As our agricultural practices change, and more and more land is developed, the habitats and food supplies for butterflies is dwindling.  You can help by planting nectar-producing plants in your landscape.  It doesn’t have to take a lot of space. Even a few plants can make a difference to a hungry butterfly!

We grow all of our plants without harmful chemicals.  Many large growers commonly spray on chemicals, or even worse, use a systemic insect killer in their potting soils.  This insecticide can last for more than six months, which means any butterfly that sips the plant’s nectar, or an unsuspecting caterpillar that chew its leaves will quickly die.  Be sure any plant for butterflies is chemical free!

The top nectar produces for the widest variety of species are: butterfly bush (buddleia), butterfly weed (asclepias), lantana, zinnia.  However, there are hundreds of other plants that provide nectar and hosting.  Try to plant some early bloomers for butterflies that might find your garden in early spring, such as dames rocket right up into late fall, with asters and sedums.

If you want to provide a safe place for butterflies to lay eggs, plant parsley, dill, fennel, milkweed, and rue.

Other great plants for butterflies are:  gomphrena, asters, scabiosa, daisy, cosmos, yarrow, lavender, tithonia, golden thistle, sea holly, coneflower, phlox, and dianthus.