April 12, 2023

Growing Milkweed in Ohio for Monarch Butterflies

Supporting our Monarchs

It's A Matter of Milkweed

The Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most iconic butterfly, a symbol for all pollinators and easily recognized by its distinctive orange-and-black coloring and white markings. But as of July 2022, it’s on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species with the “endangered” distinction, and since December 2020, it’s been a “warranted but precluded” candidate for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Endangered Species Act. While a number of factors are threatening the species, it’s exciting to know the Northeast Ohio gardening community is one group that can make a big difference with the simplest act – planting.

why milkweed matters

The #1 way average homeowners and gardeners here in Northeast Ohio can help is by planting perennial Milkweed. That’s because Monarch butterflies can only survive where Milkweed grows. Females lay their eggs only on the leaves of milkweed. Eggs hatch into caterpillars, which feed only on the leaves of milkweed. Caterpillars spin a protective chrysalis on the milkweed, triggering metamorphosis. Adults emerge as the black-and-orange beauties we know so well, and must once again find milkweed in order to reproduce. Studies show planting even half a dozen milkweed plants makes a positive impact, contributing in a practical and manageable way.

Growing the right milkweed matters

There are many, many species of perennial milkweed that grow across the Americas, but these 3 are easy to grow and native to Northeast Ohio.

Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) grows upright stems with thick, broad leaves and fragrant, pink-purple flowers that appear over a long bloom period from late spring through summer to provide adult monarchs a source of nectar. It’s the kind you find in undisturbed areas like in meadows and along roadsides. This type spreads fairly easily, producing prominent seed pods that split when ripe to release silky-tailed seeds into the wind. Grows 3-4’ tall x 1-2’ wide.

*Arriving mid/late May in stores

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is beloved for its bright clusters of vanilla-scented, rose-pink flowers, which bloom continuously from midsummer to fall. These flowers are also a fantastic source of nectar for adult monarch butterflies. True to its name, this is the type that thrives in medium to wet soils, alongside marshes and waterways, but it will also tolerate average, well-drained soil, so long as it isn’t left to completely dry out. Like Asclepias syriaca, swamp milkweed will further itself through seed pods in the wind and through its rhizomatous root system. Grows 3-5’ tall x 1-3’ wide.

*Arriving mid-May in stores.

Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa), sometimes called Orange Milkweed, is a brilliantly colored milkweed that blooms with fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow in summer, providing adult monarchs with a wonderful source of nectar. It is the most contained type of milkweed, staying where it is planted, and it is also rather tolerant of lean, unimproved soil. However, it will not tolerate soggy soil and so well-draining areas are a must. It’s ideal for borders, and pairs nicely with other pollinator-supporting perennials. Grows 2-3’ tall x 2’ wide.

*Arriving early May in stores.

3 Pro Tips for

Planting Milkweed

No matter the type or variety, perennial Milkweed should generally be planted in full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight) and in well-drained soil that’s been amended with organic matter like Petitti Planting Mix. Maintain 1” of water per week for the first year to ensure establishment, and fertilize every spring with Plant-tone® and Iron-tone®. Additionally, here are 3 professional tips to keep in mind when planting milkweed:

  1. Plant multiple milkweed plants, even multiple species, close together. Perennials look and perform their purpose better when planted en masse.
  2. Make sure other types of plants growing nearby do not block access. Make it easy for monarchs to find the milkweed, as they do rely on visual cues like the plant’s shape and leaf form to recognize the target host plant (divergent leaves confuse insects).
  3. Design your pollinator garden so that milkweed plants are at the perimeter, offset by hardwood mulch. Studies show milkweed plants are bound to be found when not hidden amongst other plants and especially when planted with north-south access.

deer problem?

Not a problem! Here’s a bonus tidbit – Milkweed offers exceptional deer and rabbit resistance! Both animals tend to avoid it because of the milky latex sap in its foliage.

About Deer-Resistant Gardening

what are nativars?

Nativars are cultivated varieties of a native species, selectively propagated for desirable horticultural traits. For example, Eastern Redbud is the native species (aka straight species) of Redbud that grows in Ohio; ‘Forest Pansy’ Redbud is a “nativar”, or specific cultivated variety (aka cultivar), of Eastern Redbud. Here at Petitti’s, we grow & offer true milkweed natives such as Common Milkweed, but also nativars such as Butterflyweed ‘Gay Butterflies’ and Swamp Milkweed ‘Cinderella’. Whatever species you prefer, please plant Milkweed to support the monarchs!

More About Milkweed
Asclepias (Milkweed)

Search for Your Location

We have ten locations across Northeast Ohio, spanning the Cleveland, Akron-Canton, and Youngstown communities. Search here to find the location most convenient for you.

Loading Locations...