Want More Monarchs? Plant These 9 Nectar-Rich Flowers

Want more monarchs fluttering through your yard? Go beyond the usual blooms and try nectar-rich flowers that stand out from the crowd. These lesser-known varieties are just as valuable—and sometimes even more resilient or better timed—for supporting migrating butterflies.

From long bloomers to fall favorites, these 9 plants are hidden gems for creating a monarch magnet garden.

Tithonia rotundifolia (Mexican Sunflower)

A fast-growing annual with bold orange blooms, Tithonia offers abundant nectar and a bright target for monarchs. It thrives in poor soil and hot conditions, blooming right when monarchs migrate south. Bonus: It grows tall, giving butterflies a high landing spot.

Ironweed (Vernonia spp.)

This native perennial sports deep purple flowers late in summer—perfect timing for hungry monarchs heading south. It prefers moist soil but is drought-tolerant once established, and its tall, sturdy stems attract pollinators of all kinds.

Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop)

A fragrant member of the mint family, this plant’s spikes of lavender-blue flowers are rich in nectar. Monarchs love it, and so do bees and hummingbirds. It’s both ornamental and useful, blooming midsummer through early fall.

Salvia farinacea (Mealycup Sage)

This hardy annual or short-lived perennial boasts tall spires of blue or violet flowers that monarchs can’t resist. It’s heat-tolerant, blooms for months, and adds bold vertical texture to pollinator beds.

Coreopsis tinctoria (Plains Coreopsis)

Not your average tickseed, this wildflower has bicolor yellow and burgundy blooms that monarchs adore. It self-seeds easily, thrives in poor soil, and adds color and motion to sunny garden spaces.

Monarda citriodora (Lemon Bee Balm)

Unlike the common red bee balm, this lemon-scented version is more compact and blooms earlier. Its unique lavender pom-pom flowers provide rich nectar for monarchs and other pollinators. Great for drier gardens and meadows.

Heliotropium arborescens (Heliotrope)

Known for its sweet vanilla scent, heliotrope produces deep purple or white flower clusters that offer a steady nectar supply. Monarchs are especially drawn to its fragrance. Plant it in pots or borders where it can get full sun and regular moisture.

Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue)

This spring-blooming native has tubular white flowers that provide early nectar for monarchs emerging from overwintering. It’s drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and great for naturalistic gardens.

Scabiosa atropurpurea (Pincushion Flower)

This long-blooming annual produces richly colored blooms in purples, reds, and pinks. Monarchs love its accessible nectar, and the plant’s compact size makes it perfect for containers or tight flower beds.

Support monarchs with these uncommon, nectar-rich flowers that add beauty and life to your garden. Plant a mix and enjoy a season full of fluttering wings.