The Best Butterfly Attractants

Native Plants

• Over time, plants and other organisms in an environment develop a symbiotic relationship that becomes necessary for the plants, creatures and land itself. If you want to attract the butterflies native to your area, do so by planting flowering plants that are also native to your area. Butterflies are genetically inclined to search for the plants that thrive as well in their region as they do, so consider that link when planting your garden. The National Wildflower Center has a map and list on its website detailing the plants which are native in any given area. The Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, Missouri Botanical Garden Kemper Center for Home Gardeners and your local cooperative extension service are other sources for targeted native plant information.

Butterfly-Attracting Blooms

• From the list of plants native to your area, choose those that bloom in a fashion most likely to attract butterflies. The creatures prefer red, orange, yellow, pink and purple blooms that have flat, shallow petals or clusters of petals. This type of petal aids in helping the butterfly perch on the flower's edge to consume nectar. Also, plant flowers that bloom continuously for extender periods of time or a variety of flowers that bloom in succession. By doing so, you continue to attract butterflies repeatedly, which encourages them to breed in the area.

Nurture Caterpillars

• When butterflies do breed in your garden, nurture the caterpillars. Though caterpillars of other insect species are destructive to garden and its foliage, butterfly caterpillars are not. Caterpillars are pickier eaters than adult butterflies and mothers typically lay their eggs on plant the caterpillars will eat once they have hatched.

Sun and Water

• In addition to food, butterflies need sun and water. The sun helps the butterfly orient itself and prepare for flight. By placing large flagstones around or in the garden, you can provide butterflies with a much-needed place to rest and recharge. They also engage in a practice called "puddling" by which they approach wet sand to consume water and extract minerals. Fill a shallow pan with sand and place it in your garden, preferably near a water source. Keep the sand moist to continue attracting butterflies.