Creating a butterfly garden is a delightful way to bring vibrant colors and lively activity into your outdoor space. Not only do butterflies add beauty, but they also play a crucial role in pollination. As a gardener passionate about both flora and fauna, I’m thrilled to share with you some of the best flowers that will attract these enchanting creatures to your garden. Each plant offers unique benefits and growing conditions that cater to both the butterflies and your gardening enjoyment.
Butterflies are attracted to bright, fragrant flowers where they can easily access nectar. By selecting a diverse array of flowers that bloom at different times, you can ensure a continuous supply of food for the butterflies. Let’s dive into the world of butterfly-friendly flowers and learn how to cultivate these stunning blooms in your garden.
Butterfly Bush
The butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) is a magnet for butterflies, thanks to its abundant clusters of fragrant, nectar-rich flowers. This hardy shrub is easy to grow and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Plant your butterfly bush in the spring or fall, ensuring it has plenty of space to accommodate its growth, which can reach up to 10 feet tall and wide.
Pruning is essential for maintaining the butterfly bush’s shape and encouraging more blooms. Cut back the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This encourages a flush of vibrant flowers that will attract butterflies throughout the summer and into early fall. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
Milkweed
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) is crucial for the survival of monarch butterflies, as it is the only plant on which they lay their eggs. This perennial wildflower is also a rich nectar source for various other butterfly species. Milkweed thrives in full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil.
Plant milkweed in the spring or fall, spacing the plants about 18 inches apart. Water them regularly until they are established. Once mature, milkweed is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. Besides its ecological importance, milkweed’s clusters of pink, orange, or white flowers add a striking visual appeal to your garden.
Coneflower
Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.) are a staple in butterfly gardens due to their long-lasting blooms and ease of care. These perennials prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established, making them an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. Plant coneflowers in the spring, spacing them about 1 to 3 feet apart.
Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming from summer to fall. Coneflowers also produce seeds that attract birds in the late season. Their vibrant purple, pink, or white petals and prominent central cones provide both aesthetic appeal and a valuable nectar source for butterflies.
Lantana
Lantana (Lantana camara) is a butterfly favorite due to its brightly colored, aromatic flower clusters that bloom from spring to frost. This tropical perennial can be grown as an annual in cooler climates. Lantana thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established.
Plant lantana in the spring after the last frost. Prune regularly to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. This plant can spread rapidly, so consider planting it in containers if you need to control its growth. The vibrant hues of lantana flowers attract a variety of butterfly species, making it a dynamic addition to any butterfly garden.
Black-Eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are known for their bright yellow petals and dark brown centers, which attract numerous butterflies. These hardy perennials prefer full sun and well-drained soil, although they can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. Plant black-eyed Susans in the spring or fall, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches apart.
Deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms and prevents self-seeding if you wish to control their spread. These flowers are also relatively drought-tolerant once established, making them a low-maintenance choice for butterfly gardens. Their cheerful appearance and butterfly-attracting properties make them a garden favorite.
Zinnia
Zinnias (Zinnia spp.) are beloved by butterflies for their vibrant colors and easy access to nectar. These annual flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant zinnias after the last frost in spring, spacing them about 12 inches apart. They grow quickly and begin to bloom within a few weeks.
Regular deadheading of zinnias promotes continuous flowering from summer to fall. These flowers are also resistant to heat and drought, making them a resilient addition to any garden. Their diverse range of colors, from bold reds to soft pastels, ensures that they can fit into any garden design.
Aster
Asters (Aster spp.) are late-blooming perennials that provide vital nectar sources for butterflies in the fall. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant asters in the spring or fall, spacing them about 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety.
Pinching back the stems in early summer can encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Asters come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, blue, and white, adding a splash of color to the garden when many other flowers are fading. Their star-shaped blooms are particularly attractive to butterflies preparing for migration.
Marigold
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are bright, cheerful flowers that attract butterflies with their vibrant colors and nectar-rich blooms. These annuals thrive in full sun and can grow in various soil types, though they prefer well-drained conditions. Plant marigolds after the last frost, spacing them about 6 to 12 inches apart.
Marigolds are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them easy to care for. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming throughout the summer and fall. In addition to attracting butterflies, marigolds can help repel pests, making them beneficial companions in the garden.
Joe Pye Weed
Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium spp.) is a native perennial that attracts butterflies with its large, fragrant flower clusters. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Plant Joe Pye weed in the spring or fall, spacing the plants about 2 to 4 feet apart.
These tall plants can reach heights of up to 7 feet, making them excellent for the back of flower beds or naturalized areas. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells. The mauve-pink flowers bloom from late summer to early fall, providing a critical nectar source for butterflies during this period.
Verbena
Verbena (Verbena spp.) is a butterfly magnet, known for its clusters of small, fragrant flowers that bloom from spring to frost. This versatile plant can be grown as an annual or perennial, depending on the variety and climate. Verbena prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Plant verbena in the spring, spacing them about 12 inches apart. Regular deadheading helps maintain continuous blooming. Verbena is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for butterfly gardens. The vibrant purple, pink, and white flowers add a lovely touch to any garden setting.
Bee Balm
Bee balm (Monarda spp.) is a native perennial known for its bright, tubular flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Plant bee balm in the spring or fall, spacing the plants about 18 to 24 inches apart.
Bee balm can spread rapidly, so consider dividing the plants every few years to maintain their vigor. Regular watering and deadheading encourage more blooms from mid-summer to early fall. The vibrant red, pink, and purple flowers, along with their aromatic foliage, make bee balm a standout in any butterfly garden.
Phlox
Phlox (Phlox spp.) offers fragrant, star-shaped flowers that are highly attractive to butterflies. This perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Plant phlox in the spring or fall, spacing the plants about 1 to 2 feet apart.
Deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms and extends the flowering period from summer to early fall. Phlox is available in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, red, and white, making it a versatile addition to any garden. Its sweet fragrance and abundant flowers make it a butterfly favorite.
Salvia
Salvia (Salvia spp.) is a hardy perennial that produces spikes of vibrant flowers, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant salvia in the spring, spacing the plants about 1 to 2 feet apart.
Salvia is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal care. Regular deadheading promotes continuous blooming from late spring to fall. The tubular flowers, available in shades of blue, purple, red, and pink, add height and color to the garden, making salvia a dynamic choice for attracting butterflies.
Cosmos
Cosmos (Cosmos spp.) are annual flowers known for their airy, daisy-like blooms that attract butterflies. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant cosmos after the last frost in spring, spacing the plants about 12 inches apart. These fast-growing flowers begin to bloom within a few weeks.
Cosmos are drought-tolerant and require minimal care, making them an easy addition to any garden. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming from summer to fall. With their delicate, feathery foliage and wide range of colors, cosmos add a whimsical touch to butterfly gardens.
Yarrow
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a hardy perennial that attracts butterflies with its flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant yarrow in the spring or fall, spacing the plants about 1 to 2 feet apart.
Yarrow is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance once established. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second flush of blooms. The flowers come in various colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red, adding both color and texture to the garden. Yarrow’s fern-like foliage and long-lasting blooms make it a great choice for butterfly gardens.
Blazing Star
Blazing star (Liatris spicata) is a native perennial that produces tall spikes of purple flowers, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant blazing star in the spring or fall, spacing the plants about 1 to 2 feet apart.
These plants are relatively drought-tolerant once established and require minimal care. The flower spikes bloom from top to bottom, providing a prolonged display from mid-summer to early fall. Blazing star’s striking vertical form and vivid color make it a standout in any butterfly garden.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) is a late-blooming perennial that provides a critical nectar source for butterflies in the fall. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant goldenrod in the spring or fall, spacing the plants about 1 to 2 feet apart.
Goldenrod is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance once established. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second bloom. The bright yellow flowers add a splash of color to the garden when many other plants have finished blooming, making goldenrod a valuable addition to a butterfly garden.
Pentas
Pentas (Pentas lanceolata) are tropical perennials that produce clusters of star-shaped flowers, attracting butterflies with their nectar. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant pentas in the spring after the last frost, spacing the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart.
Pentas require regular watering and benefit from occasional fertilization to promote continuous blooming from spring to fall. The flowers come in a range of colors, including red, pink, purple, and white, adding vibrant hues to the garden. Their long-lasting blooms and easy care make pentas a great choice for attracting butterflies.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.) is a cheerful perennial that produces bright, daisy-like flowers, attracting butterflies with its nectar. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant coreopsis in the spring, spacing the plants about 1 to 2 feet apart.
Coreopsis is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care once established. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming from late spring to fall. The flowers come in various shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red, adding a burst of color to the garden. Coreopsis’s vibrant blooms and easy maintenance make it a favorite in butterfly gardens.
Blanket Flower
Blanket flower (Gaillardia spp.) is a hardy perennial that produces bright, daisy-like flowers, attracting butterflies with its nectar. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant blanket flower in the spring, spacing the plants about 1 to 2 feet apart.
These plants are drought-tolerant and require minimal care once established. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming from late spring to fall. The flowers come in striking combinations of red, orange, and yellow, adding a splash of color to the garden. Blanket flower’s vibrant blooms and easy maintenance make it a perfect addition to butterfly gardens.
Hollyhock
Hollyhocks (Alcea spp.) are tall biennials that produce spikes of large, showy flowers, attracting butterflies with their nectar. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant hollyhocks in the spring, spacing the plants about 2 to 3 feet apart.
Hollyhocks require regular watering and benefit from staking to support their tall growth. The flowers come in a range of colors, including pink, red, yellow, and white, adding vertical interest and vibrant hues to the garden. Hollyhock’s dramatic blooms and butterfly-attracting properties make them a standout in any garden.
