Create a butterfly garden with this step-by-step guide! Learn the best plants and design tips to attract butterflies and ensure continuous blooms all season long.
Growing a butterfly garden is a rewarding way to invite these beautiful pollinators into your backyard. By choosing the right location, selecting a variety of nectar and host plants, and ensuring a succession of blooms throughout the growing season, you can create a vibrant haven for butterflies.
Avoiding pesticides and opting for organic gardening methods will help protect these delicate creatures. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to design and maintain a butterfly-friendly garden, sharing tips and personal experiences to inspire your own gardening journey.
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When I first designed the front yard cottage garden, I researched butterfly and hummingbird-attracting plants to entice them to my yard.
I dreamed of having a garden that was covered with these beautiful creatures. Thankfully, there are a lot of plants that attract both.
Once I honed my plant list, I considered what plants were deer-resistant because deer are a big problem in my gardening zone 6a New Jersey garden.
While I don’t mind adding plants that have a lower deer resistance rating because I spray them with deer repellent, I prefer to focus more on plants that they tend to avoid. Read more about designing a deer-resistant garden HERE.
What Do I Need For a Butterfly Garden?
If you want to start a butterfly garden, it is important to plan ahead. They are not hard to maintain, and in fact, most plants are pretty easy-care.
Do your research, site and prepare the bed, and include plants that both caterpillars and butterflies enjoy.
To achieve success, be sure to feed butterflies with adult nectar plants and developing caterpillars with host plants.
Optimal Location For Your Butterfly Garden
Choose a sunny spot sheltered from strong winds to create an ideal environment for butterflies. Ensure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily and provides a mix of open areas and sheltered spots for feeding and resting. This setup not only attracts butterflies but also helps your plants thrive.
It is important to plant nectar plants near fences, shrubs, trees, and vines to provide shelter from winds and rain for these pretty pollinators.
When designing a butterfly border, there are few things to keep in mind:
- Plant in a sunny location.
- Research and select plants that will attract butterflies common to your area.
- Create a succession of blooms so butterflies visit and want to hang around.
Incorporate Host Plants for Caterpillars
Since butterflies lay eggs on certain plants that feed their caterpillars, butterflies prefer visiting gardens where host plants are nearby.
Include a variety of host plants to support the entire butterfly lifecycle. These plants provide essential food for caterpillars, ensuring a sustainable butterfly population in your garden.
Popular host plants include milkweed for monarchs, fennel for swallowtails, and passionflower for gulf fritillaries. Other examples of host plants include Viburnum, Wisteria, Flowering Dogwoods, Snapdagons, Parsley, Dill, Foxgloves, and many others.
By offering host plants, you create a nurturing environment that encourages butterflies to lay eggs and thrive.
Pro Tip: leave plants that are dying back or defoliated in the borders because they may contain eggs or developing butterflies on them.
I allow my plants to die back naturally and avoid cutting plants back until early spring where possible. It doesn’t always look great, but it helps keep the butterfly lifecycle going!
For more information about host plants, see Creating Inviting Habitats by the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
Provide Nectar Plants
It is also important to select plants with varying bloom times so butterflies are fed from spring through fall.
Plant a variety of nectar-rich flowers to attract and sustain them. Look for blooms like coneflowers, lantanas, and butterfly bushes that provide abundant nectar. These plants ensure a continuous food source throughout the season, inviting more butterflies to your garden.
Grouping different nectar plants together creates an irresistible feeding ground for these pollinators, enhancing your garden’s appeal and ecological balance. Butterflies’ attention is drawn to clusters of like colors so it is important to plant enough of the same flowers together.
Butterfly Gardening Tips
- Butterflies favor native plants.
- Where possible, avoid pesticides and choose organic alternatives in your gardens because they can wipe out butterflies and other pollinators.
- Butterflies are drawn to brightly colored purples, blues, yellows, whites, and pinks.
- Focus on plants with multiple florets as well as composite flowers, because they can get more nectar at one time.
- Avoid double-flowering varieties because they carry less nectar.
Creative Garden Design Ideas for a Butterfly Garden
Designing a butterfly garden involves more than just selecting the right plants; it’s about creating an inviting and functional space for butterflies. Here are some ideas to enhance your garden’s design:
- Pathways and Borders: Use stone or mulch pathways to create defined areas. Edging your garden beds with low-growing plants adds structure and appeal.
- Layered Planting: Arrange plants in layers, with taller plants at the back and shorter ones in front. This not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also provides varied heights for butterflies to explore.
- Water Features: Incorporate shallow water sources like birdbaths or small ponds. Butterflies need water to drink and bathe.
- Resting Spots: Add flat stones or decorative garden accents where butterflies can bask in the sun.
- Sheltered Areas: Create sheltered spots using shrubs or garden structures to protect butterflies from wind and predators.
- Colorful Blooms: Plant flowers in clusters of the same color to make it easier for butterflies to spot them.
By integrating these elements, you can create a beautiful and functional butterfly garden that attracts and supports a variety of butterfly species.
Planting Your Butterfly Garden: Step-by-Step Guide
Planting a butterfly garden involves thoughtful planning and execution to create an inviting habitat for butterflies. Follow these steps for a successful butterfly garden:
Start by clearing the area of weeds and debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and amend it with compost, leaf mold, and other organic matter to enhance fertility and drainage.
Plan your garden layout with a mix of both nectar-rich and host plants. Arrange plants in clusters to make them easier for butterflies to find. Choose a variety of flowers that bloom at different times to ensure continuous nectar supply. Include lots of popular butterfly plants like coneflowers, zinnias, and butterfly weed.
Dig holes twice the width of the plant’s root ball. Place the plants at the same depth they were in their containers, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping the mulch away from the plant stems.
Water the garden regularly, especially during dry spells. Ensure the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drip irrigation is a great way to water your gardens as they can be set up on timers and hydrate plants at their root systems. It’s a good idea to always water at the base of plants in the earlier part of the day to prevent pest and disease problems.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, and monitor for pests, opting for organic control methods to protect butterflies.
And finally, avoid pesticide use. Even those labeled organic can harm butterfly populations and other pollinators so it is best not to use them at all. If you absolutely have to use something, always go with organic like neem oil or insecticidal soap and apply at dusk or dawn when butterflies are less active.
Top Easy-to-Grow Flowers That Attract Butterflies
Plant these ten easy-to-grow flowers to attract butterflies to your garden. These blooms not only beautify your space but also provide essential nectar for butterflies, ensuring a vibrant and thriving butterfly habitat.
Zinnias
Zinnias are a fantastic addition to any butterfly garden. These annuals thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, producing vibrant blooms in various colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple. Zinnias are particularly attractive to butterflies due to their abundant nectar and bright colors, making them a favorite feeding spot.
Hardiness Zone: Annual, suitable for all zones
Description: Zinnias are vibrant, easy-to-grow flowers that come in a variety of bright colors.
Type: Annual
Flower Color: Red, orange, yellow, pink, white, purple
Mature Size: 1-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Spacing: 12-18 inches
Sun and Soil Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil
Attracts Butterflies: High nectar content, especially loved by monarchs and swallowtails
Deer Resistant: Yes
Bee Balm
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is a vibrant addition to a butterfly garden, known for its striking tubular flowers that attract pollinators. It’s one of my favorite flowers for a pollinator garden because it blooms spring to summer and is so easy to grow! Its abundant nectar is a favorite for butterflies, and it is also a great deer resistant plant.
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Description: Bee Balm is a vibrant perennial known for its striking tubular flowers that attract pollinators.
Type: Perennial
Flower Color: Red, pink, purple, white
Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall, 1.5-3 feet wide
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Sun and Soil Conditions: Full sun to part shade; moist, well-drained soil
Attracts Butterflies: Provides abundant nectar
Deer Resistant: Yes
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Growing coneflowers, or Echinacea, in a butterfly garden is a great choice due to their vibrant, daisy-like blooms and easy care. Blooming in summer, they thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them low-maintenance. Their rich nectar attracts butterflies, while their sturdy stems prevent flopping. Additionally, coneflowers are deer-resistant, making them a resilient addition to any garden dedicated to attracting and supporting butterflies.
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Description: Echinacea, or coneflower, features daisy-like flowers with prominent central cones.
Type: Perennial
Flower Color: Pink, purple, white, yellow
Mature Size: 2-5 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Sun and Soil Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil
Attracts Butterflies: Rich in nectar
Deer Resistant: Yes
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
Growing Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) in your butterfly garden is an excellent way to attract and support butterflies. This deciduous shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, producing long, spike-like clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow.
Butterfly Bush blooms from summer to fall, providing a continuous nectar source for butterflies. It is also deer-resistant and easy to maintain, making it a great addition to any garden focused on attracting pollinators. Regular deadheading can encourage more blooms and a tidier appearance.
Hardiness Zone: 5-10
Description: This deciduous shrub is known for its long, spike-like clusters of flowers.
Type: Shrub
Flower Color: Purple, pink, white, yellow
Mature Size: 6-12 feet tall, 4-15 feet wide
Spacing: 5-10 feet
Sun and Soil Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil
Attracts Butterflies: High nectar content
Deer Resistant: Yes
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is an essential plant for a butterfly garden, especially for attracting monarch butterflies. This hardy perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, producing vibrant orange flowers that provide nectar for adult butterflies and serve as a crucial host plant for monarch caterpillars.
Growing up to 3 feet tall, Butterfly Weed is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance and beneficial addition to any butterfly-friendly garden. Its bright blooms not only enhance garden aesthetics but also support butterfly populations.
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Description: Butterfly Weed features bright orange flowers and is a favorite for pollinators.
Type: Perennial
Flower Color: Orange, yellow
Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-1.5 feet wide
Spacing: 12-18 inches
Sun and Soil Conditions: Full sun; dry to medium, well-drained soil
Attracts Butterflies: Essential for monarchs
Deer Resistant: Yes
Liatris (Liatris spicata)
Liatris, also known as Blazing Star, is a fantastic addition to a butterfly garden due to its tall, spiky purple or white blooms that attract a variety of butterflies. Hardy in zones 3-9, Liatris thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, growing 2-4 feet tall and 1-1.5 feet wide. Its nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for butterflies, and the plant is also deer-resistant, making it both beautiful and practical for a butterfly-friendly garden.
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Description: Known for its tall, spiky blooms, Liatris adds vertical interest to gardens.
Type: Perennial
Flower Color: Purple, white
Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall, 1-1.5 feet wide
Spacing: 12-15 inches
Sun and Soil Conditions: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil
Attracts Butterflies: Rich in nectar
Deer Resistant: Yes
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a vibrant addition to a butterfly garden. These hardy perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, producing bright yellow, gold, or pink daisy-like flowers from early summer to fall. Coreopsis attracts butterflies with its abundant nectar, making it a favorite for pollinators. It’s also deer-resistant, ensuring your butterfly garden remains lively and beautiful throughout the growing season.
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Description: Coreopsis, or tickseed, produces an abundance of daisy-like flowers.
Type: Perennial
Flower Color: Yellow, gold, pink
Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Spacing: 12-18 inches
Sun and Soil Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil
Attracts Butterflies: High nectar yield
Deer Resistant: Yes
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are excellent for butterfly gardens due to their bright yellow flowers and high nectar content, which attract a variety of butterflies. They are easy to grow, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. As perennials, they return each year to provide a reliable food source for butterflies. Their vivid blooms not only add color to your garden from mid-summer to fall but also support the local ecosystem by feeding pollinators.
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Description: This popular wildflower is recognized by its bright yellow petals and dark brown center.
Type: Perennial
Flower Color: Yellow with dark brown center
Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Spacing: 12-18 inches
Sun and Soil Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil
Attracts Butterflies: Nectar-rich blooms
Deer Resistant: Yes
Tall Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Tall Phlox (Phlox paniculata) is an excellent addition to a butterfly garden due to its large, fragrant flower clusters that bloom in pink, white, red, and purple. These perennials thrive in full sun to part shade and prefer well-drained soil. Reaching 2-4 feet in height, Tall Phlox attracts butterflies with its abundant nectar. For best results, space the plants 18-24 inches apart to allow good air circulation, which helps prevent powdery mildew. Although not deer-resistant, its beauty and butterfly appeal make it a worthwhile choice.
Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Description: Tall Phlox is known for its large, fragrant flower clusters.
Type: Perennial
Flower Color: Pink, white, red, purple
Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Sun and Soil Conditions: Full sun to part shade; well-drained soil
Attracts Butterflies: Fragrant, nectar-filled flowers
Deer Resistant: No
Sedum Autumn Joy (Hylotelephium)
Sedum Autumn Joy is a fantastic addition to a butterfly garden. This perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, reaching about 1.5 to 2 feet in height and width. Its pink flowers, which turn bronze in the fall, provide a rich nectar source for butterflies, ensuring they visit your garden throughout the season. Additionally, Sedum Autumn Joy is deer resistant, making it a low-maintenance and resilient choice for enhancing the beauty and ecological balance of your garden.
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Description: This succulent-like plant produces large clusters of pink flowers that turn bronze in fall.
Type: Perennial
Flower Color: Pink, turning bronze
Mature Size: 1.5-2 feet tall, 1.5-2 feet wide
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Sun and Soil Conditions: Full sun; well-drained, dry to medium soil
Attracts Butterflies: Abundant nectar source
Deer Resistant: Yes
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Growing Joe Pye Weed in a butterfly garden is a great choice due to its tall stature and large, mauve flower clusters that are rich in nectar. This perennial thrives in hardiness zones 4-9, preferring full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. It attracts numerous butterfly species and provides a striking vertical element to your garden design. Additionally, Joe Pye Weed is deer-resistant, making it a low-maintenance and resilient addition to your butterfly-friendly landscape.
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Description: Joe Pye Weed is a tall, herbaceous perennial with large, mauve flower clusters.
Type: Perennial
Flower Color: Mauve, pink
Mature Size: 4-7 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
Spacing: 24-36 inches
Sun and Soil Conditions: Full sun to part shade; moist, well-drained soil
Attracts Butterflies: Nectar-rich flowers
Deer Resistant: Yes
Final Thoughts on Butterfly Gardening
Creating a butterfly garden is a rewarding endeavor that brings beauty and ecological benefits to your outdoor space. By carefully selecting a mix of nectar-rich and host plants, and providing a sunny, sheltered location, you can create a thriving habitat for butterflies. Incorporating elements like water features, resting spots, and continuous blooms will ensure that butterflies are drawn to your garden throughout the season.
Maintaining a butterfly garden requires a commitment to organic gardening practices, avoiding pesticides, and ensuring regular care and maintenance. Watching butterflies flutter among your flowers can bring immense joy and a sense of accomplishment, knowing you’ve contributed to their conservation.
Ready to transform your garden into a butterfly haven? Start planning today and enjoy the colorful, fluttering visitors that will soon make your garden their home.
If you would like more information regarding pollinators and how to attract them to your garden, see Creating Inviting Habitats by the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
Do you have a butterfly garden yet? Or have you planted things they enjoy? If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear! And feel free to share this post with anyone you think would find it helpful too.
To drill down on more beginner gardening techniques and tips, please read these posts:
Thank you so much for following along.
Enjoy a beautiful day! xo
A Look Back: Butterfly Garden Tour 2019
During the 2019 growing season, I diaried and photographed all of my gardens. I love to see the gardens grow and change, and since my gardens look different every day, I documented the entire growing season.
Since documenting them here, my gardens have changed dramatically.
To see what they look like now, CLICK HERE.
Here’s what’s blooming and attracting butterflies to my garden.
The Front Yard Cottage Garden
The pollinators are thoroughly enjoying the front garden.
I’ve seen several monarchs and swallowtails, hummingbirds, dragonflies, and tons of bumble bees.
They all seem so peaceful and content zipping from flower to flower to grab some nectar.
To see a video tour of the front garden this week, check out my IGTV video here.
Blooms shown are Echinacea, Tall Phlox and Knock Out Roses.
Butterflies love this garden during this time of year.
My echinacea has self sowed so much there’s a lot here to attract them.
This border includes, Coral Bells, Salvia, Bee Balm, Catmint, Echinacea, Dahlias, Marigolds, Euphorbia and Tall Phlox.
