Best Flowers for Butterflies
A butterfly garden needs two things:
- Nectar plants for adult butterflies
- Host plants for caterpillars
If you only provide flowers, you are feeding visitors.
If you provide host plants too, you are supporting the full life cycle.
Nectar Plants
Excellent choices include:
- Zinnias
- Coneflowers
- Lantana
- Asters
- Goldenrod
- Joe-Pye weed
- Verbena
- Salvia
Milkweed
Milkweeds are host plants for monarch caterpillars.
Choose species appropriate to your region and site.
Parsley, Dill, and Fennel
These herbs can host black swallowtail caterpillars.
If caterpillars eat the leaves, that is success.
Passionflower
Native passionflower vines support Gulf fritillary caterpillars.
Give vines a support and space to spread.
Native Violets
Violets serve as host plants for several fritillary butterflies.
Cassia and Senna
Some native and adapted senna species host sulfur butterflies.
Fall Nectar Matters
Migrating and late-season butterflies rely heavily on fall flowers.
Plant:
- Asters
- Goldenrod
- Late salvias
- Lantana
Provide Shelter
Butterflies benefit from:
- Shrubs
- Tall grasses
- Dense perennial beds
- Protected sunny areas
Sun Is Important
Butterflies need warmth to become active.
Place nectar beds where they receive plenty of sun.
Avoid Broad-Spectrum Insecticides
A product that kills caterpillars will also kill butterfly caterpillars.
Identify the insect before treating.
GardenGrowz Tip
If you want butterflies, accept some chewed leaves.
Caterpillars are future butterflies.