Milkweed is a top choice. However, with well over 100 different types, it can be challenging to decide which one to choose. Not every type of milkweed is identical, and the best species for your garden will depend on various factors. Selecting a type of milkweed without doing your research can be a common and problematic mistake.
There is a group of wildflowers that share a milky, latex sap in their stalks, which makes them attractive to butterflies and other insects. However, not all milkweed plants are alike and have different characteristics, colors, and growing conditions. Some species are better suited than others to host specific types of insects. If you’re trying to attract the endangered monarch butterfly, only about 30 milkweed species are regularly used by them. Some types of milkweed, such as swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), are more commonly found in wet areas. That means a gardener looking to fill a very damp part of their butterfly garden would find swamp milkweed a suitable choice.
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Choosing the Right Milkweed for Your Garden
Without knowing how they’ll do in your garden doesn’t make for a solid long-term plan. While you can grow tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) in areas with cold winters, it does best when grown in containers as an annual. As a non-native plant, tropical milkweed was originally from Central and South America, brought to North America in the 1800s. You can find local guides detailing the most common and native types of milkweed for your state.
In your butterfly garden, consider these factors. Ask yourself what kind of soil, lighting, and drainage your current site has. Some milkweed species can grow well in dry soil, like desert milkweed (Asclepias erosa), while others need consistent moisture. The common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) requires lots of sunlight and wouldn’t do well in the shade, whereas poke milkweed (Asclepias exaltata) can handle partial shade in wooded areas. Additionally, many milkweed species in the U.S. are threatened, which can make finding seeds a challenge. Check with local native plant nurseries for help finding the best native milkweeds for your area.
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