Fragrant, Butterfly-Attracting Perennials for Indiana Clay Soil

South-facing, well-drained clay in Indiana can support a succession of fragrant, pollinator-friendly perennials.

Seasonal Fragrance Palette

Spring: Iris, lilac, mock orange, lily of the valley.
Early Summer: Peonies, dianthus, tea roses.
Mid Summer: Phlox paniculata, lavender, bee balm (Monarda), oriental lilies.
Late Summer: Valerian, Russian sage, sedum.

Butterfly bush (Buddleia), coneflower, Joe-Pye weed, milkweed (Asclepias), lantana (annual in IN).

Sequence bloom times for fragrance from April to October.

Perennials: Planting Perennial Seeds in June: Timing and Bloom Expectations; Perennial Planting Ideas to Highlight a Front Entry Sign; Planting Perennials in April in Northern Virginia: Safe Timing; Perennials Struggling Near Lilacs: Allelopathy Suspected; Spring Planting of Perennials in Zone 6 Michigan: Hardening Off and Soil Preparation; Designing a Perennial Garden for Season-Long Color; Perennial Garden Care: Selection, Disease Prevention, Watering & Fall Cleanup; Perennial Planting Guide: From Bed Prep to Post-Planting Care; Planting Perennials for Peak Performance; Summer Planting of Perennials and Shrubs: OK If You Water

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