Nectar plants promote place for butterflies
Though we might call it a weed, the asclepias is named after the Greek god of healing. And when the Monarch butterfly finds it, it becomes the "Festival of Feasting."
Though we can't really get inside the head of the Monarch butterfly, we do know the larvae devour the leaves and the adults relish the nectar, making these plants a must for backyard wildlife habitats.
Despite the great virtues of this genus, the asclepias has always been in need of a marketing agent. For instance, the native asclepias tuberosa is known as butterfly weed. Who wants to buy a weed? Then take for instance the native asclepias incarnata, which is known as swamp milkweed. Try selling a plant called a swamp weed and one that gets its name from the oozing juices when broken. It's a tough sell to say the least. My favorite is the tropical asclepias curassavica, this truly beautiful plant is known as bloodroot or blood flower. Yuck!
But if you love butterflies, don't let the names deter you. The fiery bright orange of the native butterfly weed will stand out in any landscape, shouting "look at me!" It has a large native range and is hardy from zones 3 to 10. Though the orange flowers are thrilling to photograph, just wait until it loads up with both caterpillars and adults feasting. This will be something the whole family remembers. Though I'm touting their penchant for Monarch butterflies, you'll notice several other species feasting on the nectar with hummingbirds fighting for their share as well.
When the Monarchs come to feast on the nectar, you might not even notice them laying eggs that will hatch and turn into colorful caterpillars. These starving creatures literally will strip the leaves and flowers, making the plant look like a pencil cactus. The story is much the same for the swamp milkweed, only instead of orange, you'll be working with hot pink. The caterpillars will grow from tiny to huge in what seems like days. Then about the time you think the plant is dead, new leaves and flowers will appear, and you'll notice even more butterflies. Congratulations, you're a proud parent.
Believe it or not, there are named selections of the butterfly weed. Gay Butterflies (orange, red and yellow mixed), Orange Flame (orange), Vermillion (red) and Hello Yellow (yellow) are the leading selections. Though it might be hard to find the natives, it is getting easier to find the bloodroot. Silky Deep Red, which is bicolored scarlet with yellow, and the Silky Gold, a brilliant yellow gold, have become prized plants at the garden center. Though tropical, you'll find them returning as perennials in zone 8 and often reseeding in other regions. Watch closely because the seedpods will split open as they mature, and the seeds will become airborne.
Growing from seed is simple: the small seeds should be lightly covered with soil that is kept moist until germination. Once planted in the garden, they are considered drought-tolerant and should be watered sparingly but deeply when needed. Fertilizer needs are low — just give them a light application in the spring with the emergence of new growth.
When you see caterpillars feeding, remember not to spray an insecticide. Instead, create a butterfly garden with the addition of other butterfly plants like Empire Blue, Nanho Blue or Black Knight buddleia. The combination plantings are almost limitless including common garden plants like zinnias and rudbeckias. When you plant asclepias you'll be doubly happy with plants that not only are beautiful, but serve as a food source for butterflies and hummingbirds as well.
Norman Winter is vice president for college advancement, Brewton Parker College, Mount Vernon, Ga.
