Adult butterflies feed on the nectar of flowers.
A butterfly garden should consist of a wide variety of annuals, perennials and shrubs to appeal to different butterfly species. Consider choosing plants that host the larval form of butterflies and nectar plant varieties to support adults. A wide variety of plant food choices will help provide the butterfly with food through all stages of its life.
Safety Requirements
Maintain a pesticide-free landscape for butterflies. Pesticides will injure or kill butterflies, so seek out natural, biological pest control solutions, such as beneficial garden insects or using a powerful stream of water to eliminate insect pests. A butterfly-friendly vista will provide the butterflies with abundant food, shelter and breeding locations. During the night hours, adult butterflies seek shelter beneath fallen leaves or on plant foliage. Consider affixing commercial butterfly houses to trees or structures for the insects to seek shelter within.
Host Plants
Female butterflies seek out specific host plants to lay their eggs on. The host plant provides the food source for the hatching caterpillars. Plant host plants toward the back of the garden to hide the leaf damage from the caterpillar's heavy feeding. Each butterfly species has certain host plants that will provide food to the young caterpillars. Consider planting milkweeds to attract monarch butterflies. Birch and cherry trees draw red-spotted purple, admiral, swallowtail and mourning cloak butterflies. The buckeye butterfly enjoys laying her eggs on snapdragons.
Nectar Plants
Plant nectar plants in the forefront of the landscape to closely observe the adult butterflies as they alight on the flowers to feed. Positioning the plants beside walkways, patios, porches and windows will allow observers to catch glimpses of the fluttering butterflies up close. Consider planting blue cardinal flowers, black-eyed Susans, asters, verbenas, butterfly bushes, lantana, purple cone flowers and zinnias. Clip off spent flowers to encourage ongoing blossoms. To visually appeal to the adult butterflies, plant the diverse nectar plants in large batches.
Landscape Details
Keep several mud puddles in the butterfly landscape. Butterflies enjoy visiting such locations to pick up water and minerals. Splashing water from a pond fountain or birdbath will also draw in butterflies. Butterflies cannot drink from deep water so consider filling a birdbath with pebbles to make a shallow area for the butterflies to land on while drinking. On chilly days, butterflies like landing on flat rocks to sun themselves and absorb the heat from the rock. Place flat rocks as focal points or stepping stones in the garden to provide a pleasant landing pad for the butterflies. Fruit draws butterflies to the garden. Place a watermelon rind in a bowl for the butterflies to enjoy. Discard it before it spoils.
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