Monarch butterflies, with their striking orange and black wings, are one of nature’s most celebrated pollinators. Sadly, their populations have been dwindling due to habitat loss and climate change. But there’s good news!
You can help these fluttering beauties by planting specific flora in your garden. Not only will you be supporting monarch conservation efforts, but you’ll also be adding a splash of color to your outdoor space.
Here’s a list of 13 plants that are sure to attract monarch butterflies to your garden.
1. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Milkweed is the star of the show when it comes to attracting monarchs. It’s not just a favorite; it’s a necessity. Monarchs lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed plants, making them vital for the butterfly’s lifecycle. (ref) There are various types of milkweed, such as common milkweed, swamp milkweed, and butterfly weed, each with its own unique appeal.
These plants provide critical nutrients to caterpillars, ensuring they grow into healthy butterflies. Beyond their role in the monarch life cycle, milkweeds are hardy and resilient, thriving in a range of conditions.
Planting milkweed is a surefire way to create a monarch haven right in your backyard.
2. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)
True to its name, the butterfly bush is a magnet for all sorts of butterflies, including monarchs. This perennial shrub blooms from summer to fall, offering clusters of fragrant flowers in various colors, such as purple, pink, and white. Its long blooming season means a continuous supply of nectar for hungry butterflies.
These plants attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, making them versatile additions to any garden. Just remember to choose noninvasive varieties to prevent them from spreading uncontrollably.
3. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantanas are vibrant, sun-loving plants that produce clusters of tiny flowers in a kaleidoscope of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink. These flowers are rich in nectar, making them a favorite pit stop for monarchs and other butterflies.
Lantanas are incredibly hardy, thriving in hot, dry conditions where other plants might struggle. Their pleasant, slightly citrusy fragrance adds an extra layer of sensory delight to your garden. However, be cautious, as some lantana species can become invasive in certain regions.
4. Zinnias (Zinnia spp.)
Zinnias are a gardener’s delight, known for their bright, cheerful blooms and ease of care. These annual flowers come in a wide array of colors and sizes, providing an abundant nectar source that attracts monarchs throughout the growing season.
Planting zinnias in clusters will create a stunning visual display while maximizing their appeal to butterflies. Plus, they make excellent cut flowers, allowing you to bring a bit of your butterfly garden indoors.
5. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Joe-Pye weed might not have the most glamorous name, but this tall, hardy perennial is a butterfly favorite. Its large clusters of pinkish-purple flowers bloom from late summer into fall, providing a vital nectar source during the monarchs’ migration period.
These plants prefer moist, well-drained soil and can grow quite tall, making them perfect for the back of a garden bed or along a fence. Besides attracting butterflies, Joe-Pye weed also supports various beneficial insects, enhancing the overall health of your garden ecosystem.
6. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-eyed Susans are quintessential garden staples, known for their bright yellow petals and dark centers. These hardy perennials bloom from summer to fall, offering a reliable nectar source for monarchs and other pollinators.
These plants are incredibly easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil types. Their cheerful blooms add a splash of color to any garden, while their nectar-rich flowers help support butterfly populations.
7. Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.)
Coneflowers are beloved by gardeners and butterflies alike. These hardy perennials produce large, daisy-like flowers with prominent cone-shaped centers that are rich in nectar. They bloom from midsummer to early fall, coinciding with the monarchs’ peak feeding times.
Coneflowers are drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soil conditions, making them a low-maintenance option for attracting butterflies. Their long-lasting blooms also provide an extended period of nectar availability, supporting a variety of pollinators.
8. Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)
Asters are fall-blooming perennials that offer a burst of color late in the growing season. Their star-shaped flowers come in shades of purple, pink, and white, providing a crucial nectar source for monarchs during their migration.
These easy-to-grow plants thrive in sun and partial shade. Planting asters ensures your garden remains a vibrant butterfly haven even as the summer flowers begin to fade.
9. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Goldenrod often gets a bad rap due to its association with allergies, but it’s actually a fantastic plant for attracting butterflies. Its tall, bright yellow flower spikes bloom in late summer and fall, providing an important nectar source during the monarchs’ migration.
Goldenrod is easy to grow and can thrive in poor soil conditions. It also supports a variety of other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any butterfly garden.
10. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds are beloved for their bright, cheerful flowers and pest-repellent properties. These annuals bloom from spring to fall, offering a continuous nectar source for monarchs and other butterflies.
Marigolds are easy to grow and can thrive in various soil types. Their vibrant colors and long blooming season make them a delightful and practical choice for attracting butterflies to your garden.
11. Verbena (Verbena spp.)
Verbena is a butterfly magnet, producing clusters of small, tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. These low-growing perennials bloom from spring to fall, providing a long-lasting nectar source for monarchs.
Verbena is drought-tolerant and can thrive in hot, sunny locations. Their delicate blooms and spreading habits make them perfect for garden borders or containers, adding a touch of charm to any outdoor space.
12. Phlox (Phlox spp.)
Phlox is a versatile plant that offers a profusion of blooms in various colors, including pink, purple, and white. These flowers are rich in nectar, making them a favorite among monarchs and other butterflies.
Phlox can be grown as a ground cover or in taller varieties, providing options for different garden designs. Their fragrant blooms and long flowering period make them a valuable addition to any butterfly-friendly garden.
13. Blazing Star (Liatris spp.)
Blazing star, also known as gayfeather, is a striking perennial that produces tall spikes of purple or pink flowers. These blooms are packed with nectar, attracting monarchs and other pollinators from midsummer to early fall.
Blazing star is drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soil conditions, making it a low-maintenance option for butterfly gardens (PDF to create your own butterfly garden). Its unique, feathery flowers add a vertical element to garden beds, creating visual interest and a reliable food source for butterflies.
The Ecological Importance of Monarch Butterflies
Monarch butterflies are more than just beautiful insects; they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our ecosystems. As pollinators, they assist in the reproduction of many flowering plants by transferring pollen from one flower to another as they feed on nectar. This process is vital for the production of seeds and fruits in many plants, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. (ref)
Monarchs are also an important food source for various predators, including birds, small mammals, and other insects. Their presence in the food web helps maintain the balance of these ecosystems, ensuring that predator populations remain healthy.
However, monarch populations are under threat due to habitat loss, climate change, and the widespread use of herbicides that kill milkweed, their primary breeding plant. Efforts to protect and restore their habitats, such as those undertaken by the World Wildlife Fund, are critical for their survival. These efforts include creating sustainable livelihoods for communities in monarch habitats and promoting conservation-friendly practices.
Monarch butterflies are indispensable to our environment. By supporting their populations through conservation efforts and planting monarch-friendly gardens, we contribute to the health and diversity of our ecosystems.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.