The first thing to keep in mind is that butterflies predominantly seek nectar. They look for plants and flowers they can feed on, and also look for host plants for their larvae. Sunny, open spaces, shelter from the wind and fresh water are other factors to bear in mind when creating an inviting garden space for butterflies.
Here’s our list of 12 best attract butterflies flowers..
Bluestar
When you look at the bluestar bush, the first thing you’ll notice is the thin needlelike foliage that springs out in every direction underneath the blooms. The blooms themselves are prized by a plethora of butterfly species and are known for their star shape. Bluestar plants grow in zones three through nine, and if you’re planning on growing them, expect them to bloom in the spring and turn a beautiful golden color in the autumn.
Black-Eyed Susan
Black-eyed susan plants almost look like sunflowers that have a black center that pollinators love. The golden yellow petals extend out in a spoke pattern and look beautiful. This plant blooms yearly in zones three through seven, and you can expect a growth that will top out around two feet in height. It’s best to plant these when the soil temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stonecrop
Not only is stonecrop a favored plant for butterflies, but this sedum is also known for its deer-resistance. The flowers from the stonecrop plant tend to grow a bright and lively pink, and you can expect an active growing period of at least six months. Usually, this type of sedum is found in zones four through nine.
Bee Balm
As the name implies, this is a pollinator favorite. Not only will this plant attract butterflies, but hummingbirds and bees will love you for planting bee balm. Use well-drained soil that has a pH between 6.0 and 6.7, and you should have no issues with growth. Additionally, this perennial plant is known to grow in zones four through nine.
Globe Thistle
Related to the sunflower, globe thistle is known for its violet-colored nearly perfectly round flower heads. This plant is fairly hardy, and you can expect to be able to grow it in zones three through nine. This is a plant that blooms between the midsummer to the early fall, and it can grow as high as four feet.
Aster
With flowers that range from shades of pink to purple, aster is a beautiful flowering plant that will bring butterflies to your garden. Moist climates are preferred by this plant, but once it starts growing, you can expect the plant to grow as high as eight feet. These plants need plenty of water and will grow in zones three through eight.
Hollyhock
At home in zones three through eight, hollyhocks consist of several flowering plants that butterflies seem to love. Just be patient; hollyhocks are biennials, so you’ll have to wait a year before you see blooms.
Lavender
Who doesn’t love the smell of lavender? To grow this purple-blooming plant, you should use well-drained soil. Sometimes, this plant has grayish foliage, so if yours is lacking in color, don’t worry too much. You can grow most variations of this plant in zones five through nine – just remember to plant it right as the soil is starting to warm.