A butterfly garden is a visual feast for the human eye and serves an important conservation function. Approximately 1/3 of Florida’s butterfly species are endangered or have become extremely rare and are on the verge of extinction. Planting a butterfly garden provides an essential food source for declining, imperiled and rare species, along with more robust species. Milkweed is a good example. It’s the only food that monarch caterpillars eat.

Butterflies are pollinators just like honey bees. They’re typically not viewed as seriously as bees since honey bees are more involved in the growing of fruits and vegetables, yet they perform the same function and are beautiful to behold. They prefer flowers and bushes that provide a place to land as they walk across blossoms gathering pollen.

Lantana

Available in hues of red, orange, yellow, white and pink, they’re drought resistant annuals. They have a long bloom season, providing food throughout the summer and nectar for migratory species.

Sunflowers

The friendly flowers are available in colors encompassing yellow, red orange, chocolate, cream and bicolors. Some remain a modest 12 in. in height, while giant varieties can attain heights of up to 16 ft. tall.

Pentas

The hotter the weather, the better pentas perform. They’re available in pink, purple, red, lavender and white. They reach heights of 12 to 24 inches, depending on the variety, and attract multiple types of butterflies.

Marigolds

The humble marigold is rich in nectar, easy to grow, and offered in solid and bicolored varieties. They’re an irresistible magnet for butterflies. They’re offered in dwarf to standard heights for any place in the landscape.

Zinnias

The blooms are a favorite of butterflies and available in a rainbow of colors. They’re available in dwarf varieties that flourish in flower boxes, to those that grow up to 4 ft. tall for planting straight into the garden.

Petunia

Available in a multitude of colors, butterflies, moths and bees just can’t resist them. Fragrant varieties are available and they’re offered in single and double flowered varieties. They do equally well planted in containers or directly in the ground, growing 8 to 36 inches in height, depending on the variety.

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.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

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