If you’re looking for the best plants for attracting butterflies, try Joe Pye weed or Black-eyed Susan. These plants can grow up to six feet and produce clusters of dusty pink flowers from midsummer to fall. They pair well with South American verbena, an aromatic herb. Black-eyed Susan is another great plant that is great for bouquets. It produces yellow, daisy-shaped flowers, making it a good choice for late summer or early fall. Pair these plants with a purple coneflower for a striking contrast.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a perennial plant that grows well on average in poor soil. It requires little maintenance, but it will grow rapidly. Plant yarrow one to two feet apart. Yarrow grows best in lean soil that is moist but not wet. Some species grow aggressively and will need staking, but most will tolerate poor soil and can be planted directly into the garden.
Butterflies love nectar-rich flowers, so you should plant yarrow near other varieties of plants. This perennial will provide a dense arrangement of blooms and ferny foliage. Yarrow also grows well in full sun and is deer-resistant. You can also prune yarrow to encourage more flowers. The flowers will last for several weeks if they are deadheaded each month.
Yarrow is a native of North America. It is popular among pollinators, and is also drought-tolerant. Yarrow is a popular addition to any butterfly or wildlife garden. It is easy to grow and requires little care once it is established. In fact, yarrow is so popular that you will probably need more than one type in your garden. Just be sure to choose the right variety, as they differ in color and size.
Salvia
Salvias are perennials that grow in full sun and average soil. They attract a wide variety of butterflies, including monarchs, gulf fritillaries, silver-spotted skipper, and many others. They are also low-maintenance plants that are deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, and clay-tolerant. You can buy individual salvia plants or plant mixtures. These plants will add a variety of color to your garden.
These beautiful plants are excellent choices for attracting butterflies of all species. Salvia species range in color and size, and many are suitable for growing as garden borders. Lantanas can be grown in beds and containers, and some cultivars attract butterflies in their summer bloom. In cooler regions, you may consider growing these plants as annuals. Salvia is a favorite nectar plant of many butterflies, and it’s a great choice for any butterfly garden.
Many butterflies prefer salvia plants because they provide nectar and shelter. Some butterfly species only feed on Salvia plants. They also feed on other types of plants, such as Milkweed. Salvias are also great for attracting non-monarch butterflies, which are able to migrate to warmer climates without the proper nectar. But they’re also a good plant for attracting adults. Fortunately, Salvia plants are widely available in California and are popular among many species of butterflies.
Lantana
Lantana comes in many colors, from white to pastel shades. It blooms in distinctive clusters. The petals turn pink and purple as the plant ages, and new flowers appear in the center of each cluster. The butterfly-friendly plant can also be planted in the ground, where it will thrive. Depending on the variety, you can plant a few of them in your butterfly garden and watch the butterflies flutter around.
Lantana comes in many different species. The species Lantana camara is most common in ornamental gardens. In zones 8 and above, it is a perennial and medium-sized shrub. In colder climates, it is typically grown as an annual. It attracts butterflies to its bright color, sweet nectar, and attractive flower form. To encourage more butterflies to visit your butterfly garden, consider planting lantanas in containers.
Lantanas come in both compact and trailing varieties. Compact forms are excellent for small spaces and containers, while trailing varieties can grow up to 3 feet tall. Trailing Lantanas are a great choice for larger gardens and are also suitable for beginners. Lantanas require well-drained soil, a good amount of compost, and native leaf mulch.
Zinnia
There are many varieties of zinnia, but which ones are the best for a butterfly garden? Some people have found that the best variety varies year to year. The height of a plant can also affect its ability to attract butterflies. Learn about the best varieties for your area by visiting the website of the Monarch Butterfly Garden. In addition, consider planting different kinds of zinnias in different parts of the garden.
There are hundreds of zinnia varieties, in all shapes and colors. The best ones have large, purple flowers, and attract butterflies such as fritillaries, American Painted Ladies, and Eastern Tiger Swallowtails. You can also plant giant cactus-flowered varieties, like Sunbow Mix. Others that may not attract butterflies include Z. haageana ‘Persian Carpet’ and ‘Crystal White’. Other zinnias that are not very attractive are ‘Envy’ and ‘Persian Carpet. Gibbs grows the Pinwheel series, which attracts a wide variety of butterflies.
When planting zinnias, remember that taller varieties are better for butterflies. Tiger swallow butterflies and spring azure butterflies like tall blooms. Choose tall varieties, such as State Fair, Splendor, and Ruffles, which grow to three feet or more. The tall cultivars will flower until the first frost, so be sure not to overwater them. For the best results, buy zinnia seeds from a reliable seed vendor. Purchasing the seeds from a reputable seed vendor is important – zinnias are known to hybridize with other types of zinnias.
Virgin’s bower
Virgin’s bower is a woody, perennial vine native to the eastern U.S. Its white, fragrant flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators. These blooms are about one inch wide, and are quite fragrant. Unlike most other plants, Virgin’s bower doesn’t need a special place in the garden. This vine is deer and rabbit resistant, making it a great choice for naturalized areas and Asian gardens.
The leaves of Virgin’s bower have three leaflets. Each leaf is serrated or jagged and is very similar to leaves of maple and poison ivy. Their leaves also look similar to those of sweet autumn clematis, another invasive species, although their leaves are oval and smooth. They are an excellent choice for butterfly gardens because of their low maintenance and beautiful flowers. However, Virgin’s bower is somewhat poisonous to humans.
Virgin’s bower is a native vine that grows in the eastern two-thirds of the United States. It produces feather-like seed heads and small white flowers in the midsummer. It uses tall plants as trellises. In addition, it serves as a host plant for the Clematis clearwing moth. If you’re looking for plants to add to your butterfly garden, Virgin’s bower is a good choice.
South American verbena
There are many benefits to growing South American verbena plants in your butterfly garden. This plant produces a beautiful cut, which allows you to recut the plants and get more flowers. It is drought and heat resistant, and produces flowers in a beautiful, endless spectrum of colors. It will also attract butterflies for months, making it an excellent choice for any butterfly garden. Below are some tips for growing and caring for this plant.
Verbena bonariensis is a perennial that is native to South America. It is reliable in zones six to nine. A newer introduction is Meteor Shower, which has more violet flowers and is less likely to spread. Dwarf varieties include Lollipop and Little One. If you’re concerned about invasiveness, choose a plant with fewer seeds. If you don’t like the smell of verbena, look for species that have little leaves.
When planning your butterfly garden, consider planting a mixture of annuals and perennials. A variety of flowers is important, since it not only looks nice, but provides a steady source of food and comfort for butterflies. Consider planting both annual and perennial varieties together. This combination will provide a thriving habitat for your butterflies. And don’t forget to plant fennel. Its leaves and roots are edible!
Mexican sunflower
Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced gardener, you can grow some of the best Mexican sunflower plants in your butterfly garden. The flowering stems and yellow blossoms will attract numerous types of butterflies, and the plant’s bright nectar-rich flowers will appeal to all of your favorite pollinators. In addition to attracting butterflies, Mexican sunflowers are also highly attractive to honeybees.
The best time to start growing Mexican sunflowers is in spring, just two to four months before the last frost. Start planting seeds in containers one month before the last frost, and transplant them into the garden when soil is warm. Mexican sunflower plants grow rapidly, reaching heights of four to six feet, so you can use stakes to help them grow. These plants grow quickly and should be planted approximately two-to-four feet apart.
Tithonia seeds should be sown in spring, at least 8 weeks before the last frost, in a warm, humid place. Keep the soil moist until they sprout, and the temperature should reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit. After that, they’ll flower in early summer. As a rule of thumb, one Mexican sunflower per plant is sufficient. If you have space in your butterfly garden, Mexican sunflowers also grow well in large planters containing trailing plants.