Swallowtail butterflies are a feast for the eyes with their vibrant wings and graceful flight. They are drawn to specific plants that serve as both nectar sources and larval hosts.
By cultivating certain plants in your garden, you can enjoy the lively dance of these butterflies while supporting their lifecycle. Here’s a delightful list of 30 plants that will transform your garden into a paradise for swallowtail butterflies.
1. Parsley
Imagine a garden full of fluttering swallowtail butterflies, and parsley should definitely be part of it. This herb not only enhances your culinary experience but also serves as a vital host plant for swallowtail caterpillars.
Growing parsley is a breeze; it loves full sun and well-drained soil. Regularly trim the leaves to encourage fresh growth and provide a continuous food source for caterpillars.
2. Dill
Turn your backyard into a butterfly haven with the aromatic allure of dill. The slender, feathery leaves provide the perfect dining table for hungry swallowtail caterpillars.
To cultivate dill, choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Water consistently, but don’t overdo it; dill enjoys a slightly dry environment.
3. Fennel
Fennel stands tall as a remarkable addition to any butterfly garden, offering both beauty and sustenance. Its towering fronds are irresistible to swallowtail caterpillars, which feast on its lush greenery.
For optimal growth, plant fennel in full sun and well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the seedlings, as they can be quite delicate at first.
4. Rue
Spice up your garden with the vibrant hues of rue, a plant cherished by swallowtail butterflies. Its aromatic leaves serve as a delightful host for caterpillars, ensuring a bustling butterfly presence.
Rue prefers sunny locations and well-drained soil, thriving with minimal care. Prune regularly to maintain its shape and encourage dense foliage.
5. Zizia
Infuse your landscape with the cheerful blooms of Zizia, a magnet for swallowtail butterflies. Its clusters of vibrant yellow flowers beckon these winged wonders to visit and linger.
Zizia flourishes in moist, well-drained soil with ample sunlight. Regular watering and occasional feeding keep it healthy and attractive.
6. Milkweed
Embrace the enchanting presence of swallowtail butterflies with the addition of milkweed to your garden. This plant’s fragrant blooms not only attract butterflies but also support their entire lifecycle.
Plant milkweed in full sun and ensure the soil is well-drained. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and an abundance of flowers.
7. Golden Alexanders
Create a golden carpet with the vibrant Golden Alexanders, and watch as swallowtail butterflies come to play. These flowers offer both nectar and a gorgeous pop of color to any garden.
Golden Alexanders thrive in moist, rich soil and partial to full sun. Regular watering and feeding will keep them blooming prolifically.
8. Coneflower
Standing tall in gardens, coneflowers bring both aesthetic charm and a nectar-rich feast for swallowtail butterflies. Their vibrant purple petals and spiky centers create a stunning visual display that attracts both people and pollinators alike.
These flowers love sunny spots and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care to flourish. Deadhead spent blooms to promote continuous flowering.
9. Butterfly Bush
Turn your garden into a butterfly paradise with the irresistible butterfly bush. Its elongated clusters of colorful blossoms are a favorite stop for many swallowtail butterflies.
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for best results. Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage profuse blooming.
10. Joe Pye Weed
Add a touch of whimsy to your garden with the towering presence of Joe Pye Weed. Its mauve flower clusters are a magnet for swallowtail butterflies seeking nectar.
This plant thrives in moist, rich soil and full to partial sunlight. Regular watering and space to grow are key to its success.
11. Asters
Fill your garden with the starry blossoms of asters, and watch as swallowtail butterflies dance among them. These late-blooming flowers provide a crucial nectar source when other blooms have faded.
Asters prefer full sun and well-drained soil, flourishing with regular watering. Deadheading spent blooms encourages a longer flowering period.
12. Liatris
Elevate your garden’s appeal with the vertical splendor of liatris. Its majestic spikes of purple flowers are a beacon for swallowtail butterflies seeking sustenance.
Liatris thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal attention. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor and abundant flowering.
13. Phlox
Allow the sweet fragrance of phlox to fill your garden, inviting swallowtail butterflies to linger. Its clusters of vibrant blooms create a vivid tapestry that appeals to both butterflies and gardeners alike.
Phlox prefers sunny spots with well-drained, rich soil. Regular watering and deadheading are key to sustained blooms.
14. Lupine
Bring a touch of wild beauty to your garden with the stately lupine. Its towering spikes of vibrant flowers are an irresistible allure for swallowtail butterflies.
Lupine thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the garden for the best results and enjoy their perennial return.
15. Verbena
Transform your garden into a butterfly retreat with the addition of vibrant verbena. Its clusters of small, colorful flowers are a delightful attraction for swallowtail butterflies.
Verbena thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Regular watering and occasional feeding keep it blooming throughout the season.
16. Sunflower
Capture the essence of summer with a splash of sunflowers, attracting swallowtail butterflies with their radiant blooms. These towering giants provide ample nectar and a cheerful presence in any garden.
Plant sunflowers in full sun and well-drained soil for best results. Support tall varieties to prevent wind damage and enjoy their vibrant display.
17. Marigold
Brighten up your garden with the sunny hues of marigolds, enticing swallowtail butterflies to visit. Their vibrant flowers are not only beautiful but also easy to grow.
Marigolds thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care. Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming and a tidy appearance.
18. Zinnia
Infuse your garden with a burst of color through zinnias, and watch swallowtail butterflies flock to their blooms. These flowers offer a vivid palette that delights both insects and onlookers.
Plant zinnias in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Regular watering and deadheading will keep them vibrant throughout the season.
19. Tithonia
Invite the lively dance of swallowtail butterflies with the fiery blooms of tithonia. These Mexican sunflowers add a bold splash of color to your garden landscape.
Tithonia prefers full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in warm conditions. Space plants adequately to allow their large blooms to flourish without competition.
20. Sedum
Transform your garden into a succulent paradise with the hardy sedum. Its fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers offer a unique appeal to swallowtail butterflies seeking nectar.
Sedum thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, withstanding drought conditions. Minimal care is needed, making it a perfect choice for low-maintenance gardens.
21. Cosmos
Fill your garden with the whimsical beauty of cosmos, attracting swallowtail butterflies with their delicate blooms. These flowers add a touch of elegance and movement to any landscape.
Cosmos thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Allow them to self-seed for a natural, ever-renewing floral display.
22. Queen Anne’s Lace
Adorn your garden with the intricate beauty of Queen Anne’s Lace, a favorite among swallowtail butterflies. Its lacey, white flowers create a soft, romantic ambiance.
Queen Anne’s Lace thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Allow it to naturalize for a charming, cottage-garden look.
23. Coreopsis
Embrace the cheerful presence of coreopsis, drawing in swallowtail butterflies with its sunny blooms. These flowers are easy to grow and provide a bright splash of color.
Coreopsis prefers full sun and well-drained soil, blooming prolifically with minimal care. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous flowering.
24. Black-Eyed Susan
Illuminate your garden with the golden glow of black-eyed susans, enticing swallowtail butterflies to visit. Their bold flowers offer both nectar and a striking visual appeal.
These resilient perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Minimal care is needed, making them a gardener’s favorite.
25. Lavender
Let the soothing scent of lavender enchant both you and swallowtail butterflies in your garden. Its aromatic purple blooms provide a feast for the senses and a nectar-rich treat for butterflies.
Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, withstanding dry conditions. Prune regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth.
26. Bee Balm
Turn your garden into a vibrant retreat with the fiery blooms of bee balm. This plant not only attracts swallowtail butterflies but also adds a punch of color to your landscape.
Bee balm thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring regular watering. Deadheading spent blooms promotes a longer flowering period.
27. Hollyhock
Add vertical drama to your garden with the towering hollyhock. Its tall spikes of colorful blooms are a favorite landing spot for swallowtail butterflies.
Hollyhocks prefer full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Stake the plants to support their height and enjoy their perennial return.
28. Salvia
Enhance your garden’s charm with the vibrant spikes of salvia, beloved by swallowtail butterflies. These flowers offer both color and nectar-rich sustenance.
Salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care. Prune after flowering to encourage a second bloom and maintain shape.
29. Yarrow
Infuse your garden with the hardy elegance of yarrow, attracting swallowtail butterflies with its delicate blooms. This resilient perennial offers both beauty and medicinal value.
Yarrow thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, withstanding drought conditions. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor and promote new growth.
30. Catnip
Invite the playful presence of swallowtail butterflies with the aromatic allure of catnip. Its minty leaves and small purple flowers provide a charming addition to any garden.
Catnip thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, withstanding dry conditions. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and keeps the plant tidy.