Last updated on June 6th, 2025 at 04:57 pm
Types of Plants That Attract Butterflies to Our Gardens. We all know flowers come in many shapes and colors. But if we want to see more butterflies, we should pick plants that really catch their eye. Butterflies seem to love flowers with bright petals and a sweet scent. Some types are just better at drawing them in.
If attracting butterflies is our goal, it helps to plan our garden with the right kinds of plants. Picking flowers that bloom in bold colors and smell nice can turn our yards into a butterfly hotspot. With the right mix, we can watch butterflies flutter in, land, and even hang around a while. If we want more of these colorful visitors, it pays to choose our plants with them in mind.
A list of plants that butterflies like
- Milkweed
- Butterfly Bush
- Daisies
- Lilacs
- Purple Coneflower
- Day Lilies
- Lavender
- Lantanas
- Verbenas
- Salvia Plant Care
- BeeBalm
- Cosmos
- Alyssum
- Marigold
There are other plants and bushes that I can list above, but these are the main ones.
Milkweed Attracts Butterflies
Specifically, the Asclepias curassavica is also called the Scarlet Milkweed and Tropical Milkweed. Rich red and orange flowers bloom from mid-summer to late fall. It will die back in freezing zones. But it does come back if placed in a south or southwest-facing wall. Good, well-composted soil will also help it to come back.
The Monarch Butterfly loves this plant; however, this plant does have an issue with butterflies.
According to Sciencemag.org Milkweed hosts a protozoan parasite called Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE). As caterpillars, monarchs ingest the parasite along with their normal milkweed meals, and when they hatch from their chrysalises they are covered in spores. “It’s a debilitating parasite,” Satterfield says. Read more here.
This article pertains to areas where it does not freeze. If you live in non-freezing zones, you should read the article above!
Consider using these types of plants for your flowerbeds or garden. Butterflies do care about your choice of color, but you don’t want your garden to be a hodgepodge of unrelated colors and textures.
Plants to Attract Butterflies in Your Garden
The Butterfly Bush
As the name suggests, the butterfly bush will attract butterflies, and it will grow to about 4-6 ft. tall and wide. It’s best to place it in full sun and use small, shorter perennials in front. There are also dwarf Butterfly bushes, keep that in mind when visiting your local nursery. They will go dormant during the cold season. But it will grow quickly once the spring season comes around.
Butterflies love Daisies
Not only do these plants provide great color they also attract butterflies. Shasta, Gerbera, African, and painted daisies will work great. They range in height from 6″ to about 2 ft. tall. The USDA hardiness zones are 8 through 10, They are considered tender perennials in zone 7 and annuals where temperatures get below 32° Fahrenheit consistently during the winter seasons.
Lilacs Flowering Shrub
These are bushes and are hardy down to about -10°. Most will grow about 6-7 ft. tall and 4-5 ft. wide. However, the blooms are short-lived in early spring, and that’s about it.
Lavender Plants
In addition, these plants attract butterflies. There are all kinds of Lavender, from English to Spanish Lavender, and they all have fragrant flowers. They will bloom from mid-spring to late fall. Plant them in the foreground with yellow roses or any type of taller yellow flower. Equally important is to plant them in full sun and use good loamy potting soil. For longer-lasting flowers, trim them once in late spring, and they will re-bloom in summer. These plants also repel mosquitoes.
Coneflower -(echinacea)
Many varieties of the Coneflower plant, and the most common is the Purple Coneflower. It is drought-tolerant but will do better with regular watering, especially during the summer months. Cut them back in late winter for larger, bushier plants during the spring season.
Lantana Plants
There are many types of Lantanas, and the most prolific blooming one is the Dallas Red variety. I’ve seen butterflies swarm around this plant for months at a time. It will grow about 3-5 ft. tall and wide. Make sure you place them in full sun and water often during the first 1-2 years after planting. No pruning or deadheading is required, old blooms will expire followed by new ones week after week
Verbena Plants
Specifically, Purple Verbena plants. Blooms from about mid-spring to late fall. It is considered a perennial in the lower elevations of the southwest.
Cosmos
The Cosmo plant is a cool plant as it has a plethora of colors. Plant them in full sun and water often. 3-4 times per week during the mid-summer heat. Perfect in a flowering garden it is an annual but sometimes they do come back the first year.
Alysum
Also called the white Alyssum (Lobularia maritima). The white one is the most common and does not mind cold weather. It grows about 2-3″ tall and is perfect for a small garden area. Butterflies will swarm around this plant during the spring season. Plant several of them together about 4-5″ apart for a nice carpet of small white flowers.
Marigolds
These are easy, fast-growing, tender perennials for the Southwest USA. Marigolds are shorter plants, additionally, it is best to plant in front of other taller plants or shrubs. They do not require deadheading as the blooms will pop up when older ones fall off. Let them dry out before deep watering again.
Marigolds are a bright and practical addition to your garden. They’re easy to grow, tolerate most conditions, and attract beneficial insects. Want natural pest control? Marigolds can help by repelling harmful bugs like aphids and nematodes. They thrive in full sun and work well in borders, containers, or mixed flower beds. Plant them after the last frost, and water regularly, but don’t overdo it—marigolds hate soggy soil. With minimal effort, you’ll enjoy their vibrant blooms all season long.
Not all Butterflies are good
Butterflies might seem harmless, but some can cause trouble in your garden. Have you noticed caterpillars munching on your plants? Those same butterflies you love could lay eggs that hatch into leaf-eating pests. Some species target vegetables, ruining your hard work. Others spread plant diseases, which are hard to control. Their feeding habits can even weaken plants, making them more vulnerable to other pests. Sure, butterflies are pretty, but they’re not always as innocent as they look. Keep an eye on your garden and watch for signs of damage before it’s too late. Learn more here.
Types of Plants that Attract Butterflies
I’d love to hear what you think. Want to share your thoughts? Drop a comment below. If you have any questions about butterflies or just want to chat, I’m here for it!
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