Introduction
Gardening enthusiasts and nature lovers understand the magical lullaby that flapping butterfly wings hum to the soul. Butterflies dance from flower to flower, lending color and life to the garden. Cultivating a patch that captivates these winged wonders isn’t merely about adding pop to your backyard. It’s also about helping butterfly species thrive. By planting specific flora known for attracting different butterfly species, you create a haven for them. Let’s explore ten plants you should consider for your butterfly garden.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
Buddleia, popularly known as the butterfly bush, is an all-time favorite among gardeners and butterflies. With its vibrant purples, pinks, and whites, this shrub stands out. Its sphere-shaped flower clusters release a sweet fragrance that attracts butterflies such as the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Monarch, and Painted Lady. The plant also matures quickly, offering summer-long blooms for a buzzing garden.
Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Next on the list are the coneflowers or Echinacea. Their bold stand-outflowers, ranging from white to pink to purple, are not just alluring to the human eye. They’re also enticing to butterflies like the Great Spangled Fritillary. Coneflowers are Native American wildflowers and are extremely hardy, flourishing in full sun or partial shade, making them a low-maintenance but rewarding addition to your garden.
Milkweed (Asclepias)
Milkweed is an essential plant for any butterfly garden, as it is the only plant where monarch butterflies lay their eggs. Its unique clusters of pink and mauve flowers are filled with nectar, attracting adult monarchs, as well as other butterfly species like the Queen. Prized for its resilience, milkweed requires little to no special attention, preferring well-drained soil and full sunlight.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
With their radiating yellow petals and mysterious dark center, Black-Eyed Susans add sunniness to any garden. These plants attract a wide variety of butterflies, including Painted Ladies, American Ladies, Swallowtails, and Monarchs. Plus, being perennial, these North American natives return to spread their bright cheer annually.
Lantana (Lantana)
Renowned for its colorful fiery red, orange, yellow, or pink flower clusters that bloom continuously, Lantana is sure to catch many butterfly eyes. Its aromatic leaves and flowers are loved by species such as the Buckeye and the Zebra Longwing. A sun-loving, heat-tolerant plant, Lantana is a valuable fixture for any sun-drenched butterfly garden.
Lilac (Syringa)
Syringa, better known as Lilac, offers a fragrant bouquet to any garden. Blooming in spring with abundant flowers in enchanting pink and purples hues, lilacs reel in a multitude of butterfly species, such as the Red Admiral and Tortoiseshell. Resilient to frost, lilacs thrive in cooler regions, bringing a touch of warmth to any butterfly garden.
Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium)
Joe-Pye Weed may have an unconventional name, but its tall structure and large pink flowers make it a breathtaking sight. This North American native is a magnet for various butterflies, from Monarchs to Mourning Cloaks, with its nectar-rich flowers. It performs best in sunny areas with moist soil, adding a towering presence to your garden.
Zinnias (Zinnia)
Zinnias are true conversation starters. These dazzling blooming annuals – in a variety of hot shades like fiery red, sunny yellow, and effervescent orange – call in a host of butterflies such as Swallowtails, Monarchs, and Skippers. Whether in a pot or a large garden, these easy-grow flowers bloom all summer long, offering a delicious nectar buffet for the fluttering visitors.
Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender’s enchanting scent and delicate clusters of purple-blue flowers can attract both butterflies and humans alike. One can often find the Peacock butterfly hovering around these blooms in summer. With its uniquely shaped flowers and beautiful scent, lavender offers an elegant touch to any butterfly garden and thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions.
Sunflowers (Helianthus)
Besides providing one of the best summer sceneries, Sunflowers are a beacon for a variety of butterflies, including the Red Admiral and Painted Lady. These towering flowers with bright yellow petals love a lot of sun and offer a perfect landing pad for butterflies to stop, rest, and feed.