Top 10 Stunning Garden Plants Attractive to Butterflies, Guaranteed to Enthrall You as Well
Embrace Mother Nature's Tiny Allies
Gardening isn't just about embracing greenery; it's about welcoming life in all forms. As our planet faces a climate crisis, let's champion the insects and pollinators that play a vital role in our ecosystem. A thriving insect population means a more prosperous garden, and one less likely to fall prey to pests.
Here's a selection of plants that caterpillars, butterflies, and bees alike will adore. Let's create a haven that's beneficial both for us and for biodiversity.
For additional suggestions on bee-friendly plants, dive into our Bee-Friendly Plants Guide and learn to craft a Bug Hotel while you're at it!
Don't miss the chance to take part in the Big Butterfly Count.
Unbeatable Choices for Butterflies
Buddleja davidii
Buddleias are synonymous with attracting insects, particularly butterflies. This cultivar blooms late in the season when butterflies are most abundant. Delay the blooming by pruning later in the spring for an extended season. Remember to deadhead, which reduces the risk of self-seeding, as buddleja is increasingly becoming invasive.
Discover more about pruning Buddleia in our guide: Pruning Guide for Buddleja
Centaurea nigra
Popularly known as the common knapweed, this native plant thrives beautifully in borders and meadows. Providing pollen and nectar for countless foraging insects, it's a favorite among bees, butterflies, and moths. Birds, such as finches, also feast upon the abundant seeds.
Agastache 'Blackadder'
Also known as giant hyssops, these plants thrive best with excellent drainage and ample sun. 'Blackadder,' an exquisite cultivar, exudes a dark calyx and bluish-purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Its aromatic foliage makes it an additional bonus of this summer bloomer.
Aster 'Little Carlow' (cordifolius hybrid)
A compact, mildew-resistant aster that blooms in September, offering a plethora of blue daisies with yellow centers. Upon fertilization, the tips turn red, a color bees can't see, allowing them to save energy by visiting unfertilized flowers. This annual delight is also adored by butterflies.
Discover our plant profile on asters here: Plant Profile on Asters
Cenolophium denudatum
A cow parsley relative, Cenolophium denudatum flowers in May and June, attracting hoverflies to its creamy white umbels. Suitable for both sun and shade, this delightful plant is ideal for wild gardens where it can naturalize.
Centranthus lecoqii
An endemic from the South of France and Spain, Centranthus lecoqii is a variation of the red valerian, boasting lilac-colored flowers. Attractive to bees, hoverflies, butterflies, and hummingbird hawk moths, it grows vigorously in sun and poor soils.
Ligusticum lucidum
Another cow parsley relative, Ligusticum lucidum showcases fresh-looking shiny green leaves and an upright habit, topped with white flowers in June and July. A market favorite, this pet-friendly plant is suitable for both sun and shade.
Veronicastrum virginicum 'Lavendelturm'
Towering spires of lavender flowers emerge in June and July on this tall perennial, popular with bees, hoverflies, moths, and butterflies. The graceful skeleton that remains offers an attractive addition to late summer landscapes.
Discover more about Veronicastrum virginicum in our plant profile: Plant Profile on Veronicastrum virginicum
Eupatorium cannabinum
One of the best plants to cultivate for butterflies.
Lythrum salicaria
Lythrum salicaria, also known as purple loosestrife, is a wildflower of ponds and marshes that sustains long-tongued insects such as brimstone butterflies, red-tailed bumblebees, and elephant hawk moths.
For further insights into gardens and wildlife, explore our guide on How to Attract Wildlife to Your Garden.
Discover some of the best places to buy plants online: Plant Retailers Online
- The thriving environment in our gardens can be enhanced with plants that cater to various pollinators, like butterflies, bees, and hoverflies.
- For instance, Buddleja davidii is a plant commonly known for attracting insects, particularly butterflies, and it blooms late in the season when these creatures are most abundant.
- Another option is Centaurea nigra, or the common knapweed, which offers pollen and nectar for foraging insects, making it a favorite among bees, butterflies, moths, and even birds.
- In the realm of environmental science, understanding and implementing climate-change resilient practices in our home-and-garden lifestyle has become increasingly important, as it can help preserve biodiversity and promote sustainability.
- Furthermore, embracing gardens that reflect our lifestyle choices and contribute to flora and fauna health can offer immense satisfaction, reminding us that our homes, in essence, are part of a larger, interconnected ecosystem.
