Butterfly Gardening is Fun

Butterfly gardening is becoming very popular. Put simply, butterfly gardening is the hobby of attracting butterflies by growing flowers and plants, which lure these colorful insects to the garden. This type of gardening is very simple but does require a different gardening mindset.

There are two different types of plants you can grow for butterflies: nectar food sources and larval food sources. Nectar food sources attract the adult butterfly. Many different types of flowers will serve as a nectar source. Annual flowers include zinnias, marigolds, and lantana. Purple coneflower, monarda, coreopsis, and milkweed are good perennial plants. Shrubs and vines include butterfly bush, lilac, spirea, and native honeysuckle.

Avoid planting flowers with double or triple petals (zinnias are an exception). Blue, purple, and white are the favored flower colors to attract butterflies with red probably the least favored color. For best effect, plant flowers in large beds or clumps.

Providing larval food plants is where butterfly gardening diverts from all other types of gardening. With these plants you are feeding the caterpillars that eventually turn into adult butterflies. It is hard for many people to allow a critter to eat up their garden plants. However, each type of butterfly larvae eats a specific type of plant.

Monarch caterpillars, for example, feed only on milkweed plants, while others feed only on certain trees or herbs. If you can bring yourself to tolerate some imperfect plants in your yard, it will allow you to witness nature in action. See butterfly mating dances, watch adults lay eggs, and simply see the entire butterfly life cycle unfold in your own backyard.

Butterfly gardens should be colorful, sunny, and sheltered from strong winds. Butterflies are sun worshipers and prefer areas in full sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Provide rocks and logs for the butterflies to bask.

In addition to the variety of flower groups, your garden could include other attractants. Puddles will attract male butterflies to drink and some butterflies prefer to sip juices from rotting fruit. Finally, reduce pesticide use. Butterflies are insects and are susceptible to insecticides.

Plant your own butterfly garden this summer. Then, sit back and enjoy the show. Butterfly gardening is very rewarding.