Planting a butterfly garden at home is a great way to enjoy these beautiful and interesting creatures. With the right type of plants you can create a butterfly habitat right in your own backyard and enjoy these fascinating creatures all season long. Butterfly gardens can range in size, from a small window box on a porch to a dedicated portion of your yard.
Butterfly gardens have some basic requirements to assist with the various stages of a butterflies life.
- Nectar Sources: Plants to attract and nourish adult butterflies.
- Host Plants: Plants that will serve as a food source for developing larva.
- Shelter: Vegetation to provide protection from temperature extremes, storms and predators. These plants will also provide the butterflies with areas to sleep.
- Water Source: A water source with a fountain is the best choice for a butterfly garden. Butterflies require water for drinking and thermoregulation.
If you are interested in more detailed information about creating a butterfly garden please take a look at our butterfly garden basics. Below you will find some plants that make great additions to any butterfly garden and what type of benefits they provide.
Butterfly Garden Plants
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Nectar Source
Nectar Source & Host Plant
Host Plant
Nectar Source / Host Plant
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Nectar Source
Nectar Source / Host Plant
Nectar Source / Host Plant
Host Plant
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The plants below are also great butterfly garden additions.
Zinnia (nectar source), Marigold (nectar source), Swamp Milk Weed (nectar source & host plant), Oregeno (nectar source), Parsely (host plant), Fennel (host plant), Lantana (nectar source), Pearly Everlasting (host plant), Swamp Milkweed (nectar source & host plant), Butterfly Milkweed (nectar source & host plant), Purple Cone Flower (nectar source), Blazing Star (nectar source), Tall Verbena (nectar source), Violet (host plant), Willow Trees (host plant) and Wild Beramot (nectar source).
There are many other plants that can go great in your garden, these are just a few ideas to help get you started. Researching the butterflies in your area and choosing the appropriate plants are a great way to ensure you will have a successful butterfly garden.