The Best Zinnias for Attracting Butterflies

University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Study

• In their study, Entomology Professor Ken Yeargan and Graduate Research Assistant Sarah Colvin used plots of the most common zinnias: Lilliput, Oklahoma, Pinwheel and State Fair. They collected data every week, counting a total of 2,355 butterflies ranging across 30 different species. At the end of the study, they discovered that not only did Lilliput zinnias draw in the most butterflies, they also attracted the greatest variety of butterflies. Twenty seven of the 30 butterfly species observed visited the Lilliput zinnias.

Lilliput Zinnias

• Lilliput zinnias are considered an heirloom cultivar, selected and cultivated in the 1870s and still readily available at garden centers today. Like many zinnia cultivars, they have round double-headed flowers that come in an assortment of colors. Yvonne Swanson of the St. Petersburg Times has called them "one of the easiest annuals to grow" since they thrive when provided with the typical necessities of sun and water.

Effect of Nectar and Color

• Yeargan and Colvin did not present conclusive evidence to explain the greater number of butterfly visitors to the Lilliput zinnias. However, Professor Yeargan hypothesizes that the Lilliput has a higher quality or greater amount of nectar, thus attracting more butterflies, which depend upon flower nectar for sustenance. Other plant encyclopedias have speculated that red or bright pink zinnias attract more butterflies, possibly because these colors reflect an ultraviolet light that humans cannot see but butterflies can.

Other Zinnias That Attract Butterflies

• In the University of Kentucky's study, Oklahoma zinnias proved to be popular specifically among Variegated Fritillary butterflies. Though they did not reach the Lilliput zinnias' level of popularity, the Variegated Fritillary butterflies were more attracted to them than they were to the State Fair zinnias. Though not included in this study, the Big Red zinnia and the Dwarf Cherry zinnia have also been reported as incredibly "butterfly-friendly."