With many butterfly species endangered or on the verge of extinction, home gardeners can help by planting a butterfly garden. The flowering plants are brightly colored, many are fragrant, and provide an essential food source for native and migratory butterfly species.

Butterfly Milkweed

Known in many places as butterfly weed, it’s a member of the milkweed family, has brightly colored orange flowers, and provides copious amounts of nectar. The perennial supports Monarch butterflies, a species that experts estimate could be extinct within 10 years without the help of home gardeners. It grows up to 3 ft. tall, with an average of about 1½ ft. Honey bees and hummingbirds like it, too.

Zinnias

Butterflies like taller varieties of zinnias best. They prefer single rather than double blooms and those with a yellow center. The annuals are available in multiple colors, easily grown from seed, and can grow up to 4 ft. tall with dahlia like blooms.

Lavender

The perennial has purple flowers and an attractive scent. It’s a small bush that grows up to 2 ft. tall – including flower stalks. A prolific bloomer, the foliage is attractive when not in bloom and it grows well in just about any soil.

Phlox

A perennial plant, butterflies prefer the taller varieties. Flowers are available in pink, violet, pale blue, white and red and many are fragrant. They attract butterflies, honey bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Coneflower

Also known as echinacea, the plant is highlighted with daisy-like blossoms from summer through fall and attractive to a wide variety of butterflies, honey bees and hummingbirds. It grows 2-4 ft. tall and is available in colors ranging from purple, pink, yellow, red and orange.

Asters

A fall bloomer, asters produce abundant blossoms and attract a variety of butterflies. They provide nectar for adult butterflies and food for the caterpillar stage. They’re available in purple, pink, blue and white. Depending on the species that’s planted, they can grow 1-4 ft. tall.

RCH Landscaping is a full-service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians has an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

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A butterfly garden is a thing of beauty that supplies benefits to birds, bees, butterflies, and people. Some types of butterflies feed on the nectar of any flowering plant, while the caterpillar stage only eats a certain type of plant. Monarch butterflies are one such species, so it pays to vary the butterfly garden.

For a well-rounded butterfly diet, a variety of flowering plants can be cultivated. An added bonus is that the flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds, the seeds are a source of sustenance for other bird species, and it provides food for endangered honeybees. Plants and bushes can be used to attract butterflies.

Incorporate native plants whenever possible. Florida is home to native butterfly species that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. Perennials and annuals, bushes and vines provide a brilliant splash of color and a welcome food source. Pre-grown potted flowers and flower baskets are also available in varieties that butterflies seek out.

Plant flowers in a variety of shapes and colors to attract different types of butterflies and place the plants in sun and shade to appeal to the largest number of species. It’s a good idea to plant flowers in groupings so they’re easier for butterflies to find and they look more appealing in the landscape. Taller plants attract larger butterflies. For those that want to plant their own, try these varieties.

• Zinnia
• Mexican sunflower
• Mexican petunia
• Milkweed
• Brazilian verbena
• Phlox
• Goldenrod
• Lavender
• Salvia
• Coreopsis
• Blanket flower
• Lantana
• Purple passion flower
• Cone flower
• Agastache
• Butterfly bush
• Firebush
• Almond bush
• Pagoda flower
• Plumbago

A butterfly garden provides an oasis for butterflies, along with hummingbirds, other types of avians and honeybees. They also have a therapeutic benefit for people that can provide an invigorating aromatherapy experience and the peace that comes with watching nature living and evolving in the back yard.

RCH Landscaping is a full-service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760