Even if you’re not a gardener, you can appreciate the beauty of butterflies. These delicate creatures come in an array of colors and patterns, and they add a touch of whimsy to any outdoor space. If you’re looking to attract butterflies to your garden, there are a few key plants you should focus on. Keep reading to learn more about the best plants for attracting butterflies.
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.
