How to Attract Butterflies to Your Garden: Best Nectar & Host Plants

Butterflies and flowers were made for each other. Certain flowers butterflies absolutely love. As the poet noted: butterflies are flying flowers; flowers are tethered butterflies.

To attract butterflies, understand what they want most: nectar. Ancients believed nectar fell from heaven, naming it after gods' wines.

A butterfly's wish list also includes sunny open spaces, wind shelter, fresh water, and host plants for egg-laying (some species are picky). Hatched larvae eat host plants. Include food for both young (host plants) and adults (nectar plants).

Plants That Attract Butterflies

For a nectar-rich border attracting adult butterflies:

Enjoy more butterfly articles!

Source: Adapted from The Old Farmer's Almanac Book of Garden Wisdom