Milkweed for Monarchs

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Garden Blog

Concerned individuals are increasingly planting Milkweed, also known as Asclepias, to support Monarch Butterflies. This is a wonderful initiative, and more people should consider joining in. However, when you plant milkweed, it's important to keep in mind that you are creating a garden that will revolve around the unique ecology of the Asclepias plants.

Your milkweed will look good until mid to late summer. If you’ve planted enough to attract Monarchs, you’ll also attract Milkweed Beetles, Oleander Aphids, other aphids, Tussock Moth caterpillars, Tussock Moths, and Milkweed bugs, among others. In fact, over 400 insects utilize the milkweed plant at some stage of their life. The milkweed flowers will attract various native bees, butterflies, and even non-native insects that seek nectar and pollen. Additionally, the University of Wisconsin has documented that hummingbirds use milkweed floss to line their nests demonstrating the benefit milkweed has toward healthy ecosystems.

As the season progresses, the plant may begin to look bedraggled and not as vibrant as many would like in their gardens. The question often asked in late summer is: “What can I spray to control the bugs?” Due to our ingrained nature to keep things neat and tidy, we want to help the plant. However, the reality is that this is exactly what the plant is intended for—to nurture an ecosystem that depends on its existence. If we have enough milkweed in our gardens, spread across various diverse areas, we can support these ecosystems more effectively.

So, when people ask what they can do to help their milkweed plants, our advice is simple: plant more. Create additional patches in different areas so that the insects can diversify, allowing the plants that are being hit hard to recover.

In yards with adequate room, four areas of milkweed, each supporting at least two varieties, with 5-8 plants in each area is a balanced approach to incorporating milkweed in the native landscape design. All of these patches support Monarchs and other insects that rely on these plants. Milkweed might not look pretty as it progresses through the late summer season, but it returns and spreads in consecutive years providing a tremendous resource for many species of insects and birds. The insects that use Asclepias do not want to destroy their food source, so by increasing and diversifying that source, you’ll create a thriving, balanced environment.

There are multiple types of milkweed native to the mid-Atlantic area and non-native types that are also beneficial and can be used to provide diversity and habitat for insects and birds as well as landscape interest.

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