Create a Butterfly Retreat

Flowers and plants in your garden or window box may look lovely, but imagine the increased appeal if butterflies called your garden home. Making your garden inviting to these colorful, fluttering visitors involves just a little planning and selecting of butterfly-friendly foliage.

The basic needs of butterflies is relatively simple: food, water, sunlight and shelter. A butterfly garden is best planted in the sun so that the nectar-producing plants butterflies love will be able to flourish. The sun also regulates the temperature of a butterfly’s body, enabling it to fly. However, shadier areas should be interspersed so that the butterflies don’t overheat.

Nectar-Producing Plants — Nectar is the primary food for hungry butterflies. Plants like Aster, Butterfly Bush, Daisy, Honeysuckle, Lilac and Phlox are just some of many nectar-producing plants. Butterfly species in your local area may prefer specific plants, so a little research may be needed on your part.

Host Plants — Butterflies begin with caterpillars, and as such, the garden will also require host plants to nourish the growing larvae. Local ‘weeds’, thistle, nettle and tree leaves are popular food sources for the caterpillars. While not as pleasing to the eye, they are necessary to maintain a healthy species.

Water — Butterflies need water, but cannot directly "drink" from open water sources. They prefer landing on moist soil, so place a shallow dish full of moistened sand at ground level.