If you’re seeking simple methods to bring plenty of vibrancy to your outdoor area, regardless of the size of the space available, consider planting butterfly-attracting shrubs. A small number of these can help populate bare spots, or an entire row could create a stunning boundary. It’s worth noting that while these colorful blossoms may delight human eyes, they also serve as a magnet for pollinating insects.
Many of these butterfly-attracting bushes offer nectar from their flowers.
fragrant flowers
, however, a few also function as
host plants
For caterpillars, then expect occasional nibbled leaves. It’s a fair exchange since your garden will have plenty of flying butterflies throughout the season.
Butterfly Bush
Buddleia davidii,
Zones 5 to 9
This flowering shrub is so closely associated with butterflies that it’s often simply referred to as ”
butterfly bush
Also written as “buddleja” (you can pronounce it “BUD-lee-ah” regardless of spelling), this shrub grows spikes of fragrant small flowers that attract butterflies like a magnet. In USDA hardiness zones 5 to 6, buddleia will die back to the ground during winter but will regenerate in the spring. Ensure it gets plenty of sunlight and prune off withered blossoms regularly to promote new growth.
Editor’s note:
In certain regions, buddleia is regarded as quite an invader. It would be best to consult your nearby county extension office to find out whether planting it in your garden is advisable.
Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus,
Zones 5 to 8
The large headline-grabbing flowers of
rose of Sharon
These qualities alone make this butterfly-attracting flowering shrub highly desirable for numerous garden enthusiasts. Hummingbirds also adore it! You can cultivate Rose of Sharon either as a shrub or prune it into a tree-like structure. Ensure it receives ample sunlight and thrives in moisture-retentive yet well-draining soil. In regions with milder climates, tropical hibiscus takes the place of Rose of Sharon.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
), which thrives under identical growth conditions.
Firebush
Hamelia patens
In Zones 8 through 10, cultivate it as an annual in regions with lower temperatures.
Indigenous to Florida and regions further south, this tropical blooming shrub can alternatively be cultivated as an annual in more northern areas because of its remarkably rapid growth rate. Under suitable conditions, the plant can grow up to 5 to 8 feet within mere weeks and remains consistently adorned with tiny flowers.
tubular orange-red flowers
That butterflies adore. Supply it with well-drained soil, yet ensure consistent watering for optimal growth and blooming. Within the Deep South,
firebush
will be brought down to the ground due to freezing temperatures, but comes back when the soil heats up and rain starts again.
Additionally, this shrub is excellent at luring hummingbirds.
Summersweet
Clethra alnifola,
Zones 3 to 9
If you have an area in your garden that remains persistently wet, consider planting there.
summersweet
This flowering shrub requires ample water to flourish. While it can grow under various lighting conditions, partial shade is ideal. Its elongated flower clusters, known as panicles, become adorned with fragrant white flowers during late summer, regardless of whether they’re planted in shaded spots. Native to eastern North America, summersweet serves as a perfect addition to indigenous butterfly gardens within these regions. These low-maintenance plants that draw butterflies are particularly appealing for such settings.
bring vibrancy to your shaded flower bed
.
Virginia Sweetspire
Itea virginica,
Zones 5 to 9
A further indigenous species from North America that thrives in moist soils is the Virginia sweetspire. This shrub features cascading clusters of small white blooms that gradually emerge from bottom to top over several days or even weeks. To ensure optimal blooming, provide it with sunlight for a portion of each day—morning light being particularly beneficial. These floral spikes reach their prime during late spring months like May and June, making them perfect for attracting early-season butterflies. When planted individually, sweetspires can sometimes appear somewhat untidy; thus, they are most effectively displayed through group planting.
Spicebush
Lindera benzoin,
Zones 5 to 9
In early spring, Spicebush adorns itself with tiny, fragrantly sweet blossoms that are a light greenish-yellow color. Although some early butterflies might stop by during this time, the true attraction happens after the appearance of the leaves. It is then that this shrub becomes particularly appealing as it serves as the host plant for the striking spicebush swallowtail—a sizable black butterfly featuring shimmering blue sections along its hindwings. The caterpillars feed on the foliage, securing themselves within rolled-up leaf edges for safety. For optimal growth, cultivate spicebush in soil that drains well under conditions ranging from full sunlight to partial shade.
French Lilac
Syringa vulgaris,
Zones 3 to 7
This popular spring-blooming bush features a distinctive fragrance that is easily identified. Ensure it receives ample sunlight and consistent watering, along with well-draining soil and sufficient airflow.
Lilacs
Begin setting next year’s buds as early as late summer, hence ensure pruning occurs solely right after they bloom to avoid doing so prematurely.
hinder the growth of the next year’s flowers
Lilac varieties can be found in
white
And numerous hues of purple and pink, each one appealing to both butterflies and hummingbirds.
Buttonbush
Cephelanthus occidentalis,
Zones 5 to 9
Buttonbush
Native to eastern North America, this wetland plant attracts butterflies of various sizes during its summertime blossoming period. As a flowering shrub that thrives in damp conditions, it should be planted in water-rich environments such as near pond margins and stream banks. Each bloom resembles a ping pong ball, densely packed with tiny white flowers. Species like the tiger swallowtail, which frequents woodland areas, are particularly attracted to buttonbush.
Weigela
Weigela florida,
Zones 4 to 8
Despite the species name,
weigela
Say “WY-gee-luh,” this expansive blooming shrub originates from Asia. It bursts into flower during late spring, showcasing petite tube-like blossoms in shades of pale pink and white. For optimal flowering, it thrives best when bathed in direct sunlight; however, it can tolerate partial shade as well. Following an abundant display at the start of summer, sporadic additional blooms might appear throughout the rest of the season. Weigelas attract both hummingbirds and butterflies, which enjoy feeding on their vibrant flowers.
Bluebeard
Caryopteris
x
clandonensis,
Zones 5 to 9
Another Asian native, Bluebeard is a compact shrub perfect for border plantings.
even containers
It might get frozen to the ground during winter but will return each spring, ultimately growing between 18 to 24 inches tall. The
blue flower
Clusters emerge from late summer into fall, drawing numerous late-season butterflies. Ensure it has well-drained soil and ample sunlight.
New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus,
Zones 4 to 8
As its name implies, New Jersey Tea originates from eastern North America and was occasionally used as a tea alternative during the Revolutionary War era (despite lacking caffeine). This plant develops extensive roots, which makes it resistant to drought yet challenging to move. Provide these short-statured plants with suitable conditions.
summer-bloomer
Well-aerated soil with exposure to full sunlight or partial shade.
Meadowsweet
Spiraea alba,
Zones 3 to 7
The indigenous shrubs that draw butterflies are every bit as beautiful as their moniker suggests.
Spiraea alba
must not be mistaken for
Filipendula ulmaria
, a non-native species sharing the same common name. The native meadowsweet thrives in moist soils under full sunlight, offering you impressive cone-shaped flower clusters as a reward.
white flowers
Throughout the entire summer season. Similar to buddleia, this plant also thrives with routine removal of faded blooms. Besides offering nectar-rich blossoms, meadowsweet serves as a nursery for spring azure butterflies.
Tianshan Seven-Son Flower
Heptacodium miconioidies
‘Minhep’, Areas 5 through 8
Dimensions: 8 to 12 feet in height and 5 to 7 feet in width
Offering continuous attractiveness throughout the year, this variety is a downsized, more compact edition of the blooming shrub.
Heptacodium
The bark itself is very attractive, however, the true spectacle occurs when the white blossoms appear in late summer, grouped in sevens.
that’s why the number seven is part of its name
Rose-purple sepals emerge following the appearance of the white flowers.
Kalm St. John’s Wort
Hypericum kalmianum,
Zones 4 to 7
Dimensions: 2 to 3 feet in height and width
This shrub’s
blue-green foliage
serves as an ideal setting for its vibrancy
yellow flowers
You’ll appreciate the lively visits from buzzing bees and, for those in milder regions, the persistent greenery. If you’re looking for a smaller variety with delicate leaves, consider the Gemo.
Why we love it:
This versatile plant not only withstands drought conditions after being established, but it also thrives in inferior soil.
Potentilla
Dasiphora fruticosa floribunda,
Zones 2 to 6
The vibrant buttercup yellow blooms appear strikingly beautiful and draw nearby bees. Maintain this classic summertime flower at its finest by routinely trimming away one-third of the aged stalks.
Although this plant thrives best in sunny conditions with well-drained soil, these resilient shrubs that draw butterflies can endure harsh, arid conditions as well as extremely low temperatures. They remain compact, reaching heights of 1 to 4 feet and widths of 2 to 4 feet.
Elderberry
Sambucus nigra canadensis,
Zones 3 to 9
Provide ample space for these butterfly-attracting flowering shrubs to flourish, reaching heights and widths of 5 to 12 feet. Afterwards, observe as bees flock to the blooms and butterflies make their appearances.
Birds gather around the mature fruit.
Even though it thrives best in full sunlight and wetter soils, it can endure drier environments after becoming well-established.
Elderberry shoots develop into sizable and dense thickets, ideal covert locations for songbirds.
Bush Honeysuckle
Diervilla
spp., Zones 4 through 7
Dimensions: 3 to 5 feet in height and width
This indigenous bush is not an invasive type of honeysuckle, unlike
Lonicera japonica
The vibrant sulfur-yellow flowers along with the pollinating visitors can be seen in mid-summer. If you prefer a smaller variety, opt for Cool Splash (shown above), which features leaves marbled with cream and green hues. Explore further options here.
alternatives to invasive shrubs
.
It serves as a host plant for the fawn sphinx moth, and birds consume the seeds that follow the blooms.
Cultivation Advice for Shrubs That Lure Butterflies
- Whenever feasible, opt for shrubs that originate from your region. At the very least, ensure they aren’t classified as locally invasive species. You can get assistance with this from your nearby extension office.
- Ensure ample growing space for your shrubs! Carefully read the labels to grasp how much area each bush requires to flourish. While most can be readily trimmed to suit your needs, those with overly enthusiastic growth may demand constant pruning throughout the season.
- To achieve a distinctive appearance, consider shaping your shrubs into trees by selecting a primary stem and removing the rest as they develop.
-
Keep in mind that certain flowering shrubs develop their buds well ahead of time, so
prune carefully
Your best option is to trim right when the blooming period concludes.
