I like both plants, but for longevity, plant butterfly weed. Pearly everlastings don't ever last through the summer here. Just MHO.

Sandy

Milkweed for win cant go wrong they love it ..Its like 2 for the price of one hehehe host and food.....
Angie

Sweet Melissa, I grew Pearly Everlastings last year for the first time. They successfully attracted and hosted American Ladies in their first year. So far this year, the plants have not returned...could be a late emerging perennial or could be one that must be treated as an annual in my area. I am NOT impressed with the plant itself as an ornamental type...it sags badly and the blooms, while attractive in form and color, are really very tiny. If this plant does not come back, I will certainly reorder in the future as an effective host plant. Mine were ordered from Sweet Nectar Nurseries along with half a dozen other varieties...all of which have done very well. I consider them to be on my recommended list of suppliers. Shown below are a few photos of the plant and the caterpillars.

Bob

This is the form and appearance of a mature plant in bloom.
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Close-up of the blooms...the caterpillars build nests of these blooms and then consume the nests.
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One of the nests with a caterpillar inside.
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Opened nest with caterpillar.
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