Creating a vibrant butterfly garden is an enchanting way to add life and color to your outdoor space.
By including flowers that are known to attract butterflies, you not only provide them with nectar but also promote biodiversity in your garden.
Here are 30 stunning flowers, each guaranteed to draw these beautiful creatures to your garden.
1. Milkweed
Milkweed is essential for monarch butterflies as it is the only plant on which they lay their eggs. Its vibrant pink and orange flowers are a magnet for a variety of butterfly species.
2. Coneflower
Coneflowers are hardy plants with purple, daisy-like petals that attract butterflies with their abundant nectar.
3. Butterfly Bush
The butterfly bush is aptly named for its ability to draw butterflies with its fragrant and nectar-rich flowers that bloom all summer long.
4. Lantana
Lantana is known for its bright and colorful flowers that provide a rich source of nectar for butterflies, making it a garden favorite.
5. Zinnia
Zinnias come in a rainbow of colors and are easy to grow, attracting butterflies with their flat, daisy-like heads.
6. Aster
Asters bloom in late summer to fall, providing a crucial nectar source for butterflies preparing for migration.
7. Marigold
Marigolds are easy to grow and their sunny blooms are a favorite among butterflies and other pollinators.
8. Salvia
Salvias are known for their tall spikes of blue or purple flowers that are a rich source of nectar for butterflies.
9. Phlox
Phlox offers fragrant flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple, attracting butterflies with its sweet scent.
10. Sunflower
Sunflowers are not only stunning to look at but provide a landing platform and nectar source for butterflies.
11. Verbena
Verbena is a summer favorite with clusters of small purple flowers that butterflies find irresistible.
12. Joe-Pye Weed
Joe-Pye weed stands tall in gardens and meadows, attracting butterflies with its pinkish-purple flowers.
13. Black-Eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susans are cheerful flowers that provide a stunning contrast with their dark centers and attract many types of butterflies.
14. Coreopsis
Coreopsis is known for its sun-loving yellow flowers that brighten up gardens and attract butterflies.
15. Bee Balm
Bee balm has distinctive, tubular flowers that are highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
16. Goldenrod
Goldenrod blooms in late summer, offering abundant nectar to butterflies during their migration period.
17. Blanket Flower
Blanket flowers have red and yellow daisy-like blooms that are a vibrant addition to any garden, enticing butterflies.
18. Cosmos
Cosmos feature airy, delicate flowers that sway in the wind, providing butterflies with both nectar and shelter.
19. Purple Coneflower
Purple coneflower is an irresistible attraction for butterflies, offering ample nectar with its open, daisy-like blooms.
20. Catmint
Catmint produces spikes of tiny purple flowers with a minty aroma that is appealing to butterflies.
21. Alyssum
Alyssum’s low-growing, fragrant clusters of white and purple flowers are a favorite stop for butterflies.
22. Lavender
Lavender is not only aromatic but its violet flowers are a butterfly favorite, providing nectar and a calming scent.
23. Petunia
Petunias are versatile, colorful flowers that attract butterflies with their sweet nectar and vibrant hues.
24. Yarrow
Yarrow features clusters of tiny yellow or white flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators to the garden.
25. Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are easy to grow and their bright, peppery flowers entice both butterflies and beneficial insects.
26. Daylily
Daylilies offer vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that attract butterflies with their rich nectar supply.
27. Sedum
Sedum plants have star-shaped flowers that provide a late-summer nectar source for butterflies.
28. Blue Mistflower
Blue mistflower blooms in late summer to fall, with fluffy blue flowers that attract butterflies seeking nectar.
29. Fennel
Fennel serves as both a host plant for butterfly larvae and a nectar source with its umbrella-like yellow flowers.
30. Hibiscus
Hibiscus features large, exotic flowers in various colors that provide butterflies with ample nectar and a stunning visual display.