What kind of plants do you plant in a butterfly garden?
For caterpillars, consider plants like violets, milkweed, dill, and asters. Did you know: Monarch caterpillars ONLY eat milkweed. In fact, the monarch butterfly is also known as the “milkweed butterfly.” Read more about common milkweed.
Where is the best place to plant a butterfly garden?
Butterflies are cold-blooded insects that often start their day by warming their bodies in the sun. Be sure to include a spot in the garden where sunlight will reach the ground early in the day. Large rocks, exposed soil, or even pavement are all surfaces that will warm up in morning sunlight.
What flower attracts butterflies the most?
Butterfly Garden Flowers
- Phlox. Phlox is a low-growing, spreading plant that forms a blanket of blooms all summer.
- Coneflower (Echinacea) Coneflower is one of the best flowers for attracting butterflies.
- Lantana.
- Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii)
- Pot Marigolds.
- Black-Eyed Susan.
- Blazing Star Flowers (Liatris spicata)
- Heliotrope.
How big should butterfly garden be?
Choosing the Right Spot A butterfly garden can range from a large plot of land, to a 5′ x 10″ strip near a walkway to a window box or a container garden. Since butterflies tend to be more active in the sun, large open sunny areas are an important factor for the garden.
How do you plant butterfly flowers?
Sow Butterfly flower seeds directly into your flower garden. Plant them 1/8″ to 1/4″ deep. Or, start them indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. You can also dig out the replant the tuberous roots.
How big should I make my butterfly garden?
A butterfly garden can range from a large plot of land, to a 5′ x 10″ strip near a walkway to a window box or a container garden. Since butterflies tend to be more active in the sun, large open sunny areas are an important factor for the garden.
When should I plant my butterfly garden?
It depends on the weather — but milder temps, cloudy days and rain tend to make new plants very happy. Just because spring and fall are the best time to garden, doesn’t mean it’s impossible to start your first butterfly garden in the summer. It just won’t be quite as easy.
Do marigolds attract butterflies?
Annual Nectar Flowers for Monarch Butterflies The marigold is a common summer bedding flower that not only provides nectar for monarchs, but also repels undesirable insects from the garden. Butterflies favor zinnias, which are also good cutting flowers.
How much sun does a butterfly garden need?
5-6 hours
There should be a part of the garden that gets at least 5-6 hours of full sunlight each day. Since butterflies are cold-blooded, they seek out warmth first thing in the morning. You can include large rocks that will warm quickly in the sun to provide a nice warming spot for them to start their day.