How is blood flower used in the landscape?

Blood flower is a great addition to perennial borders, cottage gardens, and meadow gardens. For the best visual impact, its slender and airy growth style complements well when combined with other tall plants that have a relaxed growth pattern. Consider mixing it with other milkweeds, coneflowers, asters, Liatris, and ornamental grasses. While this plant has traditionally been popular in butterfly gardens, some experts now recommend using different native milkweed species instead.

Will deer eat blood flower?

No, blood flowers are typically avoided by deer.

Should I prune back my blood flower plants?

Yes, blood flowers can disrupt the natural migratory route of monarch butterflies, it is advisable to prevent them from seeding and spreading, particularly in regions without severe winters. Trim the plants at ground level during autumn to prevent seeding. In locations with mild winters, prune the blood flowers every few weeks to avoid year-round flowering.

Can I grow my plants in containers?

Yes, blood flowers are pretty easy to grow in a container. Use a fairly large, deep container to provide room for the tap root. Use regular commercial potting mix and blend with vermiculite or extra perlite to improve drainage. Plants will need watered regularly in containers.

Are blood flower plants a good attractant for the monarch butterfly?

Bloodflower is a host for the parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, which can weaken monarch butterfly populations. Also, blood flowers may harm monarch butterflies in zones where the plant is perennial, because monarchs continue to feed on blood flower into winter, disturbing their migration.

What are some good companion plants for butterfly weed?

Perennial such as crocosmia, anthemis, kniphofia and agapanthus all go well with common milkweed.