Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Monarchs and other butterflies love the nectar from these pretty yellow, orange and red blooms. No better way to call them, then by planting Butterfly Weed in your garden. The adult butterflies lay their eggs on the leaves and when the eggs hatch the larvae munch down on the leaves until they pupate. The result is the opportunity to watch beautiful butterflies.
Yesterday, my little garden helper was trying to find a little shade while I took some photos. I believe planting a garden which attracts butterflies is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening.
I planted 'Hello Yellow' in another flower bed with wax myrtles in the background. Asclepias tuberosa is a perennial which will come back slowly late spring. Adult butterflies generally feed only in the sun and this plant loves the sun. Butterflies also need a protected area from harsh wind.
Butterfly Weed will get aphids, which the ladybugs can eat or I will spray them with soapy water or a blast of high powered water.
I planted quite a few of these plants along my fence with Mexican Narrow Leaf Zinnias in front of them. This is a bright, and cheery place in my garden and the butterflies make it even a better spot to just sit and watch.
If you would like more information you could go to:
Ladybird Johnson Wildlife Center.
Ladybird Johnson Wildlife Center.
There's no place like Austin, Texas! In this gardening blog, I have tried to focus mainly on native and adapted plants for Central Texas! I think it is the true secret to a successful garden in this great state!
15 comments:
Loved Ladybird. Your photos are great.
Dear Amy, I really consider it to be so worthwhile to take account of all wildlife when planning and developing a garden. And, as you rightly say here, can there be anything more wonderful to add to the flowers than beautiful butterflies? They are such a pretty addition to the garden scene.
Butterflies are tempted to come here too.
What a stunning Queen you have there Amy! She looks freshly emerged. Perfect and beautiful captures. A joy to see... in your garden and what magic she brings to my screen and any garden. We are so lucky to have butterflies in our lives! I must plant that lovely variety of milkweed. ;>)
That last photo is just perfect!!!
I am hoping to add this to my garden next year.
Love your little garden helper. Such a cutie.
Very nice photos Amy - your garden looks so inviting and cheery! Makes me want to go get some butterfly weed!!
I love butterflies in my garden and have planted some Asclepias in hopes of attracting more. Yours are doing a great job! And they are beautiful to human eyes, as well. The combination with the zinnias is perfect!
Aren't they fun to watch ?
Wonderful captures.
Beautiful!! The dog and butterfly picture is really cute! :0) Seeing butterflies makes all the frustrating days worth it!!
Your photos are fantastic. I am so jealous that you have such beautiful butterflies. The butterfly weed is really earning its keep.
Great photos Amy. I would love to take pics of butterflies like that.
Say hi to your helper from Missy.
You called and they came. What a beautiful result it is to sit and watch the butterflies. Well done! :)
What great pictures! I've seen butterfly weed in nurseries here but haven't planted them in my garden yet. We don't get Monarchs here and I've always wondered if other butterflies were attracted to it, it looks like they are.
absolutely beautiful!
Wow, amazing! I have tons of butterflies in my garden but I can't seem to take a decent shot of them.
Post a Comment