.
While zinnias are not host plants for Monarch caterpillars, they are excellent nectar sources and will attract Monarchs to your garden, where they can rest and feed.
Growing Tip: Zinnias thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are relatively low-maintenance and bloom prolifically throughout the summer, making them a great addition to a Monarch garden.
8. Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens) – A Beautiful Milkweed Alternative
Purple milkweed is a lesser-known species that attracts Monarch butterflies just as effectively as Common Milkweed. Its unique purple flowers are a striking addition to the garden and provide nectar for Monarchs and other pollinators. Like other species of milkweed, purple milkweed serves as a host plant for Monarch caterpillars, allowing them to complete their life cycle.
Growing Tip: Purple milkweed prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can grow up to 3 feet tall, making it a great choice for a perennial garden.
Conclusion
By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can create an environment that supports Monarch butterflies at all stages of their life cycle. From providing food for adult Monarchs to offering a safe space for larvae to develop, the right plants can make a huge difference in attracting and sustaining these beautiful insects. Remember, a Monarch-friendly garden doesn’t just help Monarchs—it supports a wide variety of pollinators and beneficial insects, contributing to the health and diversity of your entire garden ecosystem. So, plant with purpose, and watch as your garden becomes a haven for Monarch butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.
