Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is a rewarding experience that allows you to connect with nature and contribute to the well-being of these lovely insects. Butterflies and other pollinators not only bring visual delight but also play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. By planting a variety of flowers and plants that attract various pollinators, you can enjoy the mesmerizing sight of all these winged wonders fluttering around your yard while supporting biodiversity. Let’s explore the top 12 pollinator-friendly plants that will transform your garden into a vibrant and lively sanctuary.
If you’re using this list to generate some ideas for a butterfly or pollinator garden you’d like to plant, we have a beginner’s guide to designing a butterfly garden that you can read to get some help!
1. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
The Butterfly Bush is a favorite among butterflies due to its sweet-smelling flowers that attract various species. This fast-growing shrub produces clusters of vibrant purple, pink, or white flowers throughout the summer and fall. Plant this bush in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and watch as butterflies flock to its colorful blooms. Prune it annually to encourage new growth and maximize blooms. While many will tell you it’s an invasive species, that’s not necessarily true. We have an entire article on what every gardener should know about the Butterfly Bush you should check out if you’re going to plant one.
2. Echinacea (Coneflower)
Echinacea’s daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white are irresistible to butterflies. These hardy perennials thrive in sunny locations and are drought-tolerant once established. Their long blooming period ensures a continuous supply of nectar for butterflies and adds a striking element to your garden.
3. Milkweed (Asclepias)
As the sole host plant for Monarch butterflies, Milkweed is essential for their survival. By planting Milkweed, you provide a vital food source for Monarch caterpillars and nectar for adult butterflies. Choose native varieties like Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) or Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) to support local ecosystems. If you need help finding a native species, check out our two ultimate guides, one’s for Milkweed Cultivation & the other is for Finding Native Species!
4. Coreopsis (Tickseed)
With its cheerful yellow and orange blooms, Coreopsis brightens up any garden while attracting butterflies with its abundant nectar. These drought-tolerant perennials are easy to grow and provide a consistent food source for butterflies throughout the growing season.
5. Verbena
Verbena’s clusters of tiny flowers provide a feast for butterflies, attracting them with their sweet fragrance. This pollinator-friendly, low-maintenance plant is perfect for hanging baskets, borders, or ground covers, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil.
6. Salvia
Salvia’s tall spikes of tubular flowers are a favorite among butterflies and hummingbirds. Plant different varieties like Blue Sage (Salvia Azurea) or Scarlet Sage (Salvia Splendens) to create a colorful and diverse pollinator habitat.
7. Lantana
Lantana’s clusters of vibrant flowers bloom profusely throughout the summer, attracting butterflies with their sweet nectar. This heat-tolerant plant thrives in sunny gardens and adds a tropical vibe to your landscape. Choose from a variety of colors like yellow, orange, pink, and purple.
8. Aster
Asters bloom in late summer and fall, providing a vital food source for butterflies before they migrate or hibernate. Their star-shaped flowers come in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white, adding beauty to your garden during the cooler months.
9. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Black-eyed Susans feature bright yellow petals with dark centers, making them stand out in any garden. These cheerful flowers attract butterflies while adding a pop of color and texture. They thrive in sunny spots and are low-maintenance.
10. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee Balm’s fragrant flowers in shades of pink, red, and purple are a magnet for butterflies and bees. This hardy perennial thrives in sunny to partially shaded areas and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Its dense blooms also make it a striking garden centerpiece.
11. Phlox
Phlox’s delicate clusters of flowers come in various colors and attract butterflies with their sweet nectar. These perennials prefer partial shade and well-drained soil, providing blooms that last all summer long.
12. Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium)
Joe Pye Weed’s large pinkish-purple flower heads are a favorite among butterflies, especially Swallowtails. This tall perennial thrives in moist soil and sunny to partially shaded areas. Its towering presence adds height and elegance to butterfly gardens.
Thanks for reading!
Incorporating pollinator-friendly plants into your garden not only adds vibrancy and beauty but also supports the fragile ecosystem of these enchanting insects. By planting a diverse selection of nectar-rich flowers and host plants, you create a welcoming haven for butterflies to thrive and flourish. From the essential Milkweed for Monarchs to the vibrant blooms of Zinnias and Lantana, there are endless possibilities to transform your garden into a butterfly sanctuary. We even have 10 more flowers you may be interested in planting this spring! So, roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and create a garden that’s as delightful for butterflies as it is for you. Happy gardening!
Michael D. Larsen
Butterfly Rancher & Co-Owner of Larsen & Co.
With over twenty years of experience raising butterflies on my family’s Butterfly Farm, I have spent my entire life around Butterflies. Over the years, I’ve developed a passion for these creatures and want to share the knowledge I have gained thanks to my unique experiences raising butterflies commercially. If I can raise awareness of conservation efforts and butterfly news or spark someone’s interest in nature and butterflies, this website has served its purpose. Conservation starts with awareness and education!