29 Flowers That Attract Butterflies
Butterfly Bush
TracieMichelle//Getty ImagesIt's called a butterfly bush for a reason. This lush shrub boasts pretty flowers that attracts butterflies and other pollinators. It's a fast grower and delightfully low-maintenance.
2Marigolds
Getty ImagesColorful marigolds are known for keeping certain pests away from your garden, but they're also known for attracting both butterflies and bees. Deadhead dry flowers to keep the blooms and butterflies coming!
3Salvia
HaraldBiebel//Getty ImagesBoth butterflies and hummingbirds adore the nectar produced by salvia plants (also called sage).
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4Sunflowers
Getty ImagesBecause of their huge flowers, bright colors, and adundance of nectar, butterflies just love cheerful sunflowers. It's a bonus that the large amount of foliage is an excellent source of caterpillar food.
5Buttonbush
Ihor Shuliak//Getty ImagesNative to eastern and southern North America, the white flowers of this plant are an ideal for butterflies to rest atop.
Cornflower
Lisa Schaetzle//Getty ImagesNot only do butterflies like this brightly colored, low-maintenance flowering plant, it also self-seeds, which means it will reappear in your garden year after year.
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7Clove Pink
Magdalena Niemczyk - ElanArt//Getty ImagesDespite its name, these butterfly-friendly flowering beauties come in a variety of colors—not just pink. The "pink" in the name refers to the notched edges of the flowers, which are similar to the cuts made with pinking shears.
8False Indigo
magicflute002//Getty ImagesThis member of the pea family is available with either white, yellow, or blue flowers and will bloom for about six weeks in early spring and summer.
9Goldenrod
Brian Hagiwara//Getty ImagesA member of the aster family, this yellow beauty brings all the butterflies to your yard, and it is known to have many health benefits, including pain and inflammation reduction.
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10Floss
fotolinchen//Getty ImagesAlso know as Ageratum, floss boasts a bluish-purple pom-pom shaped flower. Preferring warm climates, it will only grow as a perennial in zones 10 and 11.
Privet
Dennis Gross / EyeEm//Getty ImagesThis fast-growing hedge scrub boasts ivory white flowers in the spring and early summer. Even though it's considered by some to be a weed, butterflies flock to the sweet-smelling blooms.
12Hollyhock
Marcel ter Bekke//Getty ImagesThese mid-summer bloomers are known to support the caterpillar life cycle of the painted-lady butterfly. Available in an array of colors, this plant can grow to between 6 to 8 feet tall, so be sure you plant it in the back row of your flower bed.
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13Lavender
Yin Jiang//Getty ImagesWith silvery leaves and pretty purple flowers, this butterfly magnet looks great along garden borders. Added bonus: The fragrant flowers can be dried and used in aromatic sachets or cooked into shortbread cookies.
14Daylily
Sudipta Bhowmick / EyeEm//Getty ImagesThough not technically a lily, the daylily does attract butterflies with the nectar of its large tubular-shaped flowers. Commonly available in warm colors (orange, red, and yellow), it spreads quickly, so it will need to be divided after a few years to maintain maximum flowering.
Pye Weed
Joesboy//Getty ImagesAlso named Joe-Pye weed after a Native American herbalist, this tall growing, late-season bloomer is known for its flowers and medicinal benefits.
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16Yarrow
Federica Grassi//Getty ImagesPlant this carefree plant in a sunny spot in well draining soil. It is drought-tolerent, so be sure not to overwater.
17Stonecrop Sedum
Westend61//Getty ImagesStonecrop is a succulent that grows best in arid climates when planted in well-draining soil. Choose a spot for it in full sun for best results.
18Bee Balm
By Eve Livesey//Getty ImagesThe fragrant foliage of bee balm (also know as wild bergamot) will
attract many pollinators to your garden. Plant in a sunny spot for
spring and summer blooms.
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19Globe Thistle
secablue//Getty ImagesRelated to sunflowers, the large purple or white orbs of the globe thistle attracts butterflies when they bloom during the summer months. These drought-tolerant plants are ideal for areas that get little rain.
20Mallow
Slawomir Magiera / EyeEm//Getty ImagesNot only will it attract butterflies, mallow is also grown worldwide for use as a food, drink, and fiber. Typically a tropical plant, there are many varieties that are at home in more temperate climates.
Charlyne Mattox is Food and Crafts Director for Country Living.
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