Butterfly Weed
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners wanting to attract native pollinators.
Brighten your garden with the Butterfly Weed, a hardy and free-flowering perennial that thrives with minimal care. This Monrovia Growers plant showcases clusters of attractive red buds that unfurl into vibrant orange blooms throughout the summer. It's an excellent choice for naturalized areas, meadows, and borders, even flourishing in lean soils. Reaching up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, it prefers full sun and tolerates moderate drought once established. Its herbaceous perennial life cycle ensures beauty year after year.
$18.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-31%
Below average
Brand
Monrovia Growers
/ Monrovia Growers
Who it's for
- Conservationists building habitats for Monarch butterflies
- Busy gardeners needing low-maintenance, water-wise plants
- Homeowners seeking deer-resistant, high-impact summer color
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners prone to worrying about spring growth
- Planners who frequently rearrange their garden beds
- Gardeners looking for immediate, full-sized landscape results
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
A premier choice for supporting local butterfly and bee populations.
Maintenance Ease
Thrives with minimal intervention once established in the garden.
Drought Tolerance
Handles dry spells effectively after the initial root establishment phase.
Visual Impact
Vibrant orange clusters provide a high-contrast pop of summer color.
Soil Adaptability
Performs reliably even in lean or nutrient-poor soil conditions.
Deer Resistance
Natural chemical defenses make this an unappealing snack for local wildlife.
Key Specs
Brand
Monrovia Growers
Genus Name
Asclepias
Species
Asclepias tuberosa
Mature Height
3 ft
Mature Width
2 ft
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Water Needs
Moderate
Soil Type
Well-drained
Features
- Vibrant orange flowers bloom all summer
- Hardy and low maintenance
- Tolerates lean soils
- Deer resistant
- Attracts pollinators
- Herbaceous perennial
- Ideal for borders and meadows
- Drought tolerant once established
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and health of the Monrovia Butterfly Weed upon arrival. Reviewers frequently note the plant's robust root structure and quick establishment in the garden, highlighting its reliability as a perennial. The primary draw is its proven ability to attract essential pollinators, especially monarch butterflies, making it a highly valued addition for ecological gardening. This strong performance justifies the premium price point for most buyers.
Know before you buy
Since this plant reaches a mature width of 2 feet, you should space them at least 24 inches apart to ensure proper airflow and room for growth.
While it needs regular watering during its first season to establish a strong root system, it becomes moderately drought-tolerant once settled. It prefers well-drained soil and does not like to sit in standing water.
No, Butterfly Weed is considered deer resistant. It is a great choice for gardens where deer pressure is a common concern.
Yes, it is quite hardy and thrives in lean, well-drained soils that might challenge other plants. Once established, it requires very little intervention to bloom reliably each summer.
While it is best suited for meadows and borders, it can grow in a container if the pot is large enough and provides excellent drainage. Ensure the container is placed in a spot that receives full sun throughout the day.
As the name suggests, it is a magnet for butterflies, but it also attracts a variety of bees and other beneficial insects. It is a valuable addition to any garden intended to support local pollinator populations.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$19