Butterflies are attracted to a variety of plants and flowers that serve their needs at different stages of their life cycle. Here are some ways to attract butterflies to your garden:
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Plant nectar-rich flowers: Adult butterflies are attracted to flowers that produce nectar, which is their primary source of food. They are particularly drawn to flowers that are red, yellow, orange, pink, and purple, and that are flat-topped or clustered.
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Grow host plants: Butterflies lay their eggs on specific plants, known as host plants, which serve as a food source for their caterpillars. By growing host plants, you can provide a habitat for butterflies to complete their life cycle. The plants most likely to attract butterflies in your area will often be native to your area, which also means they will tend to grow vigorously in your butterfly garden with low maintenance.
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Provide fruit: Many butterflies enjoy fruit in addition to nectar from flowers. You can grow native berry-producing shrubs or fruit trees, allowing the fruit to drop to the ground naturally. As it rots, the fruit becomes a draw for species such as red admirals and mourning cloaks. You can also set out a plate of overripe bananas or juicy options such as oranges or watermelon.
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Create a sunny spot: Butterflies need heat to fly and they use the sun to warm themselves. You could place basking stones in your garden for the butterflies to rest on and warm themselves.
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Provide a water source: Butterflies need water to drink, but they also need a place to rest and sun themselves. You can provide a shallow dish of water with a few stones or twigs for them to perch on.
By incorporating these elements into your garden, you can create a habitat that serves the needs of all life stages of the butterfly and attract these beautiful creatures to your yard.
