I recently planted silky Scarlett milkweed instead of native varieties, thinking it would attract more monarchs. However, I've noticed that monarchs seldom visit desert milkweed in my area (Arizona). Is it a problem that I chose this type? What should I do?
3 Answers
If you want more information, check out some FAQs on milkweed. There's a lot of useful data on which types are best for supporting monarchs without causing harm.
Have you thought about using desert milkweed? It could be more beneficial for the local monarchs in your area. It's often better to stick to native plants since they’re adapted to the local environment and the insects that inhabit it.
Silky Scarlett milkweed is a tropical cultivar, and it's been reported to harm monarch populations when grown outside of their native regions. It can host a harmful parasite that affects monarchs and may confuse the migrating ones, causing them to stick around instead of continuing their journey. It's great that you're trying to support monarchs, but you might want to consider native plants instead for the best results!
I'm planning to keep it potted mainly for feeding my monarch eggs, does that change anything?