Bushes That Attract Butterflies: A Comprehensive Guide

Butterflies are one of the most delightful creatures in the world, and they make any garden look more beautiful. If you want to attract these colorful insects to your garden, planting butterfly-friendly bushes is a great option. In this guide, we'll discuss some of the best bushes that attract butterflies and how you can create an environment that's perfect for these amazing creatures.

The Best Bushes for Attracting Butterflies

There are several types of bushes that butterflies love. Here are some of the best options:

Buddleja (Butterfly Bush)

The butterfly bush is probably the most popular bush for attracting butterflies. It produces clusters of fragrant flowers that come in shades of purple, pink, white, and red. The plant grows up to 10 feet tall, making it perfect for larger gardens.

Lantana

Lantana is another attractive bush that attracts butterflies. It produces clusters of small flowers that come in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red. The foliage is also quite attractive, with green leaves that turn purple in the fall.

Weigela

Weigela is a deciduous shrub that produces trumpet-shaped flowers. The blooms come in shades of pink, purple, and white, and they're very attractive to butterflies. Weigela is also easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners.

Caryopteris

Caryopteris is another great option for attracting butterflies. This low-maintenance bush produces clusters of blue or purple flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and is perfect for smaller gardens.

Creating the Perfect Environment for Butterflies

Planting butterfly-friendly bushes is just one way to attract these beautiful insects to your garden. Here are some other tips for creating the perfect environment:

Provide a Water Source

Butterflies need water to survive, so it's important to provide them with a source of moisture. You can create a simple butterfly bath by filling a shallow dish with water and placing a few rocks in it.

Plant Milkweed

Milkweed is the primary food source for monarch butterflies, so if you want to attract these creatures, make sure you plant some milkweed in your garden.

Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides can be harmful to butterflies, so try to avoid using them in your garden. Instead, opt for natural methods of pest control, such as companion planting or handpicking.

Provide Shelter

Butterflies need shelter from wind and rain, so it's a good idea to provide them with some type of cover. This could be a butterfly house or simply a group of bushes that provide protection from the elements.

Other Plants That Attract Butterflies

In addition to bushes, there are several other plants that attract butterflies. Here are some of the best options:

Zinnias

Zinnias are colorful annuals that produce large, daisy-like blooms. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, orange, and yellow, and they're very attractive to butterflies.

Liatris

Liatris is a native wildflower that produces spikes of pink or purple flowers. The blooms are very attractive to butterflies, and the plant is also a great option for attracting hummingbirds.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis is a hardy perennial that produces small, daisy-like blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red. The flowers are very attractive to butterflies, and the plant is also quite easy to grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I attract butterflies to my garden?

To attract butterflies to your garden, plant butterfly-friendly bushes and other plants, provide a water source, avoid pesticides, and provide shelter from the elements.

2. What is the best time of day to see butterflies?

Butterflies are most active during the warmest part of the day, so you're more likely to see them in the afternoon.

3. Can I plant butterfly-friendly bushes in containers?

Yes, many butterfly-friendly bushes can be grown in containers. Just make sure the container is large enough and that the soil is well-draining.

4. Will planting milkweed attract other types of butterflies?

While milkweed is the primary food source for monarch butterflies, it can also attract other types of butterflies to your garden.

5. Do I need to prune my butterfly bushes?

Yes, pruning is important for keeping butterfly bushes healthy and promoting new growth. Prune your bushes in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.


Attracting butterflies to your garden is a wonderful way to enjoy these beautiful insects up close. By planting butterfly-friendly bushes and creating the perfect environment, you can create a haven for butterflies and other pollinators. With a little effort and some careful planning, you can transform your garden into a butterfly paradise!