As R. H. Heinlein is credited with saying, “Butterflies are self propelled flowers.” Perhaps that is why butterflies are so enamored with flowers. Not only do they provide them with a food source, but they may commiserate with them as earth-bound butterflies. If you want to enjoy both flowers and butterflies, there are steps you can take to encourage as many butterflies as possible to come into your yard.
Your choice of flowers is a big part of drawing butterflies. They have those that they favor as hosts for developing caterpillars, as well as those they love the nectar from. There are many that you will enjoy just as much as the butterflies do, such as lavender, lilac, phlox, cornflower, goldenrod, purple coneflower, snapdragon, zinnia, and of course, butterfly bush, which is so aptly named. Violets and clovers make great host plants.
In addition to choosing the right flowers, you can also increase butterfly populations by providing the other things that they need, namely a source of fresh water, shelter from wind, and lots of open, sunny spaces. For this reason, be sure you locate your flowers in sunny spots, or they may avoid them even if they are the types that they like.
If you have questions about landscape design that provides flowers and a habitat conducive to butterflies, come see us at Yard & Nursery Depot. We’ll be happy to help you put together a butterfly garden, as well as choose plants for any other goal you may have in mind.
