Does milkweed need full sun or shade to grow best?

 Does milkweed need 

Butterfly gardeners know the importance of milkweed. This plant family is essential to the survival of monarch butterflies because it is the only host plant their caterpillars feed on. As scientists emphasize the importance of providing this valuable plant as much as possible, gardeners often ask: Does milkweed need full sun to thrive? Find out if you have the right growing conditions.

Does Milkweed Need Full Sun?

The answer depends on the type of dairy you are raising. For many, common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is the most readily available. This fast-growing plant has large leaves that can sustain large numbers of caterpillars and is native to much of the eastern United States and Canada. The many flowering heads draw adult butterflies of many species, including monarchs, making it a wonderful all-in-one garden plant.

Common milkweed prefers full sun. It does best when it gets 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Not all gardens can offer this kind of exposure. Fortunately, there are some types of milkweed that can handle a little more shade.

What happens when milkweed doesn't get enough sun?

In shade, many milkweed species will not grow or flower as much. Shady areas are often slightly damp, which can cause disease in both plants and caterpillars. Avoid these problems by spacing milkweed plants well to promote better air circulation.

Can milkweed get too much sunlight?

Except for varieties that prefer partial shade, milkweed plants can generally handle all the sunlight you can give them. If you live in an area with exceptionally hot, dry summers, plant native varieties that have evolved inland to handle the heat.

If yours still seem to be struggling, they may benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. They may need extra water during heat waves. Otherwise, most milkweed plants love the sun!

What succulents are best for shady conditions?

Some species are better adapted to grow in shaded conditions. In the wild, they are usually found on the understory of woodlands. Here are some of the best milkweed choices for shady spots:

Poke milkweed (A. exaltata): This invasive species shares its native range with common milkweed, making it a perfect alternative for many butterfly gardeners in the eastern United States and Canada. It prefers partial shade to grow best.

Purple milkweed (A. purpurascens): If you like the look of common milkweed but need more shade tolerance, purple milkweed is a great choice. It is much less aggressive than A. syriaca. Purple milkweed is native to the northeastern U.S., west through Texas.

Swamp Milkweed (A. incarnata): As its name suggests, this species grows in moist areas, often along streams. It likes full sun, but can handle part-shade, especially in the afternoon. It has a wider range than the milkweed, extending as far south as Florida and Texas and westward through the Rockies.

Aquatic milkweed (A. perennis): Native to the southeastern United States, this species tolerates shade but requires moist soil to thrive. It is smaller than the swamp milkweed and therefore cannot support many caterpillars. However, it is a good choice in shaded southeastern rain gardens.

Whorl milkweed (A. verticillata): Native to much of the eastern United States, whorl milkweed can handle part sun, and its white flowers look great in a shady setting. Foliage has very narrow leaves, and individual plants do not provide much food for monarchs. If you can grow it in large patches, consider adding it to your partially-shaded spots.

With more than 70 species of milkweed found throughout North America, there's a good selection for any garden. Do some research to find varieties native to your area, and ask your local extension office or native plant nursery for advice.