Are you ready to look at monarch butterfly possibilities outside of the usual milkweed? Later in the summer, whorled milkweed, or Asclepias verticillata, is a great option if you want pretty blooms. Also a favourite of monarch butterflies is this plant. Discover this more sensitive milkweed species.

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Where to Grow Whorled Milkweed:

Whorled milkweed is a plant that is native to North America and can be grown successfully in Zones 3 to 9. If you live in the central or eastern regions of North America, you will have the most luck cultivating this plant. The fact that it is a perennial means that once it has established itself, it will return each year without much difficulty. The milkweed plant is classified as a wildflower rather than a weed, despite the fact that its name includes the word “weed.” You can find it and other varieties that are similar growing in the wild in places like grasslands, pastures, and along the sides of roads.

This particular kind of milkweed is one of the more aggressive varieties of the plant. When you want to keep its roots under control, you could try surrounding it with a barrier of other native plants. On the other hand, if you have a tiny garden, you might want to think about putting milkweed in its own container so that it does not end up taking over and squeezing out its neighbours.

 

What Does Whorled Milkweed Look Like:

There are loose clusters of little blooms that are white and greenish in colour on this plant. This plant gets its name from the shape of its leaf. In general, the length of its spindly leaves is approximately two inches. It is possible that you are familiar with the broad, oval leaves of common milkweed.

You will be aware that this is a significant difference. It barely reaches a maximum height of one to three feet, which is also a disadvantage. Additionally, due to its small stature and leaf, it has the potential to mix in with grasses when it is not in bloom.

 

The fact that this particular type of milkweed blooms later in the season than other milkweed plants, often beginning in July and continuing to flower until the beginning of September, is one of the explanations for why you should think about planting it.

For monarch butterflies who are in the process of migrating and rely on milkweed as a source of nutrition, this is an excellent time. It is important to keep in mind that the blossoming of your whorled milkweed might not occur until the second year.

 

Care and Growing Tips:

Despite the fact that it can survive in partial sunlight, this butterfly host plant thrives in full sunlight. It is not particularly particular about the soil, just like other types of milkweed. Nevertheless, it is an especially excellent option for soil that is sandy or loam-based.

If you find that your whorled milkweed is looking dry or wilted, especially during the height of summer, you should feel free to water it. In general, whorled milkweed is a drought-resistant plant that will thrive with a hands-off attitude.