Do you like to watch butterflies flutter around in your garden? If not, maybe you should! Here are some tips on how to attract these beautiful creatures to your yard. Butterflies are a joy to watch and they can also tell us a lot about our environment.
So, why not put in a little effort to make your garden more butterfly friendly? It’s definitely worth the try!
Table of Contents
What Are Common Butterfly Species You Might Find in the Garden?
As any gardener knows, butterflies are one of the most beautiful and precious creatures on earth.
There are thousands of different species of butterflies, and each one has its own unique pattern and colors.
While all butterflies are beautiful, there are some species that are more common than others. Here are a few of the most common butterfly species that you might find in your garden.
The Monarch butterfly is perhaps the most iconic butterfly species. With its striking orange and black wings, the Monarch is easily recognizable. These butterflies can be found in gardens all across North America.
The Painted Lady butterfly is another common species. These butterflies are slightly smaller than Monarch butterflies, and they have a more muted color palette.
However, their wings are still incredibly beautiful. Painted Lady butterflies can be found in gardens throughout the world.
The Black Swallowtail butterfly is another common garden visitor. These butterflies are large and black, with yellow stripes running across their wings.
Black Swallowtail butterflies can be found in gardens throughout North America.
As you can see, there are many different types of butterflies that you might find in your garden. Each one is unique and beautiful in its own way.
So take a moment to appreciate these amazing creatures – and take steps to invite them to your garden this season.
1. Go Organic
If you choose to go organic in the garden, you can create an environment that is ideal for butterfly populations.
Organic pesticides are less likely to harm butterfly populations, and organic fertilizers help to encourage the growth of nectar-rich flowers.
In addition, by avoiding the use of herbicides, you can create a refuge for caterpillars, which are an important food source for many species of butterflies.
2. Use Window Boxes
One way to help attract butterflies to the garden is to use window boxes. Window Boxes provide a safe place for butterflies to lay their eggs and shelter from the wind and rain.
In addition, they offer a variety of nectar-rich flowers for adult butterflies to feed on.
By planting a few window boxes filled with butterfly-friendly plants, you can help make your garden more attractive to these delicate creatures.
3. Weed Less
There is one simple way to attract more butterflies to the garden: reduce the amount of weed control products that are used. Many of these products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to butterflies.
In addition, these products often kill beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, that help to keep the garden healthy.
So how do you keep weeds down in the garden, then? When it comes to encouraging butterfly populations, there’s one simple way to do this – just don’t weed as often.
There are some benefits to letting a few weeds grow in the garden. One benefit is that some weeds actually attract butterflies.
Butterflies are important pollinators, and their presence can help to increase the yield of fruits and vegetables.
In addition, many people enjoy watching butterflies flit from plant to plant, and a few weeds in the garden can provide them with a much-needed source of food.
4. Grow the Right Plants
Any gardener knows that butterflies can add beauty and life to a garden. But attracting these delicate creatures can be tricky. The key is to grow the right plants.
Butterfly Bush
The butterfly bush is a type of flowering plant that is very attractive to these insects. The flowers are typically a deep purple or blue color, and they produce a sweet nectar that butterflies love.
In addition, butterfly bushes are easy to care for and can thrive in most climates.
Buttonbush
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. It grows in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, woodlands, and prairies.
Buttonbush gets its name from the round, button-like clusters of white flowers that bloom in late summer.
These flowers are very attractive to butterflies, which are drawn to the nectar they produce. In addition to providing food for butterflies, buttonbush also provides shelter and nesting sites for these and other creatures.
Marigolds
These vibrant flowers come in a variety of colors, and their cheerful blooms are a welcome addition to any garden.
Plus, butterflies love marigolds, so you’ll be sure to see an increase in these beautiful creatures once you start growing them.
Cornflower
Cornflowers are one of the most beautiful and intriguing flowers that one can grow in their garden. They are not only a feast for the eyes but also attract butterflies.
Clove pink
Clove pink is a beautiful flower that is not only pleasing to the eye, but also provides an important food source for butterflies.
The nectar of the clove pink is rich in sugar, making it a highly sought-after treat for these flying insects.
In addition, the bright pink color of the flowers makes them highly visible to butterflies, which helps to ensure that they will find their way to your garden.
Salvia
Salvia, also known as sage, is a flowering plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. The plants are drought-tolerant and can grow to be up to three feet tall.
Salvia attracts butterflies and bees with its nectar-rich flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer.
The plant is also a food source for caterpillars, providing them with the sustenance they need to grow into butterflies.
Shasta daisy
The Shasta Daisy is a beautiful flower that not only adds color and life to any garden, but also attracts butterflies.
These daisies have long been a favorite of gardeners, but they are also an excellent choice for anyone trying to attract more butterflies to their yard.
The large white petals of the Shasta Daisy are a perfect landing spot for butterflies, and the flowers are a great source of nectar.
In addition, the Shasta Daisy is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
Joe Pye weed
If you’re looking to add some beautiful butterflies to your garden, then you should consider growing Joe Pye weed.
This charming flower is a favorite of many species of butterflies, and it’s easy to see why.
The large blooms are a rich source of nectar, and the sturdy stems provide a perfect perch for resting.
What’s more, Joe pye weed is relatively easy to care for and can even tolerate some shade.
False indigo
If you’re looking to attract butterflies to your garden, false indigo is a great plant to grow.
False indigo is a member of the legume family, which means it’s rich in nectar and provides an excellent food source for butterflies.
In addition, false indigo is a larval host plant for both the eastern tiger swallowtail and the common Buckeye, making it an essential part of the butterfly life cycle.
False indigo grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It’s a tough plant that’s tolerant of drought and deer, making it perfect for many different gardens.
Snapdragon
Snapdragons are one of the most popular flowers for butterfly gardens. Not only are they beautiful and come in a variety of colors, but snapdragons are also a great source of nectar for butterflies.
Hollyhock
Hollyhocks are tall, flowering plants that come in a variety of colors. They are a favorite food source for many types of butterflies, and their tall stature makes them easy for butterflies to spot.
Mallow
While there are many ways to attract butterflies, one of the easiest is to grow mallow. Mallows are a type of flower that come in a variety of colors, and they are also a favorite food source for many different types of butterflies.
In addition, mallow plants are relatively easy to care for, and they can add both beauty and interest to any garden.
Sunflowers
One of the best ways to attract butterflies to your garden is to grow sunflowers.
These vibrant flowers are a favorite of many different species of butterfly, and their large size makes them easy for butterflies to spot. In addition, sunflowers provide an excellent source of nectar for hungry butterflies.
Pansy
Pansies can attract butterflies to your garden, adding both beauty and function. To grow pansies that will attract butterflies, start with healthy plants.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod is a type of flower that is very popular with butterflies. Not only is it a great source of nectar, but it also provides them with a place to lay their eggs.
Daylily
Daylilies are a type of flower that is known for being easy to grow and care for. They come in a wide range of colors and can bloom from early summer to fall.
Daylilies are also a favorite food source for butterflies, and they are often used in butterfly gardens.
If you are looking to attract butterflies to your garden, consider planting some daylilies. Not only will they add color and beauty, but they will also provide a vital source of food for these lovely creatures.
Yarrow
Any butterfly garden should include yarrow. Its nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of butterflies, and its fern-like leaves provide shelter for both larvae and adults.
Yarrow is also a valuable food source for bees, making it an important plant for pollination.
In addition to its value for butterflies and bees, yarrow is a tough, drought-tolerant plant that can thrive in any well-drained soil.
Floss
Floss is a type of flower that is known for its vibrant colors and ability to attract butterflies.
Butterflies are captivating creatures that can add a touch of magic to any garden. In addition to being beautiful, butterflies are also important pollinators.
Privet
Privet is a fast-growing shrub that can reach up to 15 feet in height. It is often used as a hedge plant, as it can be easily trimmed into shape.
Privet is also a popular choice for butterfly gardens, as the nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of these winged creatures.
In addition, the dense foliage provides a safe place for butterflies to rest and lay their eggs.
Milkweed
One of the best ways to attract butterflies is to grow milkweed. Milkweed is the only food source for Monarch Butterfly caterpillars, and it also provides nectar for adult butterflies.
In addition, milkweed helps to support other butterfly species such as the Queen, Swallowtail, and Mourning Cloak.
Phlox
Phlox are one of the most popular flowers to grow in butterfly gardens. They come in a variety of colors and their sweet fragrance attracts butterflies from miles around.
Phlox prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and they should be watered regularly during the growing season. deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
Stonecrop sedum
Stonecrop sedum is a succulent plant that typically has pink or white flowers. It produces sweet nectar.
Bee balm
Bee balm, on the other hand, is a type of mint that produces brightly colored flowers in shades of red, pink, or purple. It is enticing to butterflies with its nectar and requires minimal maintenance.
Sea holly
Sea holly is a striking flower that is sure to draw attention. Its spiky petals are a favorite landing spot for bees and butterflies alike.
Globe thistle
Globe thistle is another great option, as its large blooms provide plenty of nectar for visiting insects.
5. Give Them Shelter
Butterflies are important pollinators, and they help to ensure that plants can reproduce and continue to grow.
Unfortunately, the natural habitats of many butterflies are being destroyed by development and other human activity.
As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult for butterflies to find places to lay their eggs and shelter from the elements.
By providing a few simple accommodations in the garden, however, everyone can help to make a difference for these important creatures.
Placing a butterfly house in the garden is one way to provide shelter for butterflies. These houses offer a safe place for butterflies to lay their eggs and escape bad weather.
6. Provide Water
One of the most important elements of a successful butterfly garden is water. Butterflies need water not only to drink but also to cool off on hot days and to bathe in order to remove dust and dirt from their wings.
A small birdbath or shallow dish filled with fresh water is all that is needed to provide for a butterfly’s needs.
In addition, a watering can or hose can be used to give the garden a light misting on hot days.
7. Plant a Variety of Colors
Anyone who has ever been outside on a summer day knows that butterflies are attracted to flowers.
In fact, colorful flowers are one of the main ways that butterflies find food. By planting a variety of colors in your garden, you can attract a wide range of butterfly species.
Red and orange flowers, for example, are especially attractive to Monarch butterflies.
Meanwhile, yellow and white flowers tend to attract Swallowtail butterflies. By planting a variety of colors, you can ensure that your garden is a bustling butterfly haven all summer long.
8. Flower Shape Matters
Most gardeners are familiar with the basic shapes of flowers: there are tubular flowers like honeysuckle, daisy-like flowers, and Trumpet-shaped flowers like daffodils.
But did you know that the shape of a flower can have a big impact on which insects it attracts?
For example, long, tubular flowers are especially attractive to hummingbirds, while flat, disk-shaped flowers are more likely to attract bees. Trumpet-shaped flowers, on the other hand, are a favorite of butterflies.
So if you’re looking to add some winged visitors to your garden, consider planting some trumpet-shaped blooms.
9. Grow Full Sun Plants
While there are many different species of butterflies, they all have one thing in common: a love for full sun plants.
Plants that grow in full sun are more likely to produce nectar, making them an ideal food source for butterflies.
In addition, these plants tend to be more robust and can withstand the rigors of butterfly activity. As a result, planting full sun plants is one of the best ways to attract butterflies to the garden.
10. Plan for All Season
When planning a butterfly garden, it is important to consider which species of butterflies you would like to attract and what types of plants they prefer.
Many butterflies are specifically drawn to certain flowers, so it is important to choose a variety that will bloom throughout the growing season.
Plants that produce nectar are especially attractive to butterflies, so including a mix of annuals and perennials in your garden will provide food for them throughout the year.
In addition to nectar-producing plants, butterflies also need a place to rest and lay their eggs. Including some shrubs or taller plants in your garden will give them the shelter they need.
11. Make a Butterfly Plate
To attract butterflies to the garden, try making a butterfly plate. Find a flat plate or dish and cover it with a thin layer of fruit juice, honey, or sugar water.
Then add a few drops of dish soap to break the surface tension. Place the plate in a sunny spot in the garden, and wait for the butterflies to come.
Note that you will need to replenish the plate regularly, as the liquid will evaporate in the sun. Butterflies are attracted to sweet smells, so this is an easy way to bring them into your garden.
12. Provide Caterpillar Host Plants
Many gardeners are familiar with the important role that plants play in providing food for pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
However, less well-known is the role of caterpillar host plants in supporting butterfly populations.
Caterpillars feed exclusively on plants, and different species of butterflies require specific types of plants for their larvae to thrive.
By planting a diversity of caterpillar host plants, gardeners can provide the nourishment that butterfly larvae need to grow and flourish.
In turn, these butterflies will help to pollinate other plants in the garden and contribute to a healthy ecosystem.
13. Provide Sunny Resting Spots with Flat Stones
While there are many ways to attract butterflies to the garden, one of the simplest is to provide them with sunny resting spots.
Flat stones placed in sunny areas give butterflies a place to rest and warm up their wings.
In addition, placing the stones near nectar-rich flowers will give butterflies a reason to linger in the garden.
14. Make Winter Hideaways
Winter can be a tough time for many creatures, including some of our most beloved insects, such as butterflies.
To help these beautiful creatures survive the cold months, consider creating a winter hideaway in your garden. Place some stones or logs in a sunny spot, and cover them with evergreen branches or leaves.
This will provide a cozy space for butterflies to hibernate. You can also try planting nectar-rich flowers, such as pansies or violas, which will provide food for butterflies that are active on warm days.
15. Offer a Windbreak
One way to help butterflies is to provide them with a windbreak. A windbreak is simply a row of plants that blocks the wind.
This can be especially important for butterflies, as they are very lightweight and can be easily blown away by strong winds. In addition, a windbreak can provide shelter from the sun and rain.
16. Give Predator Protection
While there are many ways to attract these delicate creatures, one effective method is to provide predator protection.
By creating a safe space for them to congregate, butterflies will be more likely to visit your garden.
Predators such as birds and insects can quickly decimate a butterfly population, so it’s important to take steps to protect them.
One way to do this is to plant native species that offer shelter and food. Another is to install a netted enclosure around the garden.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to attract these delicate beauties to your garden, consider adding some of the plants and flowers they love most.
Butterfly bushes, zinnias, asters, and daisies are all favorites among butterflies. You can also plant lavender, thyme, or mint near your garden as butterfly attractants.
And don’t forget about water – a small pond or fountain will bring in plenty of thirsty butterflies.
Have you tried any of these methods to attract butterflies to your garden? Let us know in the comments!
Rebekah is a full-time homesteader. On her 22 acres, she raises chickens, sheep, and bees, not to mention she grows a wide variety of veggies. She has a huge greenhouse and does lots of DIY projects with her husband in her ever-growing homesteading endeavor. Learn more about Rebekah here.