Milkweed Companion Plants: Supporting Monarch Butterflies While Beautifying Your Garden

Why Milkweed Companion Plants Matter

If you're interested in gardening, you've probably heard about the importance of milkweed for monarch butterflies. Milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars will eat, and without it, the species could be in serious trouble. But did you know that other plants can also play an important role in supporting monarchs? By planting milkweed companion plants, you can create a diverse and vibrant ecosystem that not only helps monarchs, but also provides beauty and interest for you and your family.

What Are Milkweed Companion Plants?

Milkweed companion plants are simply any plants that grow well alongside milkweed and provide additional benefits to monarch butterflies. These plants can attract adult butterflies with their nectar, provide shelter and habitat for caterpillars and other insects, and enhance the beauty and diversity of your garden.

The Benefits of Milkweed Companion Plants

There are many benefits to planting milkweed companion plants in your garden. Here are just a few:

1. Attracting Adult Butterflies

While milkweed is essential for monarch caterpillars, adult butterflies need nectar from flowers to survive. Planting milkweed companion plants that produce nectar-rich flowers can help attract and sustain adult butterflies throughout their life cycle.

2. Providing Habitat for Caterpillars

Monarch caterpillars are highly specialized, and they only eat milkweed leaves. However, other insects can benefit from a diverse range of plants. By planting milkweed companion plants that provide shelter and habitat for a variety of insects, you can help create a healthier and more resilient ecosystem.

3. Enhancing the Beauty of Your Garden

Milkweed companion plants come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and they can add a lot of interest and beauty to your garden. Whether you prefer bright blooms, lush foliage, or delicate textures, there are many options to choose from.

Choosing Milkweed Companion Plants

When choosing milkweed companion plants, it's important to consider a few key factors:

1. Bloom Time

Monarchs need nectar throughout the growing season, so it's important to choose milkweed companion plants that bloom at different times. By selecting plants that flower early, mid-season, and late, you can ensure that there is always something blooming to attract adult butterflies.

2. Native Species

Native plants are always the best choice for supporting local ecosystems. Look for milkweed companion plants that are native to your region, and avoid exotic species that may not provide the same benefits to pollinators.

3. Soil Type and Sun Exposure

Different plants have different soil and sun requirements, so it's important to choose milkweed companion plants that will thrive in your particular growing conditions. Be sure to read up on each plant's needs before making your selections.

Examples of Milkweed Companion Plants

There are many great milkweed companion plants to choose from, but here are a few examples to get you ed:

1. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Purple coneflower is a popular choice for butterfly gardens, thanks to its showy pink-purple flowers that bloom in mid-summer. This native plant is drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners.

2. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly weed is a type of milkweed that produces bright orange blooms in mid-summer. This plant is highly attractive to adult butterflies, and it's also a favorite food source for monarch caterpillars.

3. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

Joe-Pye weed is a tall, showy perennial that blooms in late summer and early fall. Its pink-purple flowers are a favorite of adult butterflies, and its seeds provide food for birds and other wildlife.

How to Plant Milkweed Companion Plants

Planting milkweed companion plants is easy! Here are a few tips to get you ed:

1. Choose a Sunny Location

Most milkweed companion plants require full sun to thrive, so choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

2. Prepare the Soil

Before planting, loosen the soil and remove any weeds or debris. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, consider amending it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.

3. Plant in Groups

To create a more naturalistic look, plant milkweed companion plants in groups of three or more. This will also help attract pollinators by creating larger patches of color and fragrance.

Maintaining Milkweed Companion Plants

Milkweed companion plants are generally low-maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to help them thrive:

1. Water Regularly

Most milkweed companion plants prefer consistent moisture, especially during their first growing season. Water deeply once or twice per week, depending on rainfall and soil conditions.

2. Deadhead Spent Flowers

Deadheading (removing spent flowers) can help encourage some milkweed companion plants to produce more blooms throughout the season. It can also help prevent self-seeding in some species.

3. Cut Back in Fall

Many milkweed companion plants benefit from being cut back in the fall, after they have gone dormant. This will help keep them from becoming too woody or overgrown, and it can also help prevent disease and pest problems.

Frequently Asked Questions about Milkweed Companion Plants

1. Do I have to plant milkweed if I want to support monarch butterflies?

While planting milkweed is the most important thing you can do to support monarchs, adding milkweed companion plants can also provide valuable benefits. By providing nectar, shelter, and habitat for a variety of insects, you can help create a healthier and more resilient ecosystem.

2. Can I plant milkweed as a potted plant?

Yes, many types of milkweed can be grown in containers. Just be sure to choose a large enough pot (at least 12 inches in diameter) and use a high-quality potting mix that drains well.

3. Are there any downsides to planting milkweed companion plants?

While milkweed companion plants are generally beneficial, it's important to remember that some species can become invasive in certain areas. Be sure to do your research and choose plants that are well-suited to your particular growing conditions.

4. How can I attract more butterflies to my garden?

In addition to planting milkweed and milkweed companion plants, there are many other things you can do to attract butterflies. Providing a source of water (such as a shallow bird bath) and avoiding pesticides and herbicides can also help create a welcoming habitat for these beautiful insects.

5. What are some good resources for learning more about milkweed and monarch butterflies?

There are many great resources available online, including the Monarch Joint Venture and the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Your local extension office or native plant society may also have valuable information and resources.



Milkweed companion plants are a wonderful way to support monarch butterflies while adding beauty and interest to your garden. By choosing a variety of species that bloom at different times, provide habitat and shelter for a range of insects, and are well-suited to your growing conditions, you can create a diverse and vibrant ecosystem that benefits both you and the environment.