How to Grow Butterfly Mixed
Wikimedia Commons
Butterfly Mixed
Asclepias species (mixed cultivars)
flowerButterfly Mixed is a collection of milkweed varieties bred to attract butterflies and pollinators while providing vibrant garden color. These hardy perennials produce clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of orange, red, yellow, and pink, blooming throughout summer and into fall. They are essential native plants for monarch butterfly caterpillar host plants and are drought-tolerant once established.
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Example Butterfly Mixed timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Butterfly Mixed
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Butterfly Mixed blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Butterfly Mixed dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Get my Butterfly Mixed timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-4 weeksTiny leaves emerge from soil; growth is initially slow as roots establish deeply
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing. May take 2-3 weeks to show vigorous growth.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple stems with lance-shaped leaves; bushy growth pattern
Water during drought. Minimal fertilizer needed; excess nitrogen can reduce flowering. Taller varieties may benefit from staking.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds form in clusters at the top of stems; buds are rounded and tightly packed
Continue regular watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Watch for monarch caterpillar activity.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (June-September)Clusters of star-shaped flowers open in shades of orange, red, yellow, and pink; nectar and pollen attract butterflies and pollinators
Deadhead faded flowers to extend blooming. Leave some seed pods for wildlife and self-seeding. Monitor for pests.
Seed Pod/Dormancy
6-8 weeks through fallFlowers fade and develop large, bumpy seed pods; foliage begins to yellow in fall as plant prepares for winter
Leave seed pods on plant for monarch butterflies to lay eggs and for wildlife food. Allow foliage to die back naturally in fall.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Generally not harmful; hand-pick if populations are excessive. These beetles are important for pollination.
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Hand-pick or use strong water spray. Generally not damaging. Tolerate their presence as they are native.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or water spray. Beneficial insects will control populations naturally.
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Increase humidity by watering soil in morning. Use miticide if severely infested.
Uses
Monarch Butterfly Host Plant
WildlifeMilkweed is the essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars, which feed exclusively on milkweed leaves. By growing Butterfly Mixed, you directly support monarch populations and contribute to their survival. [source]
Traditional Food Source
CulinaryMilkweed shoots and seed pods have been used as a food source by indigenous peoples and settlers. Young pods can be steamed or boiled like okra. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalVarious milkweed species have been used in traditional medicine for respiratory conditions and skin ailments, though scientific evidence is limited. Consult healthcare providers before use. [source]
Pollinator Garden Staple
HouseholdAttracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects. Essential for creating a thriving pollinator garden that supports local ecosystems. [source]
Cut Flowers and Arrangements
CraftLong-lasting cut flowers in mixed colors add vibrant color to floral arrangements and bouquets. Dried seed pods are also attractive in dried arrangements. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers for bouquets in early morning when blooms first open, using clean scissors. Leave some flowers on plant for pollinators and monarch caterpillars. Harvest seed pods in fall after they dry and turn brown (usually September-October); collect seeds by splitting open pods and storing in cool, dry location.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Monarch butterfly caterpillars feed on milkweed toxins called cardenolides, which they store in their bodies to make themselves poisonous to predators—the bright orange wings warn predators of their toxicity.
- 🌱 Milkweed gets its name from the milky latex sap that oozes from broken stems and leaves, which was historically used as a natural rubber substitute.
- 🌱 A single milkweed plant can support multiple monarch caterpillar broods throughout the growing season, with each caterpillar consuming an entire leaf.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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