Attracting Butterflies to the Garden
- Choose a sunny site that is sheltered from the wind.
- Provide a continual supply of nectar.
- Provide larval food.
- Provide a source of water.
- Place a basking rock in a protected place in the garden.
- Avoid using insecticides.
- Provide protection against predators.
Make it a place that allows you to easily observe visiting butterflies so you can enjoy the show!
Plan for flowers that bloom all season long. See our list of plants for a butterfly garden. [PDF-.5MB]
Larval plants are specific to butterfly species. They like to lay their eggs on these plants so the hatching caterpillars will have food to eat (see list of larval plants for particular species).
Butterflies need water to live.
Butterflies like to bask in the sun on flat, light-colored rocks.
Use non-toxic methods to get rid of pests. Insecticides will kill butterflies as well as unwanted insects.
Place birdbaths and feeders a distance from the butterfly garden.
