Contact: Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture
Posted April 1997
All it takes is one chance planting of a species favored by butterflies to hook a gardener on a lifetime of planning to attract the lovely creatures. A few butterflies flitting from plant to plant can be the strokes that complete the perfect garden picture. It is so simple and rewarding to attract them that no garden should be without a few.
Adult butterflies are attracted to a number of nectar producing plants. They favor plants that have large petals to provide a perch, though multiple small florets work as well. Purple flowers seem to be most attractive to butterflies, followed by yellows, pinks, and whites. Avoid double flowers, many of which are low in nectar supplies. Butterflies are sun-loving insects, so choose a site in full sun for the butterfly garden. Avoid spraying any insecticides in a butterfly garden, and encourage neighbors to limit their use of insecticides, as well.
Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) are named for their ability to attract butterflies. Other popular nectar plants include marigold, primrose, sedum, dandelion, goldenrod, aster, yarrow, honeysuckle, viburnum, lilac, and zinnia.
More adult butterflies will visit the garden if provided with food plants for the caterpillar, or larval, stage of the insect. Caterpillar damage to vegetables and flowers is not a concern; many attractive butterflies prefer plants that are usually considered weeds for larval food. Often, caterpillars will feed on only one species, so take care to provide the correct larval food for the desired species. If the unkempt appearance of a bed of milkweed and nettles (demanded by larval monarchs and red admirals, respectively) doesn't sound appealing, plant to grow the caterpillar border in an out-of-the-way corner of the yard or interplant some dazzling annuals to feed the adults and draw attention away from the less attractive plants.
Some common butterflies of Virginia and their caterpillar food plant are listed below. Unfortunately most of these plants are invasive and not to be recommended for inclusion into the home garden.
(Prepared by Ellen M. Silva, Extension Technician, Consumer Horticulture, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0327.)