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Dreaming of a backyard full of colorful butterflies?
It’s easier than you think! Plant the right flowers and watch your yard transform.
Discover the 10 best plants to attract butterflies and create a magical butterfly wonderland.
Ready to get started?
Let’s dive in!
1. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Milkweed is crucial for Monarch butterflies. It is the only plant where they lay eggs and their caterpillars feed. Varieties like Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) and Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) stand out for their vibrant flowers and resilience.
2. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)
Select varieties of Butterfly Bush are designed to be non-invasive, making them a favorite for butterfly gardens. Their cone-shaped flower clusters come in shades of purple, pink, and white. These tiny blossoms provide plenty of nectar, attracting butterflies to your garden.
3. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
Coneflowers offer drought resistance and durability. They showcase large, daisy-reminiscent blooms with prominent centers. Available in a myriad of colors, these flowers attract butterflies with their nectar and birds with their seeds. You’ll find them a great addition to any garden.
4. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana’s vibrant, multihued flower clusters make it a popular choice for gardens. This sun-loving plant attracts butterflies with its rich nectar and visually striking blooms. The presence of Lantana enhances any garden with color and life.
5. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
For a taller backdrop in your butterfly garden, Joe-Pye Weed makes a statement with its mauve-pink, vanilla-scented flower heads. It blooms in late summer when many other flowers have finished, offering a late-season source of nectar for butterflies.
6. Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Phlox is adored for its stunning clusters of fragrant flowers that come in shades of pink and purple. It’s not just pretty; it’s also a great nectar source, making it perfect for attracting butterflies to your garden.
7. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Known as stonecrop, Sedum has thick leaves and stunning star-shaped flowers that butterflies love. Varieties like ‘Autumn Joy’ add beauty to your garden in late summer and even into fall.
8. Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Blazing Star, also known as Gayfeather, captivates with its tall purple flower spikes. It provides a perfect landing spot for butterflies. Known for its extended blooming season and drought resistance, it’s both practical and stunning in your garden.
9. Aster (Aster spp.)
Asters bring vibrant color to your garden in late summer and fall, just when other blooms are starting to fade. Their daisy-like flowers are great for attracting butterflies and provide crucial late-season pollen for bees.
10. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) is often mistakenly accused of causing hay fever—it’s actually ragweed that’s the culprit. These bright, yellow-flowered plants are fantastic for late-season pollinators, drawing in a range of butterfly species with their abundant nectar.
To attract butterflies to your garden, remember to plant Goldenrod in sunny locations. Butterflies love feeding in the sun, and sunny spots are ideal for showing off these vibrant yellow blooms. By including Goldenrod in your garden design, you create a haven for butterflies and contribute to your local ecosystem’s health. Ensure there are plenty of perches and shallow water sources around, so your winged visitors can stay hydrated and content.