Butterflies are some of the most delightful and captivating creatures that we can attract to our gardens. Not only are they a joy to observe, but they also play a vital role in pollinating many of our favorite flowering plants. If you’re looking to create a butterfly-friendly oasis, consider incorporating these beautiful and butterfly-attracting plants into your landscape.
Butterfly Bush
The butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) is a fast-growing shrub that produces an abundance of nectar-rich flowers. butterfly bushes come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, red, and white, so you’re sure to find one that complements your garden’s existing color scheme. These plants are easy to care for and require little maintenance beyond occasional pruning. As an added bonus, they’re also resistant to deer and rabbits.
Lantana
Lantana (Lantana camara) is a tropical plant that’s commonly used as an annual in colder climates. These plants produce small clusters of brightly colored flowers that attract both hummingbirds and butterflies. Lantanas are heat-tolerant and relatively low-maintenance, although they do require regular watering during the hottest months of summer. As with butterfly bushes, lantanas come in a variety of colors, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste.
Wild Violets
Wild violets (Viola sororia) are one of the earliest bloomers in springtime, making them a valuable addition to any butterfly garden. These small flowers thrives in shady areas and produces nectar that’s beloved by native pollinators like bees, wasps, and butterflies. Wild violets are incredibly easy to care for and require very little maintenance beyond the occasional weeding. Best of all? They’re practically bulletproof and can survive even the most neglectful gardener.
Daffodils
These cheerful flowers are a great way to add some color to your garden, and they’re also one of the best plants for attracting butterflies. Daffodils are especially popular with sulfur and skipper butterflies.
Allium Schubertii
Allium Schubertii is a type of onion that produces clusters of showy purple flowers. These flowers are very fragrant, and they’re a favorite of both bees and butterflies. In addition to being attractive to pollinators, Allium Schubertii is also deer resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your local deer population snacking on your flowers.
Candytuft
Candytuft is a low-growing plant that produces masses of white or pink flowers. This plant is very popular with bees and Butterflies, and it’s also relatively drought tolerant, so it’s a great choice for gardens in dry climates.
Chocolate Drop Sedum
Chocolate Drop Sedum gets its name from its chocolate-colored foliage, which provides a striking contrast to its small white flowers. This plant is very easy to care for, and it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a ground cover that attracts butterflies.Skippers are especially fond of Chocolate Drop Sedum.
Korean Spice Viburnum
Korean Spice Viburnum is an ornamental shrub that produces small white flowers clustered together in large clusters. The flowers have a spicy fragrance, hence the name “Korean Spice.” This plant is very attractive to bees and Butterflies, making it a great addition to any garden.
Lavender
Lavender is a classic choice for any butterfly garden. This fragrant, drought-tolerant herb produces clusters of small, nectar-rich flowers that butterflies find irresistible. The most popular varieties for attracting butterflies include English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas).
Butterflies like the Painted Lady, Cabbage White, and Clouded Sulphur are particularly drawn to lavender’s sweet scent and abundant nectar. The plant’s silvery-green foliage also provides shelter and a place for butterflies to bask in the sun.
Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9, making it a versatile choice for many gardeners. Be sure to plant lavender in groups or drifts to create a more impactful display that will attract more butterflies.
Aster
Asters are another fantastic choice for a butterfly garden. These late-summer and fall-blooming flowers come in a wide range of colors, including purple, pink, white, and blue, and their daisy-like petals are magnets for butterflies.
Butterflies like the Monarch, Red Admiral, and American Lady are particularly drawn to asters. The plants’ nectar-rich blooms provide an important food source for these pollinators as they prepare for migration or the winter months.
Asters prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8, making them a great option for gardeners in cooler climates. When planting asters, consider grouping them together to create a more substantial display that will be more visible to passing butterflies.
Heliotrope
Another wonderful plant that can attract a variety of butterflies to your garden is heliotrope. This fragrant flowering plant comes in shades of purple, blue, and white, and its clusters of small, delicate blooms make it a magnet for many butterfly species.
Heliotrope’s sweet vanilla-like scent is irresistible to butterflies like the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Painted Lady, and Red Admiral. The nectar-rich flowers provide an abundant food source, while the plant’s broad leaves offer shelter and a place for butterflies to bask in the sun.
Heliotrope is a tender perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown as an annual in cooler climates, or as a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms throughout the growing season.
Oregano
In addition to the previously mentioned plants, oregano is another excellent choice for attracting butterflies to your garden. This aromatic herb not only adds flavor to your cooking, but its clusters of small, nectar-rich flowers are a favorite of many butterfly species.
Butterflies like the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Painted Lady, and Monarch are particularly drawn to oregano’s blooms. The plant’s strong, pungent scent helps it stand out and attract these pollinators from a distance. Oregano’s broad, green leaves also provide shelter and a place for butterflies to rest.
Oregano is a hardy perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, making it a versatile option for gardeners across a wide range of climates. Be sure to plant oregano in groups or drifts to create a more substantial display that will be more visible to passing butterflies.
Blazing Star Flowers
Another captivating plant that can attract a variety of butterflies is the blazing star flower, also known as Liatris. These tall, striking plants produce vibrant, purple-pink flower spikes that bloom from the top down, creating a unique and eye-catching display.
Butterflies like the Monarch, Painted Lady, and Swallowtail are drawn to the abundant nectar in blazing star’s tubular flowers. The plant’s long, slender leaves also provide shelter and a place for butterflies to perch and bask in the sun.
Blazing star flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, making them a versatile choice for many gardeners. When planting blazing stars, consider grouping them together to create a more substantial display that will be more visible to passing butterflies.
Marigolds
Marigolds are another excellent choice for attracting butterflies to your garden. These cheerful, fragrant flowers come in a range of vibrant colors, including yellow, orange, and red, and their pollen-rich blooms are a favorite of many butterfly species.
Butterflies like the Sulphur, Painted Lady, and Monarch are particularly drawn to marigolds. The plants’ strong, pungent scent helps them stand out and attract these pollinators from a distance. Marigolds’ finely-textured foliage also provides shelter and a place for butterflies to rest.
Marigolds are easy to grow and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 2-11, making them a versatile choice for gardeners across a wide range of climates. When planting marigolds, consider grouping them together in clusters or borders to create a more impactful display that will be more visible to passing butterflies.
Bee Balm
Another fantastic plant for attracting butterflies to your garden is bee balm, also known as Monarda. This fragrant, showy perennial produces clusters of tubular flowers in a range of vibrant colors, including red, pink, purple, and white, that are irresistible to many butterfly species.
Butterflies like the Monarch, Swallowtail, and Painted Lady are particularly drawn to the abundant nectar in bee balm’s flowers. The plant’s aromatic foliage also provides shelter and a place for butterflies to bask in the sun.
Bee balm thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It’s hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, making it a versatile choice for gardeners across a wide range of climates. When planting bee balm, consider grouping it with other nectar-rich flowers like zinnias, lantana, and cosmos to create a lush, butterfly-friendly oasis.
Black-Eyed Susans
Black-Eyed Susans are a classic choice for attracting butterflies to your garden. These cheerful, daisy-like flowers bloom in shades of yellow and gold, creating a vibrant display that is sure to catch the eye of passing butterflies.
Butterflies like the Painted Lady, Sulphur, and Skipper are particularly drawn to the abundant nectar in Black-Eyed Susans’ flowers. The plants’ tall, sturdy stems also provide a perch for butterflies to rest and bask in the sun.
Black-Eyed Susans prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, making them a versatile choice for many gardeners. When planting Black-Eyed Susans, consider grouping them together in drifts or borders to create a more be more visible to passing butterflies.
Fennel
In addition to the previously mentioned plants, fennel is another excellent choice for attracting butterflies to your garden. This aromatic, feathery-leaved herb not only adds flavor to your cooking, but its clusters of small, yellow flowers are a favorite of many butterfly species.
Fennel is a host plant for the Black Swallowtail butterfly, providing food for its caterpillars. But the plant’s nectar-rich blooms also attract a variety of other butterflies, including the Painted Lady, Monarch, and Sulphur.
Fennel thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-10, making it a versatile option for gardeners across a wide range of climates. When planting fennel, be sure to give it plenty of space, as it can grow quite large and spread readily.
Salvia
Another captivating plant that can attract a diverse array of butterflies is salvia, also known as sage. These vibrant, nectar-rich flowers come in a range of colors, including red, purple, blue, and white, and their tubular blooms are a favorite of many butterfly species.
Butterflies like the Hummingbird Moth, Painted Lady, and Swallowtail are drawn to salvia’s abundant nectar. The plant’s aromatic foliage also provides shelter and a place for butterflies to bask in the sun.
Salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-10, making it a versatile choice for many gardeners. When planting salvia, consider grouping it with other nectar-rich flowers like lantana, verbena, and zinnia to create a lush, butterfly-friendly oasis.
Pentas
Pentas are a must-have plant for any butterfly garden. These showy, star-shaped flowers come in a range of vibrant colors, including red, pink, purple, and white, and their clusters of nectar-rich blooms are a magnet for a variety of butterfly species.
Butterflies like the Swallowtail, Painted Lady, and Monarch are particularly drawn to pentas’ abundant nectar. The plant’s broad, green leaves also provide shelter and a place for butterflies to rest.
Pentas are tender perennials that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They can be grown as annuals in cooler climates, or as perennials in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11. When planting pentas, consider grouping them together in clusters or borders to create a more impactful display that will be more visible to passing butterflies.
Sunflowers
No butterfly garden is complete without the addition of sunflowers. These cheerful, iconic blooms not only provide a stunning visual display, but their pollen-rich flowers are a magnet for a wide variety of butterfly species.
Butterflies like the Painted Lady, Sulphur, and Skipper are particularly drawn to sunflowers’ abundant nectar and pollen. The plants’ tall, sturdy stems also provide a perch for butterflies to rest and bask in the sun.
Sunflowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 2-11, making them a versatile choice for gardeners across a wide range of climates. When planting sunflowers, consider choosing a variety with a longer bloom time, such as the ‘Sunspot’ or ‘Sunbright’ cultivars, to extend the butterfly-attracting season.
Phlox
Phlox is another excellent choice for attracting butterflies to your garden. These fragrant, nectar-rich flowers come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, white, and red, and their clusters of blooms are a favorite of many butterfly species.
Butterflies like the Swallowtail, Painted Lady, and Skipper are particularly drawn to phlox’s abundant nectar. The plant’s broad, green foliage also provides shelter and a place for butterflies to rest.
Phlox thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It’s hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8, making it a versatile choice for many gardeners. When planting phlox, consider grouping it with other nectar-rich flowers like lantana, zinnia, and verbena to create a lush, butterfly-friendly oasis.
Daylily
Another excellent choice for attracting butterflies to your garden is the daylily. These vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers come in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, red, and pink, and their nectar-rich blooms are a favorite of many butterfly species.
Butterflies like the Swallowtail, Painted Lady, and Skipper are particularly drawn to daylilies’ abundant nectar. The plant’s lush, green foliage also provides shelter and a place for butterflies to rest.
Daylilies thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, making them a versatile choice for gardeners across a wide range of climates. When planting daylilies, consider grouping them together in drifts or borders to create a more impactful display that will be more visible to passing butterflies.
Hollyhocks
Another captivating plant that can attract a diverse array of butterflies is the hollyhock. These stately, towering flowers come in a range of colors, including red, pink, white, and yellow, and their large, nectar-rich blooms are a favorite of many butterfly species.
Butterflies like the Painted Lady, Swallowtail, and Skipper are drawn to hollyhocks’ abundant nectar. The plant’s broad, green leaves also provide shelter and a place for butterflies to rest.
Hollyhocks thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8, making them a versatile choice for many gardeners. When planting hollyhocks, consider grouping them together in the back of a border or along a fence or wall to create a dramatic, eye-catching display that will be more visible to passing butterflies.
Coneflower
Coneflowers are a must-have plant for any butterfly garden. These vibrant, daisy-like flowers come in a range of colors, including purple, pink, white, and yellow, and their nectar-rich blooms are a favorite of many butterfly species.
Butterflies like the Swallowtail, Painted Lady, and Skipper are particularly drawn to coneflowers’ abundant nectar. The plant’s sturdy, upright stems also provide a perch for butterflies to rest and bask in the sun.
Coneflowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, making them a versatile choice for gardeners across a wide range of climates. When planting coneflowers, consider grouping them together in drifts or borders to create a more impactful display that will be more visible to passing butterflies.
Cardinal Flower
One of the most striking and captivating plants for attracting butterflies is the cardinal flower. These vibrant, scarlet-red blooms are a true showstopper in the garden, and their nectar-rich flowers are a favorite of many butterfly species.
Butterflies like the Swallowtail, Hummingbird Moth, and Painted Lady are particularly drawn to the cardinal flower’s abundant nectar. The plant’s tall, slender stems also provide a perch for butterflies to rest and bask in the sun.
Cardinal flowers thrive in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, making them a versatile choice for gardeners across a wide range of climates. When planting cardinal flowers, consider grouping them together in drifts or borders to create a more impactful display that will be more visible to passing butterflies.
Floss Flower
Another excellent choice for attracting butterflies to your garden is the floss flower, also known as ageratum. These fluffy, powder-puff-like blooms come in a range of colors, including blue, purple, and white, and their nectar-rich flowers are a favorite of many butterfly species.
Butterflies like the Painted Lady, Sulphur, and Skipper are particularly drawn to the floss flower’s abundant nectar. The plant’s dense, mounding habit also provides shelter and a place for butterflies to rest.
Floss flowers thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11, making them a good choice for gardeners in warmer climates. When planting floss flowers, consider grouping them together in borders or containers to create a more cohesive and visually striking display.
Joe-Pye Weed
Joe-Pye weed is a must-have plant for any butterfly garden. These towering, mauve-pink flowers are a true showstopper, and their nectar-rich blooms are a favorite of many butterfly species.
Butterflies like the Monarch, Swallowtail, and Painted Lady are particularly drawn to Joe-Pye weed’s abundant nectar. The plant’s large, sturdy stems also provide a perch for butterflies to rest and bask in the sun.
Joe-Pye weed thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, making it a versatile choice for gardeners across a wide range of climates. When planting Joe-Pye weed, consider grouping it with other tall, nectar-rich flowers like sunflowers or coneflowers to create a lush, butterfly-friendly oasis.
Sedum
Another excellent choice for attracting butterflies to your garden is sedum, also known as stonecrop. These succulent, low-growing plants come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, and yellow, and their nectar-rich flowers are a favorite of many butterfly species.
Butterflies like the Painted Lady, Sulphur, and Skipper are particularly drawn to sedum’s abundant nectar. The plant’s fleshy, drought-tolerant foliage also provides shelter and a place for butterflies to rest.
Sedum thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, making it a versatile choice for gardeners across a wide range of climates. When planting sedum, consider grouping it together in drifts or borders to create a more impactful display that will be more visible to passing butterflies.
Agapanthus
Another captivating plant that can attract a diverse array of butterflies is the agapanthus, also known as the African lily. These stately, globe-shaped flowers come in a range of colors, including blue, purple, and white, and their nectar-rich blooms are a favorite of many butterfly species.
Butterflies like the Swallowtail, Painted Lady, and Skipper are drawn to agapanthus’ abundant nectar. The plant’s tall, sturdy stems also provide a perch for butterflies to rest and bask in the sun.
Agapanthus thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10, making it a good choice for gardeners in warmer climates. When planting agapanthus, consider grouping it together in the back of a border or along a fence or wall to create a dramatic, eye-catching display that will be more visible to passing butterflies.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod is a must-have plant for any butterfly garden. These vibrant, golden-yellow flowers are a true showstopper, and their nectar-rich blooms are a favorite of many butterfly species.
Butterflies like the Monarch, Swallowtail, and Painted Lady are particularly drawn to goldenrod’s abundant nectar. The plant’s tall, sturdy stems also provide a perch for butterflies to rest and bask in the sun.
Goldenrod thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, making it a versatile choice for gardeners across a wide range of climates. When planting goldenrod, consider grouping it with other tall, nectar-rich flowers like coneflowers or Joe-Pye weed to create a lush, butterfly-friendly oasis.
By incorporating these additional butterfly-attracting plants into your garden, you’ll be well on your way to creating a vibrant, diverse, and thriving ecosystem that will delight you and your winged visitors for years to come.
