First photo courtesy of Leonardo DaSilva
Butterfly weed is a long lived, low maintenance, well behaved addition to a garden. Plant in groups of three for a striking effect. It is named for the multitude of butterflies attracted to the abundant amount of nectar that it produces as well as being a host plant to the monarch butterfly. Butterfly weed has a deep tap root so it does not transplant well once established.
-
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
-
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Native Northeast Region: ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ ,MD ,DE ,PA
-
Flower Color: Orange
-
Bloom Time: June, July, August
-
Soil Type: Medium - Dry
-
Mature Plant Size: 2 - 3'H 2'W
-
Plant Spacing: 1.5 - 2'
-
Host Plant: Monarch, Queen, Grey Hairstreak
-
Attracts: Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
-
Advantages: Deer resistant, drought/poor soil with good drainage tolerant, low maintenance
-
Landscape Uses: Butterfly gardens, meadows, perennial borders, pollinator gardens
-
Companion Plants: Lance leaf coreopsis, cat mint, purple coneflower, black eyed susan
