Butterfly Gardens are so beautiful and everybody’s favorite. Many people would like to entice them to their gardens.  You do not need to have a huge garden to do this as every plant you can manage will make a difference.  Butterflies love color of all kinds and as they see things in Ultraviolet light, bright color flowers with “landing pads” are ideal.  Two great examples would be Coreopsis and Gaillardia. 

If you want to attract specific varieties, you should see the information above in this newsletter.

Popular plants for Butterfly Gardens:

Milkweed:

Milkweed is a fast-growing perennial that can grow 2’ to 3’ tall. It comes in a variety of colors but the most popular is the red and yellow! It is a “must have” for any butterfly garden to attract Monarch butterflies.

Gaillardia: 

Gaillardia is noted for its brilliant, daisy-like flowers which appear in Summer. A great plant to use in areas that receive full sun exposure. It is a Florida Native and has excellent salt tolerance.  It grows 14”-24” high and wide. Plant in full sun. 

Salvia:

There are many varieties of Salvia but one of our favorites is Indigo Spires or Black & Bloom.  Both of these have dark purple flowers that suspend high above the plants.  They are very butterfly and hummingbird friendly. Plants grow quite tall so they should be a backdrop plant for butterfly gardens.  Height can be 4’ and spread about 2’ to 3’. Plant in full sun.  It also has good salt tolerance. 

Gaura “Whirling Butterflies”

Gaura is a beautiful plant that has either green foliage with White/Pink Butterfly shaped flowers rising above it or pink foliage with pink flowers.  Gaura is clump forming to about 2-3 feet and the flowers form on stems that delicately blow in the breeze.  Gaura is Zone 5-10 and tolerates full sun.  The deer usually do not eat it and it is moderately salt tolerant.

Pentas

Pentas come in many different colors and sizes and all of them are amazing bloomers in the hottest heat! Very little maintenance is required either.  The red pentas are particularly attractive to butterflies.  Plant in full sun or partial sun. Some varieties can grow to 2-3 feet, but most are going to 18” to 24” tall and wide.  A gorgeous low maintenance flower for your yard! Authors note: my favorite!