Need suggestions on what attracts butterflies..

[shep]

I live in Zone 6 and will possibly be buying some plants in the next couple weeks and i'd like something that attracted butterflies but not bees...I have Butterfly Bush & hibiscus so far....

 

[Mamu]

Shep maybe I can help a little.

First pick a sunny area. Butterflies love sun but the also need a little shade too. By adding a few shrubs to the area you will provide them with hiding and resting spots. Lilac bush, butterfly bush or an azalea can provide them the shade they need.

They also will need a water supply. A small bird bath can provide them this. Add about a inch of clean sand and keep the sand very moist. On a sunny day they will flock to the birdbath.

There are many plants that will attract butterflies. They love herbs, by letting them flower their lovely scent attract butterflies. Some of the flowers they like are Aster, Black-Eyed Susan, *Butterfly Weed, Coreopsis, Daylilies, *Goldenrod, Thistle, Phlox, *Purple Coneflower, Verbena, Snapdragon, *Milkweed, Shasta Daisy, Bee Balm and *Lantana. The ones with the stars are plants that I've noticed they seem to favor.

Each species seems to like certain plants. By providing a variety of plants you will have a greater chance of having many different species. Good Luck!

Don't forget to put the garden near a sitting area where you can enjoy them. By adding a small bench you can sit and watch their daily activities.

 

[Snowwark]

Shep, it's always nice to see "the ultimate female fantasy" here with us, Be still my heart!!

Have fun attracting the flutterbys, Bud!

 

[Megan's Mom]

Isn't it parsly that you need to plant so that they can lay their eggs? I know there was some plant and I think that it is parsly.

 

[twinmomplus2]

Bee Balm, Is the one plant in my garden thaat always has butterflys around it. My second most popular with the butterflys is Black eyed susans.

 

[shep]

Such wondeful suggestions...
Thank You..

And snowwark...

My space is very limited, Its our new patio area we just had poured behind the house and I am working on a retaining block wall and I have 1 area where I want to put something big, was thinking of maybe a Sweet Bay Magnolia like I have in front of the house, but we will keep these suggestions in mind when shopping..

 

[Mamu]

Yes parsley is one of the many herbs that will attract swallowtails.

 

[olena]

Wow! I'm loving the advice on this thread... Thanks, y'all...