The Best Milkweed Companion Plants: A Guide to Attracting Butterflies

Oleh Anonymous June 26, 2021 Post a Comment

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Milkweed Companion Plants:

Milkweed is a beautiful and important plant that supports the life cycle of monarch butterflies. However, milkweed is not the only plant that is vital for these butterflies. In fact, planting milkweed companion plants can provide even more benefits to monarchs and other pollinators. In this guide, we will explore the best milkweed companion plants to attract butterflies.

Why are Milkweed Companion Plants Important?

Planting milkweed companion plants alongside milkweed can provide additional food sources and habitats for butterflies throughout their life cycle. Monarch butterflies, in particular, require a variety of nectar-rich flowers to feed on during their journey. Additionally, planting a diversity of plants can help to support a wider range of pollinators, promoting overall ecosystem health.

The Best Milkweed Companion Plants

1. Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as monarda, is a beautiful flowering plant that attracts a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. It is a great choice for a milkweed companion plant as it provides a long blooming season and requires little maintenance. Bee balm comes in a range of colors, including pink, red, and purple, making it a versatile addition to any garden.

How to Plant Bee Balm

Bee balm thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It can be planted from seeds or transplants in the spring or fall. When planting, make sure to space the plants at least 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.

2. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed susans are a classic wildflower that add a pop of color to any garden. They are also a great choice for a milkweed companion plant as they attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. Black-eyed susans are easy to grow and require little maintenance, making them a great choice for beginners.

How to Plant Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed susans prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be planted from seeds or transplants in the spring or fall. When planting, make sure to space the plants at least 12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.

3. Coneflowers

Coneflowers, also known as echinacea, are a beautiful and hardy plant that attracts a wide range of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white, making them a versatile addition to any garden.

How to Plant Coneflowers

Coneflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be planted from seeds or transplants in the spring or fall. When planting, make sure to space the plants at least 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.

4. Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a beautiful and hardy plant that attracts a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. It blooms in late summer and early fall, providing a valuable food source for monarchs as they prepare for their long journey south.

How to Plant Goldenrod

Goldenrod prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be planted from seeds or transplants in the spring or fall. When planting, make sure to space the plants at least 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.

5. Wild Bergamot

Wild bergamot, also known as bee balm, is a beautiful and hardy plant that attracts a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. It blooms in mid-summer and provides a valuable food source for monarchs and other pollinators.

How to Plant Wild Bergamot

Wild bergamot prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It can be planted from seeds or transplants in the spring or fall. When planting, make sure to space the plants at least 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.

Milkweed Companion Plants:

In planting milkweed companion plants alongside milkweed can provide additional food sources and habitats for butterflies throughout their life cycle. By incorporating a variety of nectar-rich flowers into your garden, you can help support a wider range of pollinators and promote overall ecosystem health.

Milkweed Companion Plants: FAQs

1. What are some other milkweed companion plants?

Some other great milkweed companion plants include asters, coreopsis, and salvia.

2. How many milkweed companion plants should I plant?

It is recommended to plant at least three different types of milkweed companion plants to provide a diversity of food sources and habitats for butterflies.

3. Can I plant milkweed companion plants in containers?

Yes, many milkweed companion plants can be planted in containers. Just make sure to choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system and provide adequate drainage.

4. Do I need to fertilize milkweed companion plants?

In general, milkweed companion plants do not require much fertilization. However, you can use a slow-release fertilizer if necessary.

5. Are all milkweed companion plants native to my area?

Not all milkweed companion plants are native to every region. It is important to choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions. Check with your local nursery or extension office for recommendations.