Butterfly Garden Flowers: 50+ Nectar-Rich Plants to Attract Pollinators

Want butterflies dancing through your yard? Plant nectar-rich flowers with bright colors and landing platforms. This guide covers the best butterfly magnets—from star performers to extensive variety lists—so you can create a thriving pollinator paradise.

Top Butterfly Magnet Plants

Abelia (Abelia grandiflora)

Hybrid shrub with fragrant pink-white tubular flowers in spring clusters. Reddish fall foliage. Attracts hummingbirds too.

Asclepias / Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Low-maintenance superstar. Orange blooms draw Monarchs, pearl crescents, cabbage whites, tiger swallowtails. Essential for Monarch caterpillars.

Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa)

Native perennial herb. Pink, scarlet, purple flowers on tall stalks. Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds. Deadhead to extend bloom.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)

Fragrant 1–2 foot flower clusters, massive nectar output. Draws butterflies, bees, hummingbirds. Can be invasive—check local guidelines.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Downward-pointing purple petals; large landing pads for big butterflies. Native, easy, stunning.

Showy Sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile)

Succulent, drought-tolerant. Pink clusters in early winter attract pearl crescents, American ladies, Monarchs. Minimal care once established.

Marigold / Tagetes

Yellow, orange, red pompoms. Pungent scent attracts American ladies, skippers, red admirals. Hardy; dwarf or standard varieties.

Extended Butterfly Flower List (50+ Varieties)

Perennials & Shrubs: Dahlia, Blue queen salvia, Blazing star, Coreopsis, Yarrow, Lupine, Joe Pye weed, Cornflower, Creeping thyme, Blue daisy, Shasta daisy, Heliotrope, Phlox, Aster, Catmint, Mexican sunflower, Ornamental onion, Rodgersia, Violet, Hollyhock, Daylily, Lilac, Honeysuckle, Wisteria, Lavender, Pincushion flower, Nasturtium, Privet, Rocket larkspur, Globe thistle, Mustard, Chickweed, Japanese anemone, Helen's flower, Lily, Pansy.

Annuals & Biennials: Snapdragon, Sweet William, Petunia, Blanket flower, Chrysanthemum, Red clover, Dogbane, Borage, Calendula, Zinnia, Dianthus, Sweet alyssum.

Trees & Vines: Dogwood, Sage, Black-eyed Susan, California fuchsia, Pepperbush, Turtlehead, Swamp milkweed, Lobelia, Columbine, Dill flower, Cassia, Delphinium.

Butterfly Garden Design Tips

• Season-long nectar: Mix spring and fall bloomers for continuous supply.
• Landing platforms: Choose flat-topped or clustered flowers (umbels, composites).
• Host plants: Include caterpillar food sources (e.g., milkweed for Monarchs).
• Sun & shelter: Butterflies need warmth and wind protection.
• Puddling spots: Damp sand/mud for minerals and water.
• No pesticides: Protect the very creatures you're inviting.

Plant it and they will come—a butterfly garden rewards you with living jewelry.