Gardens can be more than a beautiful space. They can be both a sanctuary’s for us and areas that support wildlife.
One of the best ways to bring wildlife into your garden is by planting flowers that attract butterflies. Not only do these flowers bring color and life to your garden but they also provide the nectar that butterflies love.
I can say without hesitation there are few sights as rewarding as a fluttering butterfly landing on a flower you’ve nurtured.
So if you’d like to see some more butterflies in your garden then these 15 fantastic flowers will make it a butterfly magnet.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)
The Butterfly Bush, true to its name, is a top favorite for attracting butterflies. With its long, arching branches covered in clusters of tiny, nectar-rich flowers it’s a banquet for lots of butterfly species.
Growing Conditions
Soil: Well draining soil
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate; water regularly but do not overwater
Care Tips
Prune heavily in early spring to promote growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
Milkweed (Asclepias)
Milkweed is essential for monarch butterflies as it is the only plant on which they lay their eggs. The flowers are also rich in nectar, attracting a variety of butterflies.
Growing Conditions
Soil: Average, well draining soil
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Care Tips
Avoid using pesticides as milkweed can be sensitive and these chemicals can harm butterflies and caterpillars. Allow seed pods to mature and disperse to support natural propagation.
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana is a robust plant known for its brightly colored, cluster-like flowers that are irresistible to butterflies. It blooms continuously from spring to frost.
Growing Conditions
Soil: Well draining soil
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate; water regularly but allow the soil to dry out between watering
Care Tips
Prune regularly to keep the plant compact and promote more blooms. Be cautious as Lantana can be invasive in some regions.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are easy to grow perennials that produce large, daisy-like blooms. They are a favorite among butterflies for their rich nectar.
Growing Conditions
Soil: Well draining soil
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Care Tips
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming. Divide clumps every few years to maintain plant health.
Zinnia
Zinnias are annuals that come in a rainbow of colors. Their flat-topped blooms make perfect landing pads for butterflies.
Growing Conditions
Soil: Well draining soil
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate; keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
Care Tips
Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost. Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium)
This tall perennial is not a weed at all but a magnificent plant that draws butterflies with its large clusters of pinkish-purple flowers.
Growing Conditions
Soil: Moist, well draining soil
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Keep soil consistently moist
Care Tips
Cut back stems in late fall or early spring to make way for new growth. Joe-Pye Weed can tolerate wet soils making it ideal for rain gardens.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Black-Eyed Susans are bright and cheery flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. Their nectar is a favorite for many butterfly species.
Growing Conditions
Soil: Well draining soil
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Care Tips
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
Verbena
Verbena offers a long blooming season and clusters of tiny, nectar-rich flowers that butterflies love.
Growing Conditions
Soil: Well draining soil
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate; allow soil to dry out between watering
Care Tips
Regular deadheading will keep the plant blooming all season. Verbena is also great for container gardening.
Marigold (Tagetes)
Marigolds are sturdy, easy to grow annuals with vibrant flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Growing Conditions
Soil: Well draining soil
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist
Care Tips
Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Marigolds can help repel certain garden pests making them a beneficial companion plant.
Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender’s fragrant purple flowers are a hit with butterflies and gardeners alike. It’s also a perennial that can thrive in various climates.
Growing Conditions
Soil: Well draining, slightly alkaline soil
Light: Full sun
Water: Low; drought-tolerant once established
Care Tips
Prune back in early spring to shape and encourage new growth. Harvest flowers just before they fully open for the best fragrance.
Salvia (Sage)
Salvias produce spikes of tubular flowers in a range of colors that butterflies find irresistible.
Growing Conditions
Soil: Well draining soil
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Care Tips
Deadhead regularly to promote continuous flowering. Salvias are also deer-resistant making them a good choice for rural gardens.
Cosmos
Cosmos are easy to grow annuals that produce lots of of daisy-like flowers throughout the summer.
Growing Conditions
Soil: Well draining soil
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Care Tips
Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. Pinch back plants to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
Phlox
Phlox comes in both annual and perennial varieties, with clusters of small fragrant flowers that attract butterflies.
Growing Conditions
Soil: Rich, well draining soil
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist
Care Tips
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Phlox is prone to mildew so make sure there is good air circulation around plants.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee Balm is a native perennial with tubular flowers that attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.
Growing Conditions
Soil: Moist, well draining soil
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist
Care Tips
Divide plants every few years to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor. Bee Balm is also great for adding a splash of color to a butterfly garden.
Aster
Asters bloom in late summer and fall, providing crucial nectar for butterflies as they prepare for migration.
Growing Conditions
Soil: Well draining soil
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist
Care Tips
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming. Asters can benefit from being divided every few years to maintain plant health.
