It is beginning. Populations of monarch butterflies, traveling from as far north as southern Canada, are beginning their 3,000-mile-plus winged journey southward to roost in the fir forests of central Mexico. They’ll stay there through our Midwest winter until spring, when they begin their flight back to us. And, hopefully, they will do so in flourishing numbers.

Allium ‘Summer Beauty’ (Allium Tanguticum) – Early-Season Pollinator

Several environmental and wildlife organizations including the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project, Monarch Watch, which has a current monarch tagging program to help study the numbers, the Illinois Monarch Project and the National Wildlife Federation note that general loss of habitat is contributing to a steady population decline. A couple of years ago, in July 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) said the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus plexippus) is noted as “Endangered” on its Red List of Threatened Species. Here in the States, monarchs qualify for the government’s threatened or endangered species list, but are waitlisted for now.

According to a recent article in the Chicago Tribune, which refers to the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project’s work, the number of eggs butterflies are laying is down this year throughout the Upper Midwest. Several factors, including a challenging overwintering in Mexico last year, contribute. But monarch populations have been continuing a steady decline since the 1990s. Of prime concern is loss of habitat that includes specifically milkweed and nectar-rich plants.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) – Mid-Season Pollinator

Monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed – its leaves are the only food source for its larvae. Nutrients that its caterpillars ingest protect them from predators and fuel their development into butterflies. Without this habitat, monarchs simply cannot thrive.

Monarch butterflies are a critical part of our human lives because they are powerhouse pollinators. They are essential to our life on Earth because their work supports the work of other pollinators that produce our food, shelter and clothing.

Orange Stonecrop (Sedum kamtschaticum) – Late-Season Pollinator

Loss of viable habitat for monarch butterflies to lay their eggs, feed themselves and get the rest they need for their journey is the challenge, exacerbated by in-situ use of pesticides, more frequent and harsher weather events, and predators that include spiders, fire ants and two Midwest bird species, black-headed grosbeaks and black-backed orioles.

Our industry understands the need to protect our precious pollinators. New varieties, popular at retail, wholesale and in landscapes, consider hardiness, flowering and adaptability.

Royal Candles Veronica (Veronica spicata ‘Royal Candles’) – Mid-Season Pollinator

Along with other hardy, sun-loving perennials, these provide a viable nutrient source for butterflies and other important pollinators. They include Allium, Veronica and Abelia, among others. Planting milkweed and other important pollinator plants adjacent to colorful cutting, vegetable and herb gardens serves a dual purpose for monarchs and the pollinators they support.

The situation is concerning. But it isn’t without hope.

Intentional planting in landscape design can go a long way in bringing back habitat for our marvelous workhorse pollinators, especially the monarch. This means consciously infusing gardens with native plants that will provide color, continuous bold blooms and viable food sources, as well as fresh water from moisture.

Sunshine Daydream Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora ‘Sunshine Daydream’) – Late-Season Pollinator

Because they sip, monarchs cannot land on water to drink, but they do like mud puddles and moving water from bubble fountains, waterfalls or sprinklers. Our pollinators love bright colors because they’re easier to spot in the air – so bright blooms in the garden are always welcome. Site pollinator plants in full sun where they can sparkle, but in areas of the landscape where they’ll have protection from winds and heavy rainstorms.

Design landscape installations and renovations that encourage life of the entire local ecosystem, not plants only for spring, summer and fall beauty. Intentional planting is mindfulness about planting for bloom consistency throughout each of the transitions of our Midwest seasons.

Select plants for hardiness, drought tolerance and disease and pest resistance. A reliance on organic methods for growth and maintenance is good for pollinators and wildlife, and for humans.

Meyer Lilac (Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’) – Early-Spring Pollinator

At Loma Vista Nursery, we’re committed to growing Midwest plants that support a thriving monarch butterfly and pollinator population. We hope you will join us in this commitment by planting milkweed and other Midwest-hardy pollinator plants.

By incorporating fresh water sources, including organic practices and plants that offer shelter, continuous bloom and nutrients from viable nectar sources, we can make a difference in the return, year after year, of a thriving monarch population that provides all of us with immeasurable benefits.

Fiber Optics® Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis ‘Bailoptics’) – Mid-Season Pollinator – Photo: Bailey Nurseries First Editions Trees & Shrubs

Learn More About Loma Vista Nursery’s Landscape Plants

Loma Vista Nursery grows a variety of perennials, trees and shrubs for Midwest independent garden centers, landscape contractors and wholesale distributors. Our staff members – all experts in the field – love helping people learn about plants and the healthy varieties we grow.

For help with orders and plant-related questions, send an email to sales@lomavistanursery.com or call (785) 229-7200. Review Loma Vista Nursery’s plant catalog for information and visit our website to learn about our values and best practices as a Midwest plant grower.