I used to think that attracting butterflies was all about having the perfect flowers. But after a few unsuccessful seasons of waiting for butterflies to show up, I realized there’s a better way – by planting butterfly host plants.
These plants are where the magic happens. They don’t just give butterflies food; they give them a place to live and breed. Today, my garden is constantly buzzing with activity, from caterpillars munching away to butterflies fluttering around.
Creating a butterfly-friendly oasis doesn’t take much – just the right plants and a little patience. Trust me, your garden will thank you (and so will the butterflies)!
1. Milkweed Is Your Garden’s VIP Butterfly Host
Milkweed is the superstar of butterfly gardens, especially for the monarch butterfly. It’s their go-to spot for laying eggs and providing food for their larvae.
To grow it, plant milkweed in full sun and well-drained soil – just be sure to give it space, as it can spread quickly. Butterflies love it because it offers nectar, shelter, and a place to raise their young.
Pro Tip: Be cautious with milkweed look-alikes, as some can be invasive and take over your garden!
2. Fennel Is The Butterfly Gourmet’s Favorite Restaurant
If you’re looking to lure swallowtails, fennel is the way to go. These elegant butterflies adore fennel as a host plant, laying their eggs on its feathery fronds.
Fennel thrives in full sun and soil that drains well, and the best part? It’s a perfect addition to your herb garden, giving your kitchen a little flavor while attracting butterflies. They can’t resist its aromatic leaves!
3. Parsley: The Butterfly BFF You Didn’t Know You Needed
Parsley isn’t just for garnish!
Swallowtail butterflies absolutely love it as a host plant for their eggs. Growing it is easy – just plant it in rich, moist soil, and make sure it gets plenty of sun.
Butterflies are drawn to parsley because it’s a great place for their larvae to feed and grow before they transform. If you don’t have enough garden space, you can always grow parsley in pots.
4. Aster Will Have Butterflies Buzzing Around Your Garden
If you want a late-season butterfly feast, asters are your best bet. These plants bloom when many other flowers have faded, providing a vital nectar source for migrating butterflies.
Plant them in high-quality soil and full sun, and your garden will be a butterfly hangout. They’re loved for their nectar-filled blooms that keep butterflies energized through the fall.
5. Black-Eyed Susans Are The Butterflies’ Sunshine
Black-eyed Susans brighten up any garden, and they’re a favorite of several butterfly species.
Their vibrant yellow petals are a perfect landing pad for nectar-loving butterflies, while their seeds provide food for other pollinators.
They’re incredibly easy to grow in sun and poor soil, and butterflies love them for their long-lasting blooms and nectar.
6. Bee Balm: A Butterfly Magnet With A Touch Of Minty Freshness
The reason why most gardeners grow bee balm is to attract a variety of butterflies, especially if they want to add a bit of color and scent to the garden.
This mint family plant thrives in full sun and moist soil that is also well-draining. Butterflies are drawn to its fragrant blooms, which offer both nectar and a safe place to lay their eggs.
7. Thyme: The Unlikely Butterfly Host That’s A Garden Essential
Thyme isn’t just a kitchen staple – it’s also a favorite of butterflies like the yellow swallowtail. This fragrant herb provides a fantastic landing spot for butterflies looking to lay eggs.
Grow it in a sunny, well-drained spot, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly butterflies are drawn to its delicate foliage. Plus, it’s a perennial, so it’ll keep coming back year after year!
8. Cabbage Is A Favorite Of Swallowtail Butterflies
Butterflies like the black swallowtail can’t resist cabbage plants. Not only do they love laying their eggs on the leaves, but the larvae feed on the cabbage until they pupate.
Growing cabbage is easy, as it thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of sun. It’s a win-win: you get fresh veggies and a butterfly-friendly garden!
10. Goldenrod Is The Butterfly-Friendly Wildflower You’ll Love
Goldenrod might be seen as a wildflower, but it’s also a butterfly magnet. Butterflies like the American lady and painted lady love it for its nectar-rich blooms.
Plant goldenrod in a sunny place with soil that drains well, and watch the butterflies flock to it. It’s especially great in late summer and fall when other nectar sources begin to dwindle.
11. Woolly Lamb’s Ear Is A Soft Spot For Butterflies
While it may not be a typical butterfly host, woolly lamb’s ear attracts pollinators and butterflies alike with its soft, fuzzy leaves and striking blooms.
It thrives in a spot with a lot of sunlight exposure and well-draining soil, offering a tactile experience both for you and for butterflies. They love it for its low-maintenance nature and the shelter it provides for caterpillars.
12. Spiralea Is Your Butterfly Bridge To Nectar Heaven
Spiralea, also known as meadowsweet, is a showy perennial that draws butterflies with its spiky, nectar-filled flowers.
It thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, making it a perfect addition to any butterfly garden. Butterflies flock to it for its blooms, which are packed with nectar they can sip for hours.
13. Joe-Pye Weed Will Turn Your Garden Into A Butterfly Hotspot
If you want to see a variety of butterflies in your garden, Joe-Pye weed is the plant to grow. It’s a favorite of fritillaries, swallowtails, and other species.
This perennial grows well in sunny gardens with moist soils. Butterflies love it because its nectar-rich flowers are a prime stopping point during migration.
14. Coriander: The Unlikely Butterfly Sanctuary in Your Herb Garden
Coriander (or cilantro) may be better known for its role in your favorite dishes, but it’s also an excellent butterfly host plant. Swallowtails in particular love laying their eggs on coriander leaves.
Grow it in full sun with moist, well-drained soil, and you’ll have a garden full of butterflies and fresh herbs!
15. Queen Anne’s Lace: A Delicate Butterfly Rest Stop
Queen Anne’s Lace is a wildflower that not only adds a touch of elegance to any garden but also serves as a popular spot for butterfly eggs.
This plant grows best in a spot with good soil and a lot of sunshine. Butterflies love it because its tiny blooms provide the perfect landing pad and nectar source for all sorts of pollinators.
Plant these butterfly host plants today, and soon you’ll be the proud owner of a garden buzzing with beautiful butterflies all season long.