Hi!
My name is Savannah Zeller
I'm a novice gardener with a blank canvas of a backyard. I'm on a mission to create a pollinator friendly, wildlife loving, native and low water luscious garden filled with color.
- savmzeller
- Jun 29, 2023
- 3 min read
I remember seeing so many butterflies in my childhood garden (which was plentiful in blooms - thanks Mom and Dad), but today... its a small miracle if I see any flying around...anywhere really. Butterflies bring such an ethereal beauty and interest to our gardens while playing a vital role in ecosystem health. When I see butterflies, I know I'm doing something right. As gardeners, we have the opportunity to create enchanting butterfly habitats by incorporating specific native plants into our landscapes. This is what I have on my list to plant in the garden this year to bring more butterflies to my garden!
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): Butterfly Weed, also known as Butterfly Milkweed, oh my goodness this is a must-have for any butterfly-friendly garden. With its vibrant orange or yellow flowers, this perennial is a favorite nectar source for numerous butterfly species, including Monarchs (also a caterpillar host plant!). Butterfly Weed likes well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight to ensure optimal growth.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Purple Coneflower is a fan favorite perennial wildflower, also cherished by butterflies for its daisy-like purple-pink flowers. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and adds a splash of color to any butterfly garden.
Oregon Sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum): Oregon Sunshine, a native perennial, is a beacon of golden blooms that attract various butterfly species. Its nectar-rich flowers provide sustenance for adult butterflies, while the plant's foliage offers shelter and egg-laying opportunities - how cool to watch the whole lifecycle! This low-maintenance plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
California Lilac (Ceanothus spp.): California Lilac, also known as Wild Lilac, is a versatile shrub that produces abundant clusters of blue, purple, or white flowers. These fragrant blossoms are irresistible to butterflies like the Western Tiger Swallowtail and Acmon Blue. California Lilacs are well-adapted to dry conditions and can thrive with minimal water once established. I love this one because it is so water wise and gets large enough to create a privacy barrier! The bees are all over this one too.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow is so versatile and entices butterflies with its flat-topped clusters of small flowers in hues of white, pink, yellow, red and more. As a reliable nectar source, it draws various butterfly species to your garden, I always see butterflies loving on this plant. Yarrow is extra hardy and adapts well to different soil types, making it an excellent choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.
Red Columbine (Aquilegia formosa): With its unique and delicate red and yellow flowers, Red Columbine is a magnet for butterflies, particularly Swallowtails and Fritillaries butterflies. This perennial plant thrives in partial shade, making it a great option for areas with filtered sunlight.
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Also known as Bee Balm, is a versatile perennial that entices both butterflies and bees with its fragrant lavender flowers. It attracts various butterfly species, including Skippers. Wild Bergamot thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Its charming blooms add beauty and beneficial pollinators to your garden.
Blue Flax (Linum lewisii): Blue Flax is a charming perennial wildflower that showcases delicate sky-blue flowers - and BONUS, this is another low water plant. It is a magnet for various butterfly species, such as the Orange Sulphur and Western Tailed-Blue. Blue Flax is drought-tolerant once established and can thrive in sandy or well-drained soils. It adds a touch of grace and color to low water butterfly gardens.
Showy Fleabane (Erigeron speciosus): Showy Fleabane is a stunning perennial that displays lavender or pink daisy-like flowers on tall stems. It attracts some favorite butterfly species, like Painted Ladies and Fritillaries. The plant blooms from summer to fall, offering a vital late-season food source for butterflies before their winter migration.
Blue Flax (Linum lewisii): Blue Flax is a charming perennial wildflower that showcases delicate sky-blue flowers. It is a magnet for the Orange Sulphur and Western Tailed-Blue butterflies. Blue Flax is drought-tolerant once established and can thrive in sandy or well-drained soils. It adds a touch of grace and color to low water butterfly gardens.
Another favorite way to attract butterflies and make them want to buy a house in your up and coming "gardenhood", is with a water source. Try adding a bird bath or other source that collects water like garden art, ponds, a simple glass bowl. Then add rocks to create a landing spot for butterflies. This allows them a safe way to access the water.
By incorporating native pollinator-friendly plants specifically selected for attracting butterflies into garden, you can create a haven for these magical little creatures. These plants listed above offer high nectar, shelter, and host plant opportunities for butterflies, ensuring their presence throughout the seasons. Make your nosy neighbors jealous with how effortless
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