As with the milkweed, these are some of the nectar flowers I have around my yard for the monarchs. I’ve noticed I seem to have a passion for purple flowers. No doubt, as purple is my favorite color, but I think I need some other varieties for color.
Coreopsis
Low maintenance perennial that bloom summer to fall. They grow to about a foot tall and should be deadheaded to keep blooming the entire season.
Phlox
Sun loving perennial that grows to about 4 foot tall. Low maintenance, big beautiful blooms in spring to early summer.
Liatris
Part of the prairie wildflower family, they are pretty easy to grow. Liatris tend to like full sun, but mine have shade the second half of the day and seem to do fine. They grow to about 2 feet high with fuzzy, thistle-like blossoms.
Mexican Sunflower
Beautiful flower that grows in full sun or half shade. They can grow up to 5 feet tall so make sure you have the room before you add these beauties to your garden. Butterflies and hummingbirds absolutely love them!
Aster
Can grow 3 – 6 feet tall, but mine stay at about 3 foot. They love full sun and are a late summer bloomer.
Joe Pye Weed
This is a compact summer blooming perennial. The dwarf variety will stay under 2 feet tall and spread to about the same. They like full sun or half shade and are supposed to be both deer and rabbit resistant, but my bunny doesn’t seem to know that.
Coneflowers
If you don’t like Black-Eyed Susans, you won’t like coneflowers because they spread the same. I love these flowers, not only for my monarch, but they make great cut flowers as well. They love full sun and grow to about 3 feet tall. They are pretty maintenance free, except they will wilt if you don’t keep them watered. Bloom time is mid-summer.