all-blogs ·
Apr 29, 2022

Top Ten Perennials to Attract Butterflies

In addition to being beautiful and fun to watch, butterflies actually play an important role in the garden. They are an important part of the ecosystem, just as birds and bees are. But butterfly populations could use our help—and the easiest way to help them is to plant for them! Here are ten perennials butterflies adore – and you’ll love them too!

1. ECHINACEA

More commonly known as coneflower, there are many varieties of echinacea, and they all come in beautiful colors. Ruby Star Coneflower, for instance, has bright purple blooms while Tomato Soup Coneflower has vibrant orange-red blooms. Many other varieties, such as Kim’s Knee High Coneflower, are pink. Whichever variety you choose to plant, you can expect coneflowers to attract plenty of fritillaries, monarchs, swallowtails, and painted ladies.

2. ACHILLEA

Achillea, or yarrow, has feathery, aromatic foliage and neat clusters of brightly colored blooms. These perennials are easy to care for, thriving in most soil conditions and needing little water. Better yet, they’re deer- and rabbit-resistant! We’re particularly fond of Saucy Seduction™ Yarrow (below), which adds a pop of neon pink to the landscape.

Achillea millefolium 'Saucy Seduction'

Common Yarrow is native to Europe and western Asia, and it has a long history in the cultures of those regions. In fact, its botanical name, Achillea, stems from the belief that the mythological Greek hero Achilles used this plant to heal his soldiers’ wounds. Modern day Yarrows come in many exciting new colors, thanks to careful selection and breeding work over the years. Saucy Seduction™ Yarrow originated at a nursery in the Netherlands in 2003. It appeared as a random mutation of a less intensely colored selection that was part of the ‘Summer Pastels’ series.

Achillea x 'Moonshine'

Yarrow, a European plant, has been valued in Western cultures since ancient times. It has long been believed to have medicinal powers. Its botanical name, Achillea, is a nod to Achilles, the hero of Greek myth, who was said to have healed his soldiers’ wounds with it. In the Middle Ages, Yarrow was used to flavor beer and wine. (The same pungent chemicals that flavor alcoholmake Yarrow unappealing to deer and other browsing pests.) Moonshine Yarrow was introduced in the 1950s by legendary English plantsman Alan Bloom. While newer selections come and go, it remains one of the best Yarrows you can buy.

3. PHLOX PANICULATA

Garden phlox is a charming perennial. You’ll love it as much as the butterflies do! It’s perfect for beginners, as it’s quite easy to grow—just give it full sun and slightly moist soil for an abundance of blooms!

Our favorite varieties are Coral Flame™ Phlox, Flame™ Purple Phlox, and Pink Flame™ Phlox

4. ASCLEPIAS

If you’re interested in planting perennials butterflies are attracted to, you’re definitely familiar with this one! Asclepias is, of course, milkweed, which is a misunderstood but very important perennial. Planting milkweed is actually crucial to the monarch butterfly population. Monarch caterpillars rely on it as their one and only food source, and monarch butterflies lay their eggs on it. Plant milkweed in a meadow or a more naturalistic area of your landscape and watch it flourish! We love Butterfly Weed, Soulmate Swamp Milkweed, and Ice Ballet Swamp Milkweed.

5. MONARDA

You’ll know monarda as beebalm. This beloved perennial is a must-have in the landscape if you’re trying to attract butterflies—and not just butterflies! Bees and hummingbirds are fond of it as well, and we know you will be, too! The spiky flowers of Jacob Cline Beebalm and Coral Reef Beebalm will delight, adding a truly unique element to your garden.

Monarda didyma 'Coral Reef'

Did you know? Beebalm contains thymol, which is the active ingredient in many mouthwashes! Beebalm is a native Spirit found all over the eastern U.S. One of its aliases is Oswego Tea, because the Oswego Indians (and later the English settlers) made an herbal tea from its minty leaves. This particular selection emerged from a controlled breeding program carried out at the Morden Research Station in Manitoba, Canada (so you know it’s hardy). Researchers crossed a bright red Beebalm called Mahogany with a mildew-resistant pink variety called Marshall’s Delight to produce Coral Reef.

Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline'

Did you know? Beebalm contains thymol, which is the active ingredient in many mouthwashes! Beebalm is a native Spirit found all over the eastern U.S. One of its aliases is Oswego Tea, because the Oswego Indians (and later the English settlers) made an herbal tea from its minty leaves. A plantsman and garden designer by the name of Jean Cline found Jacob Cline Beebalm growing wild in the Blue Ridge Parkway of Georgia. He was impressed not only with its red color but with how clean the foliage was, a trait which holds up in the landscape. He named the plant after his son.

6. SALVIA

Salvia is simple to grow, and it adds a calming element to the garden with its blue flowers. It blooms for months with very little maintenance or water required, making it an excellent perennial for beginners. And, of course, butterflies can’t resist it! Our favorite varieties are Blue Hill Salvia, Caradonna Salvia, and May Night Salvia.

7. SEDUM

Sedum (or stonecrop) isn’t typically seen as a perennial that butterflies would flock to. However, it’s difficult to keep them away once stonecrop starts to bloom! These perennials are incredibly underrated, and they have lots of uses. You’ll love their foliage as much as you’ll love their vibrant blooms! We’re particularly fond of Autumn Joy Stonecrop (below, left), Neon Stonecrop, and Kamtschaticum Creeping Stonecrop.

8. COREOPSIS

Coreopsis (tickseed) is a butterfly favorite! Pushing out plenty of beautiful blooms during summer and into fall, these perennials keep pollinators coming by again and again. Plant them in borders for a ton of color that demands attention. Check out three of our favorite varieties: Moonbeam Tickseed, Red Satin Tickseed, and Zagreb Tickseed.

9. GAILLARDIA

Gaillardia (blanket flower) is similar to the coneflower in appearance, with equally colorful blooms. While butterflies will certainly love flitting from flower to flower, you’ll love the energy and drama they bring to the landscape. Plant them all over, you won’t be disappointed! Two varieties we love: Arizona Red Shades Blanket Flower and Arizona Apricot Blanket Flower.

ARIZONA RED SHADES BLANKET FLOWER

Gaillardia aristata 'Arizona Red Shades'

The modern Blanket Flower is the result of a pair of American wildflower Spirits that went on a European vacation. The Common Blanket Flower is a perennial species that grows in the western U.S. from North Dakota to Colorado and California. Indian Blanket is an annual species from the American Southwest. In a Belgian garden in 1857, the two species hybridized, producing the form most often grown by gardeners today. Despite the name, Arizona Red Shades is a variety that went back to Europe for further refinements. It was developed by the German firm Benary and hit our shores in 2010.

ARIZONA APRICOT BLANKET FLOWER

Gaillardia aristata 'Arizona Apricot'

The modern Blanket Flower is the result of a pair of American wildflower Spirits that went on a European vacation. The Common Blanket Flower is a perennial species that grows in the western U.S. from North Dakota to Colorado and California. Indian Blanket is an annual species from the American Southwest. In a Belgian garden in 1857, the two species hybridized, producing the form most often grown by gardeners today. Despite the name, Arizona Apricot is a variety that went back to Europe for further refinements. It was developed by the German firm Benary and hit our shores in 2011.

10. LAVANDULA

We know you’re familiar with this one! Lavandula is, of course, lavender! People love it, butterflies love it…really, who doesn’t love it? It’s the queen of herbs, after all. You’ll love the heavenly aroma and the charming purple flowers. Explore our favorite varieties (Phenomenal Lavender, Provence Lavender, and Munstead Lavender) below!

Pssst! Want to get started on creating your own haven for butterflies? Our butterfly garden collection is exactly what you need! This kit contains six perennials absolutely loved by butterflies of all kinds. Get it here and start planting perennials butterflies love!