Attract More Butterflies with These Gorgeous Flowers

Butterflies are not only beautiful, but they also play an important role in pollinating plants. If you want to attract more butterflies to your garden or outdoor space, planting flowers that they love is a great way to do it. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best flowers for attracting butterflies and how to care for them.

The Best Flowers for Attracting Butterflies

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

The butterfly bush is one of the most well-known flowers for attracting butterflies. Its long, cone-shaped clusters of flowers come in shades of purple, pink, blue, and white. It's also easy to care for and grows quickly. The butterfly bush prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Caring for Your Butterfly Bush

To care for your butterfly bush, make sure it gets enough water, especially during hot and dry periods. Prune it in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.

Zinnias

Zinnias are another great flower for attracting butterflies. They come in a variety of colors including red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. Zinnias prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Caring for Your Zinnias

Zinnias don't require much maintenance, but they do need regular watering. Deadhead them regularly to encourage more blooms and remove any diseased or damaged leaves.

Lantana

Lantana is a hardy plant that produces clusters of small, brightly colored flowers. Butterflies love its sweet nectar and are often seen fluttering around it. Lantana prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Caring for Your Lantana

Lantana is a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require much water or fertilizer. Prune it back in early spring to encourage new growth and remove any dead or diseased branches.

Milkweed

Milkweed is the only plant that monarch butterflies will lay their eggs on. It's also an important source of nectar for many other butterfly species. Milkweed prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Caring for Your Milkweed

Milkweed is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. It doesn't require much water or fertilizer, but it does need to be cut back in the fall to prevent the spread of disease.

Other Flowers That Attract Butterflies

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

Aster

Coreopsis

Bee Balm (Monarda)

Phlox

Sage

Verbena

Globe Thistle (Echinops)

Goldenrod

FAQs About Flowers That Attract Butterflies

1. Do I need to plant all of these flowers to attract butterflies?

No, you don't need to plant all of these flowers. Any one of them will work. However, planting a variety of flowers will attract more types of butterflies.

2. Do I need to use pesticides on my butterfly-attracting flowers?

No, you should avoid using pesticides on your butterfly-attracting flowers. Pesticides can harm butterflies and other beneficial insects.

3. When is the best time to plant these flowers?

The best time to plant these flowers is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and there is plenty of moisture in the soil.

4. How do I know if a flower is attracting butterflies?

If you see butterflies fluttering around a particular flower, it's a good indication that they are attracted to it.

5. What else can I do to attract butterflies to my garden?

In addition to planting butterfly-attracting flowers, you can also provide a source of water for butterflies, such as a shallow dish filled with water and some rocks for them to perch on.


Attracting butterflies to your garden or outdoor space is easy if you know which flowers to plant. By planting some of these beautiful flowers, you'll not only be adding color to your landscape, but you'll also be providing a valuable food source for these important pollinators.