Naturalistic Garden

Attract butterflies by planting a few perennials and shrubs for their larval needs and nectar preferences.

Butterflies need the warmth of the sun and appreciate a flat stone or two for basking. You will see them gather in groups if you provide a shallow puddle where they can drink. Protect them from strong winds with a garden near a few shrubs or trees that act as a windbreak.

You can incorporate butterfly plants into an existing bed or border or plant a separate garden. To a butterfly, fragrance is not as important as color, although it does play a role. The eyes of a butterfly perceive shades of yellow, red, and blue to lavender. The best flowering plants for a butterfly garden are wild or species forms rather than hybrids, single-flowered instead of double-flowered, and tubular or flat-topped. Plant in large groups; individual spots of color are less attractive than a broad wash of hues. Groups of 10 or more of the same color work well.

Butterfly weed is a favorite nectar plant.

Beebalm and purple coneflower are two of the best plants for attracting butterflies. Plant groups of them around a weather fountain, and shelter the garden with a backdrop of evergreens.

Other butterfly-friendly plants include anise hyssop, black-eyed Susan, butterfly weed, coreopsis, dianthus, garden phlox, Queen Anne's lace, red valerian, thyme, and vervain.