Butterfly Garden Pattern No. 4

Overview

I think you’ll like the vertical strength of Echinacea along with the mounding, flowing foliage of Monarda bradburiana. It’s an interactive, compatible combination. The Monarda flowers first then the Echinacea begins flowering as the Monarda is finishing up. The Monarda’s marble size seed heads accent the large  flat flowers of the Echinacea. Good partners!

Stewardship

Not much to do!!  The dense foliage of both plants covers the ground by mid-June, suppressing weed development. As the Monarda finishes flowering don’t deadhead them! The rounded seed heads are a striking green to brownish/purple color. Too nice!! Also don’t deadhead the Echinacea! The seedheads are strong architectural element. Cut everything back in March before your bulbs come up. Leave the plants leaf and stem remnants in the garden, that’s their healthy mulch. Plants have been self-mulching since they appeared on Earth.

BUTTERFLIES, BIRDS AND POLLINATORS

The Echinacea are very beneficial for Bumble Bees and over dozen native bees, butterflies and moths. Hummingbirds are frequent visitors to Echinacea. The seeds of Echinacea in late summer and early Autumn are enjoyed by Goldfinch. The Monarda is great for Hummingbirds,  Hummingbird Moths, Bees and Butterflies.

*These garden plans can be followed explicitly or adjusted to meet individual needs, unlocking rich perennial landscape designs for individualization and creativity.