Which plants attract butterflies?

Answered by Jason Smith

When it comes to attracting butterflies to your garden, there are several plants that can do the job beautifully. One such plant is phlox. Phlox is a low-growing, spreading plant that forms a blanket of blooms all summer long. Its vibrant, fragrant flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white, and they are a favorite of butterflies.

Another great plant for attracting butterflies is coneflower, also known as echinacea. This beautiful flower not only adds a pop of color to your garden with its pink, purple, or white petals, but it also serves as a valuable nectar source for butterflies. The cone-shaped center of the flower provides a landing pad for butterflies to rest and feed on the sweet nectar.

Lantana is another fantastic choice for attracting butterflies. This hardy plant produces clusters of brightly colored flowers that are irresistible to butterflies. The flowers come in a range of hues, including yellow, orange, and pink, and they bloom from spring to fall, providing a long-lasting food source for butterflies.

If you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching plant to attract butterflies, consider bluestar, also known as Amsonia hubrichtii. This native perennial features delicate blue flowers and feathery green foliage. Not only does it provide nectar for butterflies, but it also serves as a host plant for their caterpillars, making it an essential addition to any butterfly garden.

Pot marigolds, or calendula, are another excellent choice for attracting butterflies. These cheerful, daisy-like flowers come in a range of warm colors, such as orange and yellow, and they bloom profusely throughout the summer. Butterflies are particularly drawn to the nectar-rich blooms of pot marigolds.

Black-eyed Susans are a classic choice for attracting butterflies. These bright yellow flowers with dark centers are a favorite of many butterfly species. They bloom from midsummer to early fall and provide a reliable nectar source for butterflies during that time.

Blazing star flowers, also known as liatris spicata, are tall, spiky plants that produce beautiful purple flowers. These flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Their unique shape and vibrant color make them a standout in any garden.

Lastly, heliotrope is a fragrant flowering plant that butterflies find irresistible. Its clusters of tiny, purple flowers emit a sweet scent that attracts butterflies from afar. Heliotrope is a great choice for adding both beauty and fragrance to your butterfly garden.

In my personal experience, I have found that planting a variety of these butterfly-attracting plants in my garden has resulted in a constant flutter of colorful wings. It is truly a delight to watch butterflies dance among the flowers, and I have found that by providing them with a diverse range of nectar sources, I can enjoy their presence throughout the entire summer season.

If you want to attract butterflies to your garden, consider planting phlox, coneflower, lantana, bluestar, pot marigolds, black-eyed Susans, blazing star flowers, and heliotrope. These plants not only add beauty to your garden but also serve as valuable food sources for butterflies. By creating a welcoming habitat for these magnificent creatures, you can enjoy their presence and contribute to their conservation.