If you dream of a lively, colorful garden filled with fluttering wings, planting flowers that attract butterflies is the best way to begin. These blossoms not only enhance your outdoor beauty but also play a vital role in supporting pollinators. Most butterfly-friendly flowers share common traits: bright colors, open shapes, and sweet nectar.
From the sunny borders of your backyard to shaded corners, there’s always a flower that butterflies can’t resist. In this article, we’ll explore 18 stunning flowers—each unique in size, fragrance, and blooming season. Whether you prefer classic perennials like Coneflower and Lavender or tropical options like Lantana and Pentas, these plants will fill your space with movement, scent, and life.
Let’s dive into the most captivating butterfly-attracting flowers to create your very own nature paradise.
1. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
The Butterfly Bush is one of the most famous flowers that attract butterflies thanks to its long, cone-shaped clusters filled with nectar. Growing up to 10 feet tall, it showcases vibrant shades of purple, pink, and white. The flowers bloom from summer to early fall, filling the garden with fragrance and movement. This hardy shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it easy to maintain even for beginners.
Regular pruning after blooming encourages continuous flowering. Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds can’t resist its sweet scent and abundant nectar. Ideal for sunny borders or wildlife gardens, the Butterfly Bush adds height, texture, and life to any outdoor space. It’s drought-tolerant and fast-growing, a perfect centerpiece for your butterfly-friendly garden.
2. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana is a vibrant tropical plant covered with clusters of tiny, multicolored flowers ranging from yellow and orange to pink and red. These bright blossoms make lantana one of the most reliable butterfly-attracting flowers. Reaching 2–4 feet tall, it blooms continuously from spring to frost. Lantana thrives in hot, sunny conditions and prefers well-drained soil.
It’s drought-tolerant and needs minimal care—just occasional watering and deadheading. Butterflies are drawn to its strong scent and high nectar content, making it a must-have for pollinator gardens. Plant lantana along borders, patios, or in hanging baskets to enjoy a cascade of color and fluttering wings all season long. Its long blooming period ensures a constant food source for butterflies, adding life and energy to your garden.
3. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
The Coneflower, or Echinacea, is a sturdy perennial that butterflies absolutely adore. Known for its daisy-like petals surrounding a spiky orange center, it grows between 2 and 4 feet tall. These flowers that attract butterflies bloom from midsummer to early fall, offering consistent nectar for pollinators. Coneflowers come in shades of purple, pink, yellow, and white, adding depth to your garden’s palette.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, thriving even in dry conditions. Once established, they require little care and are highly resistant to pests. Their large blooms also make excellent cut flowers. As the season ends, the dried seed heads provide food for birds, making coneflowers a year-round favorite. Ideal for cottage gardens, meadows, or mixed borders, this plant perfectly balances beauty and resilience.
4. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Milkweed is essential for any butterfly garden, especially for monarchs, which rely on it for both nectar and as a host plant for caterpillars. Growing 2–5 feet tall, milkweed produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, orange, and white. The blooms appear in summer and emit a light, sweet fragrance that butterflies love. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in meadows, prairies, and naturalized spaces.
Once planted, it reseeds easily and comes back year after year. Water regularly until established, then it becomes drought-tolerant. In addition to attracting butterflies, milkweed also supports bees and other beneficial insects, making it a cornerstone of ecological gardening. Its upright habit and vibrant blooms add structure and color to any landscape.
5. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are cheerful annuals that bloom in bold colors—red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. Their flat, open petals make them one of the easiest flowers that attract butterflies to grow. Reaching 1–3 feet tall, zinnias bloom profusely from late spring until frost. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in warm climates. Butterflies, especially swallowtails and painted ladies, are drawn to their accessible nectar.
Plant zinnias in borders, flower beds, or containers for a burst of color and pollinator activity. Regular deadheading encourages nonstop blooming. These hardy, low-maintenance flowers are also resistant to heat and drought. Zinnias combine vibrant beauty with ecological purpose, transforming any garden into a butterfly haven full of movement and charm.
6. Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds brighten gardens with their golden-yellow and orange hues while naturally attracting butterflies. These compact butterfly-friendly flowers grow 10–18 inches tall and bloom all summer long. Their strong fragrance not only draws pollinators but also repels pests, making them ideal companions for vegetables or herbs. Marigolds thrive in full sun and adapt easily to different soils.
Water them moderately and remove faded blooms to encourage new growth. Their long-lasting flowers and constant nectar supply make marigolds a reliable source of food for butterflies and bees. Whether planted in borders, pots, or walkways, they add a cheerful, sunny glow to your space. Simple to grow from seed, marigolds are a perfect choice for gardeners seeking color, fragrance, and pollinator activity in one easy plant.
7. Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)
Verbena is a tall, airy perennial covered with clusters of small purple flowers that bloom from summer to frost. Growing up to 4 feet tall, this plant adds vertical interest to gardens. As one of the most charming flowers that attract butterflies, it’s especially loved by monarchs and swallowtails. Verbena thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established and can even reseed naturally for next year. Its long blooming season ensures a consistent nectar source.
The delicate lavender-purple flowers sway gracefully in the wind, creating a dreamy, romantic effect in meadows and cottage-style gardens. Combine it with coneflowers or black-eyed susans for an irresistible butterfly magnet. Minimal maintenance and maximum color—verbena is a must for any butterfly-friendly garden.
8. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
The Black-Eyed Susan is a classic North American wildflower and one of the top plants that attract butterflies. Its bright yellow petals surround a dark brown center, creating a sunny display from midsummer to fall. Growing 2–3 feet tall, it’s perfect for borders or wildflower meadows. Butterflies are drawn to its flat blooms, which make landing easy. This hardy perennial prefers full sun and tolerates dry soil once established.
It’s low-maintenance—just deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming. In fall, leave seed heads for birds to feed on. Black-Eyed Susans bring warmth, resilience, and natural beauty to any garden. Their vibrant colors and constant blooms make them a reliable choice for pollinator-friendly landscapes, adding a golden glow that butterflies can’t resist.
9. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Famous for its calming scent and elegant purple spikes, lavender is not just beautiful—it’s also one of the most fragrant flowers that attract butterflies. Growing 1–3 feet tall, lavender blooms from late spring to early summer. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Butterflies and bees love its aromatic flowers, which are rich in nectar. Once established, lavender is drought-resistant and requires little watering.
Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages more blooms. Its silvery-green foliage contrasts beautifully with the purple blossoms, bringing both color and texture to your garden. Ideal for borders, rock gardens, or containers, lavender adds elegance and fragrance while inviting pollinators to stay all season long.
10. Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Phlox produces large clusters of fragrant flowers in pink, white, purple, and red hues. These nectar-rich flowers that attract butterflies bloom from midsummer into fall, filling the garden with color and scent. Reaching 2–4 feet tall, phlox prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Its sweet fragrance draws butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Regular watering and removing faded blooms will keep it flowering longer.
Phlox is perfect for borders, cottage gardens, or butterfly meadows. Its long stems also make excellent cut flowers. Beyond beauty, phlox adds softness and height to the landscape, turning any garden into a paradise for pollinators. This perennial rewards gardeners with continuous blooms and lively visits from butterflies throughout the season.
11. Aster (Aster spp.)
Asters are late-season butterfly-attracting flowers, offering essential nectar when most plants have stopped blooming. These perennials grow 1–4 feet tall, covered in daisy-like flowers in purple, blue, pink, or white. Blooming from late summer through fall, asters are a lifeline for migrating butterflies like monarchs. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Regular deadheading promotes more blooms, while their bushy growth adds volume to flower beds. Asters blend beautifully with goldenrods or ornamental grasses, creating a colorful autumn display. Their extended bloom time makes them one of the best flowers for keeping butterflies in your garden late into the year. Hardy and reliable, asters bring both function and fall beauty to any butterfly garden.
12. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia, also known as sage, features tubular blossoms in purple, blue, or red tones that butterflies adore. Growing 1–3 feet tall, salvia blooms from late spring until frost, offering nectar for months. These butterfly-friendly plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat and drought exceptionally well. Their upright spikes add structure to borders, and the aromatic leaves resist deer and pests.
Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees all visit salvia for its abundant nectar. Regular deadheading keeps it blooming continuously. Whether used in herb gardens, containers, or landscape beds, salvia adds vibrancy, movement, and pollinator activity. Its mix of color, fragrance, and hardiness makes it a must-have for any butterfly garden that blooms beautifully all season long.
13. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Cosmos are delicate annuals with feathery leaves and daisy-like flowers in pink, white, and magenta shades. Growing up to 4 feet tall, they sway gracefully in the breeze, creating a charming meadow-like effect. As one of the easiest flowers that attract butterflies, cosmos bloom continuously from summer to frost. They thrive in full sun and poor, well-drained soil—too much fertilizer can reduce blooms.
Butterflies love their open, flat petals, which provide easy access to nectar. Cosmos are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, ideal for wildflower gardens or borders. Regular deadheading promotes nonstop flowering. Their long stems also make great cut flowers. With minimal effort, cosmos bring elegance, color, and endless pollinator visits, transforming your garden into a butterfly paradise.
14. Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)
Known as the Egyptian Starcluster, Pentas are tropical butterfly-attracting plants that bloom year-round in warm climates. Their clusters of star-shaped flowers come in red, pink, lavender, and white. Growing about 2–3 feet tall, Pentas thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are heat-tolerant and prefer consistent moisture. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees love their rich nectar supply.
Pruning faded blooms encourages new growth and continuous flowering. Perfect for containers, borders, or butterfly gardens, Pentas add lush color and attract pollinators nonstop. These tough yet beautiful flowers are especially valuable in tropical or subtropical regions, offering an easy way to maintain a vibrant, wildlife-friendly garden all year long.
15. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)
Shasta Daisies are classic perennials that bring cheerful charm and attract butterflies effortlessly. Standing 1–3 feet tall, they feature white petals with bright yellow centers. These butterfly-friendly flowers bloom from early summer to fall, offering a steady nectar source. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil and are incredibly easy to grow. Deadheading old blooms extends their flowering season, while dividing plants every few years keeps them healthy.
Butterflies, bees, and other pollinators love their open, accessible blooms. Perfect for borders, meadows, or cottage gardens, Shasta Daisies combine simplicity and beauty. Their long-lasting flowers also make lovely cut arrangements, ensuring both your garden and your home stay filled with brightness and life.
16. Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)
Coreopsis, often called tickseed, features bright yellow or orange daisy-like blooms that radiate sunshine. Growing 1–2 feet tall, it’s one of the most resilient flowers that attract butterflies. Blooming from late spring to midsummer, Coreopsis thrives in full sun and tolerates poor soil and drought. Its long flowering season and rich nectar make it irresistible to butterflies. Deadheading keeps it blooming longer.
Coreopsis pairs beautifully with lavender, salvia, and coneflowers, creating a lively butterfly garden. Easy to grow from seed and low-maintenance, it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. Its cheerful color, durability, and pollinator appeal make Coreopsis a must-have for brightening any landscape naturally.
17. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee Balm is a vibrant perennial that fills the garden with bold color and fragrance. Reaching 2–4 feet tall, it produces tubular blooms in red, pink, purple, or white. As one of the most fragrant plants that attract butterflies, its nectar-rich flowers also lure hummingbirds and bees. Blooming from mid to late summer, Bee Balm prefers full sun and moist, rich soil.
Regular pruning helps prevent mildew and promotes healthy growth. Butterflies love its tubular flowers, which provide deep nectar reserves. Its aromatic leaves can also be used to brew tea. Bee Balm’s combination of color, scent, and wildlife appeal makes it a stunning addition to any butterfly or pollinator garden.
18. Liatris (Liatris spicata)
Liatris, or Blazing Star, stands tall with spikes of purple or pink blooms that attract butterflies from midsummer to fall. Growing 2–5 feet tall, these butterfly-attracting flowers thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Liatris stores energy in underground corms, making it drought-tolerant and hardy. Its vertical flower spikes provide a unique shape contrast among rounder blooms like coneflowers and zinnias.
Butterflies are drawn to its nectar-rich florets that bloom from top to bottom. Once established, Liatris requires little care—just occasional watering and dividing every few years. It’s excellent for borders, wildflower gardens, or naturalized meadows, offering both structure and a continuous feast for pollinators throughout summer.
Conclusion
Creating a garden full of flowers that attract butterflies brings life, movement, and color to your outdoor space. These 18 butterfly-friendly plants not only offer nectar and fragrance but also support vital pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Choose a variety of species that bloom from spring to fall to provide continuous food sources. Avoid pesticides, include host plants like milkweed, and add sunny resting spots or shallow water sources. With thoughtful planting, your garden will soon transform into a thriving, eco-friendly sanctuary where butterflies dance among vibrant blooms all year long.