Butterflies are among the prettiest pollinators to visit the garden , and you’re able to draw them into any sized blank by providing the vital food source and server plant they need to flourish and flourish .
As they flit from efflorescence to bloom , butterflies are n’t just showing off their finery , they ’re look for for food , land site to pose their eggs , and spots to rest and shelter .
And with the correct plant , they ’ll visit small-scale gardens just as readily as big ones .
To help them on their journeying , choosing a diverseness of aboriginal plants provide a welcoming environment where they can safely lay egg and there ’s plenty of leaf for young , hungry caterpillars to feed on before move into metamorphosis .
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They also need flowers abundant in nectar , which is their primary food for thought source , important for survival , as well as providing the energy needed to procreate another generation .
And they prefer turgid , flattish blooms that are easy to bring on .
as luck would have it for us gardeners , they ’re attracted to bright , coloured flowers – yes , they have incredible color imaginativeness !
Plus they can severalise between odoriferous nectar and toxins with taste bud in their feeler , foot , proboscis , and flank .
Are you ready to represent host to more of these fascinating , dart flyer ?
Then countenance ’s take flight into 21 of the good blossoming perennials to attract butterflies to your small garden !
Here ’s a peek at what ’s up ahead :
21 Best Flowers for Butterflies
1. Anise Hyssop
Anise hyssop ( Agastache genus Foeniculum ) is a North American wildflower , extremely attractive to butterflies , bee , and hummingbird for their bountiful bloom that have an abundance of nectar .
An aromatic herb , the shield - shape leaves have a delightfully scented and refreshing scent of licorice and mint and the long , cylindrical bud spikes are loaded with whorls of small purple blooms .
anise plant hyssop has a farseeing bloom period from midsummer to fall and has a dependable tolerance for cervid and drouth .
Anise Hyssop
Plants develop up to 48 in marvellous and are stalwart in USDA zona 4 to 8 .
Container plants of anise Hyssopus officinalis are availableat Nature Hills .
Learn more about anise seed Hyssopus officinalis here .
2. Aster
aboriginal North American asters ( Aster , Eurybia , Symphotrichum ) are extremely worthful for butterflies , acting as master of ceremonies plants and allow for essential later time of year solid food source for many migrating species .
The small , daisy - like blooms come in appealing shadiness of blue , pink , purple , and snowy on vertical , branching stanch that flower for several weeks from recent summertime and well into spill .
Asters are a handsome option for late - time of year color in beds , containers , islands , and cottage or wild flower garden .
They grow from 12 to 72 in marvelous and are hardy in Zones 3 to 8 , depending on the metal money .
‘ Purple Dome ’ New England Aster
Symphotrichum novae - angliae‘Purple Dome ’ is aNew England asterthat features mystifying violet blooms and thrives in Zones 4 to 8 .
you may find ‘ Purple Dome ’ plants in one - gallon containersavailable at Nature Hills Nursery .
Our guide to growing astershas more selective information about these stunning flowers .
3. Bee Balm
Bee balm ( Monardaspp . ) has pretty , moppish blooms with ray of tubular , nectar - rich flowers in sweet subtlety of mauve , pink , reddish , purple , and white .
Beloved by butterfly and other pollinators , the seeds are a good nutrient source for winter birds as well .
A richly aromatic aboriginal coinage , bee balm flowers for up to eight weeks in the summertime and other twilight garden , supply color and fragrant allure tocottage , cut , and wildflower gardens as well as mixed layer and planters .
Reliable and low-down - maintenance , plants grow one to four groundwork marvellous and are hardy in zone 3 to 9 .
‘ Grape Gumball ’ Bee Balm
‘ Grape Gumball ’ is part of the Sugar Buzz ™ series and has a densely branched , compendious size of up to 24 inches , and deep purplish - pink blooms .
you could observe this outstanding cultivar usable in one - gallon potsat Nature Hills Nursery .
Want more information ? Check outour guide to growing bee balm .
4. Black-Eyed Susan
A usual indigenous wildflower in meadows , woodlands , and along roadsides , black - eyed Susan ( Rudbeckia ) has pollyannaish , daisy - like blooms of bronze , brick red ink , gold , orange , and chickenhearted with typical dark centers .
The bright flowers open in other summertime and continue to the start of fall , attracting many pollinators , and the seeds provide a favorite food forforaging wintertime songster .
They ’re idealistic for adding a sunny mien to beds , innovation , island , and cottage , cutting , or naturalized gardens .
plant grow 12 to 48 inch tall and are brave in Zones 3 to 9 .
‘ Viette ’s Little Suzy ’ Black - Eyed Susan
‘ Viette ’s Little Suzy ’ is a gnome cultivar that tops out at 24 column inch marvelous , with bright yellowed petals surrounding a sour dark-brown central platter .
This fecund bloomer isavailable at Nature Hills Nursery .
Check outour guide to growing dark - eyed Susansto learn more .
5. Blazing Star
A favorite for an array of pollinators and wintertime birds , blazing hotshot ( Liatris spicata)is a delicious grassland and prairie native with sheer , upright spikes of bottlebrush flowerheads in mauve , pinkish , royal , or white .
intrepid and reliable , the bud opened from the bottom up and bloom from the center to the remnant of summertime , when it forms attractive , downy cum head teacher with bountiful , coppery foliage .
Blazing Star Liatris
A sorcerous addition to mixed bed and plantation owner or in cutting , cottage , and xeric gardens where they grow from 12 to 72 inches tall . Blazing star is hardy in Zones 3 to 9 .
Packets of 20 , 40 , or 100 corms with rosy - mauve blossom can be foundat Eden Brothers .
6. Butterfly Bush
With fragrant , conical flowers in shades of magenta , mauve , fortunate pinkish , over-embellished , white , or chickenhearted , butterfly bush ( Buddleiaspp . ) is a attractive feature for Lepidoptera species and other pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds .
Although these plants can rise up to 15 foot tall , attractive dwarf cultivars are available that maintain a stocky size of 48 to 60 inches tall and broad – ideal for city or court gardens , foundations , and planters .
‘ Miss Molly ’ Butterfly Bush
For an impressive dose of “ good golly ” in small distance , ‘ Miss Molly ’ is a stocky cultivar with luscious , just plumes of Battle of Magenta garden pink to wine red flowers . Buddleiaspecies are audacious in Zones 5 to 9 .
you may ascertain ‘ Miss Molly ’ plantsavailable at Burpee .
Read our usher to growing butterfly bushfor more selective information .
7. Butterfly Weed
A more restrained cousin-german ofcommon milkweedand without the milky sap , the native butterfly weed(Asclepias tuberosa ) is value for its sceptre of flat - topped clusters of vibrantly colored blooms in fire orange or yellowish orange .
The blossom attract host of pollinator without take over the garden .
Plants bloom throughout summer and make appealing slashed blossom or colorful additions to mixed perennial bed , containers , island , and naturalized preferences .
Butterfly Weed
Butterfly green goddess grows 24 to 48 inches tall and is hardy in zona 3 to 9 .
you could find packs of three or five bare root plantsavailable at Nature Hills Nursery .
8. Catmint
A mint family member that dally love , Nepeta cataria ( Nepetaspp . ) has redolent foliage and pretty spires of pale spicy , mauve , pink , purple , or livid flowers with an exceptionally farseeing bloom time .
bloom from late give through to hang , this aromatic herbaceous plant provides a season - long nectar generator for butterfly stroke and otherbeneficial insects , adding mounds of colorful charm to bed , borders , container , and stone orxeric gardens .
Catmint grows 12 to 36 inches tall and is hardy in zone 3 to 9 .
‘ Cat ’s Pajamas ’ Catmint
‘ Cat ’s Pajamas ’ is a compact cultivar that tops out at 14 inches improbable and sports bright indigo blooms .
you could find ‘ Cat ’s Pajamas’available at Nature Hills .
Want to acquire more about this aromatic herbaceous plant ? Check out ourcatmint growing guide here .
9. Chrysanthemum
A stock bearer in the late - time of year garden , chrysanthemums ( Chrysanthemumspp . ) produce copious quantity of flowers in opulent tincture of brick , Bourgogne , cerise , gold , mahogany , maroon , mauve , orange , peach , pinkish , Salmon River , cherry-red , white , and yellow .
The colorful , mounding plants provide crucial food sources for later time of year butterfly and are idealistic in bed , delimitation , patio pots , or city , cottage , and court gardens .
Potted mums are perfect for adorn autumn get - togethers , from pickle - making parties to Halloween !
Hardy garden mama range in sizing from 12 to 36 column inch and are dauntless in Zones 4 to 9 .
‘ Coral Daisy ’ Chrysanthemums
From the University of Minnesota ’s gigantic ™ series , the delicious , semi - double ‘ Coral Daisy ’ is hardy down to Zone 3 ! With coral pink flowers , this one ’s a stunner .
plant in four - inch containers areavailable at Burpee .
For more chrysanthemum know - how , retard outour grow guidebook .
10. Coneflower
surge in popularity , aboriginal coneflower ( Echinaceaspp . ) are usable in a luscious range of gloss , including burgundy , brick , coral , lime hydrate green , mango , mauve , flame orangeness , hot pinko , racing shell pinko , purple , raspberry , salmon , white , and yellowish .
butterfly stroke flock to the blooms and later in the time of year , pocket-size birds to the source heads . Coneflowers grow from six to 30 inches tall , bearing bright daisy - same bloom throughout summer .
A good choice for adding steady people of color as container or specimen plants or grouped into spectacular displays for borders , courtyards , and foundations – plus they work well in cutting , wild flower , and xeric gardens . plant are hardy in Zones 3 to 9 .
‘ Marmalade ’ Coneflowers
‘ Marmalade ’ is a doubly - petaled cultivar , giving its large , orangey - yellow blooms a shaggy appearance .
you’re able to find ‘ Marmalade ’ plantsavailable at Burpee .
Want to learn more ? Ourconeflower growing scout can be found here .
11. Coreopsis
An autochthonous wildflower , coreopsis ( Coreopsisspp . ) , also called coreopsis , sport brilliant , daisy - like flowers in drenched shades of brick , mahogany , maroon , lavender , bubblegum and hot garden pink , Salmon River , scarlet , blanched , and butter and sunshine yellows .
They bloom for week over the summer months and make a sunny splashing in mixed beds , borders , and containers as well as native and water - impudent gardens .
Most varieties rise in the range of 12 to 36 inch and are hardy in Zones 4 to 10 .
‘ Incredible ! Swirl ’ Coreopsis
‘ unbelievable ! Swirl ’ has beautiful , bicolor deep burgundy flush with creamy blank margins .
you’re able to recover packet of seedsavailable at Botanical Interests .
Andcheck out our guide to produce coreopsis here !
12. False Indigo
imitation or waste anil ( Baptisia ) is a prairie aborigine with large , unsloped raceme of wing , pea - like flowers in pale or indigo blue plus snowy , with late cultivar append hues of Bourgogne , burnt umber , mauve , burnt orange , pinkish , purple , and creamy or bright yellow .
The vibrant flower spikes bloom from midspring to other summer , providing a undecomposed source of nectar in the other season .
They ’re gorgeous for cutting and append cool entreaty to interracial bed , islands , and naturalized or wildflower plantings .
False Indigo
As herbaceous legume , faux Indigofera tinctoria plant help to situate nitrogen in the soil and they have good drouth tolerance as well . Plants grow up to 72 inches marvelous and are hardy in Zones 3 to 10 .
you’re able to find out false indigo with traditional blue flowersavailable at Nature Hills Nursery .
13. Goldenrod
A bold and beautiful wild flower aboriginal in part to North America , goldenrod ( Solidagospp . ) displays impenetrable , conical or devotee - shaped prime heads made up of tiny florets in impregnate shades of yellow , including amber , amber , lemon , mustard , and sunshine plus creamy white .
raise 12 to 72 inch tall , new cultivar are typically more refined in size than mintage plant life , realise them an ideal choice for smaller gardens .
And all varieties boast tall , upright plumes that blaze in the sun , draw in large number of pollinators looking for late season nectar .
drouth resistant and tolerant of piteous soils , goldenrods have a tenacious flush time of midsummer into fall .
They are highly desirable as specimen plants in mixed beds and containers , or clustered in borders of herbaceous plant , hayfield , and wildflower gardens . Goldenrod is unfearing in Zones 3 to 9 .
‘ piffling Lemon ’ Goldenrod
‘ small Lemon ’ is an adorable dwarf form , uprise only 18 inch improbable , with vivid sensationalistic bloom .
you’re able to find ‘ Little Lemon ’ plant in one - gallon containersavailable at Burpee .
Learn more about goldenrod here .
14. Lavender
A favourite anthesis herbaceous plant beloved for its heavenly aroma , lavender ( Lavandula ) spikes rod atop long , stringy bow with tiny , tubular bloom in copious shades of amethyst , violet blue , lavender , pallid pink , rosy pink , over-embellished , white , and even pale yellow .
A pet summertime food source for many butterfly and pollinators , the low mounding , evergreen plant bush are drought tolerant and grow 12 to 48 in tall .
Most multifariousness are hardy in Zones 4 to 10 , withsome suitable for coolerorwarmer climates .
The aromatic blossom blossom from recent spring to late summertime , bet on the type .
Lavender hit a beautiful and reliable plus as specimens in container , groundwork , and cottage or rock gardens , or anywhere they can be massed , such as low barriers and borders .
English Lavender
English lavender , L. angustifolia , offer fragrant blue flowers and grows to a mature height of about 30 inch , with a spread of 18 inch .
you could find packets of 1,000 seedsavailable at Burpee .
Our templet to raise lavender can be found here .
15. Oregano
Many of the so - call Mediterranean herb attract pollinators and oregano ( Origanum vulgare ) is among the best , with aromatic foliation and blossoms plus productive amounts of ambrosia drawing in a variety of bees and butterfly .
The small , star - shaped mauve , pink , or white flowers flower in terminal cluster on upright stem , adding colouration and vivid fragrance for calendar week over the summer months .
Growing up to 24 inches marvellous , Origanum vulgare is a must - have for kitchen potagers and adds fragrant charm to border fronts , container , border , or herbaceous plant bed and in naturalized , wildflower , or water - wise garden .
Common Oregano
Plants are intrepid in geographical zone 4 to 10 .
Packets of common oregano source can be foundat Botanical Interests .
Get more oregano cognise - how here .
16. Phlox
Phlox ( Phloxspp . ) varieties , including the tallgarden varieties ( P. paniculata)andcreeping type ( P. stolonifera ) , are North American wildflowers that have potent appeal for butterflies .
The fragrant , vasiform efflorescence blossom in clusters on tall stalks or curt stems in beautiful shades of blue , coral , orange , pink , plum , regal , red , white , and yellow , blossom for weeks in summertime in the case ofP. paniculata , or betimes to mid - spring forP. stolonifera .
Garden varieties grow 24 to 48 inches tall and add undischarged appeal to beds , initiation , and islands .
The creepers reach only six inch in superlative and are brilliant in hanging hoop or window loge , as mounding undercoat natural covering , and in rockeries or cascading over stone walls .
Both coinage are unfearing in Zones 3 to 9 .
‘ Emerald Blue ’ is a creep phlox cultivar that feature burnished blue peak .
‘ Emerald Blue ’ Creeping Phlox
you could find ‘ Emerald Blue ’ plantsavailable at Burpee .
Prefer the erect case ? ‘ Uptown Girl ’ is a flashy garden phlox cultivar with showy panicles of bright pink flowers .
It ’s alsoavailable at Burpee .
17. Sage
Common garden sage ( Salvia officinalis ) is another aromatic lot family extremity .
Grown for the flavoursome , gray greenish leaves with an herbal / camphor flavor , the grandiloquent spikes of pretty tubular flowers in lavender blue , rosy pink , and livid are a butterfly favorite .
Flowering for several weeks from early summer , these semi - woody bush are drought tolerant once established and grow up to 30 inches improbable .
Common salvia
A good choice for tot up nerveless , soothing tones to containers , herb knots , assorted shrub beds , and rock garden . Sage is hardy in geographical zone 4 to 8 .
seminal fluid packets areavailable at High Mowing Organic Seeds .
Learn more about growing salvia here .
18. Shasta Daisy
A bungalow garden staple , Shasta daisies ( Leucanthemum superbum ) have passably white or pale yellow petals in a classic , ray floret starburst formula with a Citrus limon or table mustard chickenhearted disc center .
A horde plant life and good source of nectar , Shasta daisies blossom from early summertime to flow on soaked bow that reach from six to 48 inches marvelous , depending on type .
They make an likable selection for motley beds , edging , or row , and add cheery light to bungalow , cut , and wildflower gardens . Hardy in zone 4 to 9 .
‘ Daisy Duke ’ Shasta Daisy
‘ Daisy Duke ’ is a prolific foul-up , with bright snowy petals and table mustard yellow centers .
you’re able to come up ‘ Daisy Duke ’ available in # 1 containersat Nature Hills Nursery .
desire to memorize more ? correspond outour Shasta daisy growing usher here .
19. Stonecrop
A divers grouping of succulent , stonecrop or sedum ( Sedumspp . andHylotelephium spp . ) , are carefree and drought liberal .
They typically bloom from mid- to late summertime with erect spikes topped with clusters of small , starry blooms in colors of mauve , pale and flushed pinkish , regal , Salmon River , snowy , and jaundiced , depending on the variety .
size vary from the creep mixed bag likeEnglish stonecropthat grow only three to six inch tall , and showy character like‘Autumn Joy’that can attain up to 30 in high .
And some diversity also bluster gorgeous leafage colors of burgundy , plum tree , or scarlet .
stonecrop are both master of ceremonies flora and nectar sources for many butterfly species and can be used in containers and planter , as borders or ground covering fire , and in any xeric setting .
Most stonecrop varieties are hardy in Zones 3 to 10 .
‘ Autumn Joy ’ Stonecrop
‘ Autumn Joy ’ is widely democratic for good cause : it ’s easy to raise and has gorgeous pinkish - red blossom , supply color in the late season garden .
you could find ‘ Autumn Joy ’ in # 1 containersfrom Nature Hills Nursery .
Ourguide to growing stonecrophas more information .
20. Thyme
Thyme ( Thymusspp . ) is a pop kitchen herb esteemed for adding spicy feeling to fish , soups , lather , and stuffing .
The almost 200 specie in theThymusgenus make outstanding ornamentals as well , flowering in recent springtime through summer , depending on the variety .
The little , woody shrubs or grovel ( prostrate ) flat coat covers are highly redolent , with rounded or needle - alike leaves and passel of tiny , pinkish or over-embellished sweet-smelling flowers , covering works and drawing in clouds of bees and butterfly stroke .
These compact herb are highly drought patient of and ideal for add scented allure to edge nominal head , containers , and crushed rock or rock garden . And the creeping varieties are consummate for stuffing into broken bricks , nerve tract , paver crevice , and rock’n’roll walls .
Prostrate miscellany are ground hugger with a altitude of three inches and common types grow up to 16 inch tall .
Thyme is hardy in Zones 5 to 9 , although there are many cultivars suitable for colder winters powerful down to Zone 2 !
‘ Coccineus ’ is a gorgeouscreeping thyme ( T. praecox)cultivar , creating a bright pinkish carpet of bloom .
‘ Coccineus ’ creep Thyme
you could find ‘ Coccineus ’ plantsavailable from Nature Hills Nurseryin quart - sized and # 1 containers .
And if you opt to grow some common thyme , you could find out seedsavailable at Burpee .
larn more about growing thyme here .
21. Weigela
extremely ornamental , weigela ( Weigelaspp . ) shrubs feature masses of beautiful , horn - like flower in mid to late spring , blooming in sumptuous shades of burgundy , mauve , pale and fortunate pinkish , over-embellished , and snowy .
The foliage comes in varied color as well , include chartreuse , creamy variegation , light-green , Au , dusty pink , plum , purple , and almost black .
midget kind are ideal for small blank space , get 24 to 36 inch tall , supply lustrous colors to mete , march , foundations , and assorted shrub bed , plus city and court gardens .
‘ splatter Wine ’ Weigela
‘ slop wine-coloured ’ has hot pinkish flowers , burnished maroon leaf , and grow up to 36 inches marvelous .
you could get hold ‘ slop Wine ’ weigela plantsavailable at Fast Growing Trees .
stop outour guide to growing weigelafor more information .
Butterfly Heaven
If you ’d like to attract more butterflies to your garden , but do n’t have the space for large drifts of heyday or blossoming trees , our selection of flowering perennials are idealistic for pocket-sized spaces !
Many are North American native wildflowers , and do as a host plant for endemic Lepidoptera mintage and all act as of import food sources , providing cute nectar for these fanciful flier .
When project your butterfly stroke garden , be sure to choose a variety of plants with dissimilar blossoming time to attract the majuscule range of species from leaping to fall .
And if you ’d like tolearn more about attracting pollinator , add these guide to your meter reading listing next .
© demand the Experts , LLC . ALL right RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . primitively published January 23 , 2019 . Last update January 29 , 2025 . merchandise photos via Botanical Interests , Burpee , Eden Brothers , Fast Growing Trees , High Mowing Organic Seeds , and Nature Hills Nursery . Uncredited photo : Shutterstock .
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Lorna Kring
