If You Want More Butterflies in Your Yard This Summer, This is the Only Plant You Need – it's Bold, Fragrant, and Packed With Nectar
This aptly-named shrub is guaranteed to attract butterflies to your garden
There's nothing more joyful than the sight of butterflies in your yard, and it can feel a little disappointing if you don't happen to spot any once spring finally gets underway.
Fortunately, however, these gorgeous creatures don't require much encouragement to stop by your garden; in fact, I'd say that there's only one plant you really need to help you attract butterflies. The clue is in the name: butterfly bush, or buddleia.
Why Add Buddleia to Your Yard?
Blooming from late summer through fall, butterfly bush is one of the best fast-growing shrubs to plant at this time of year – particularly when it comes to choosing plants for pollinators.
There's a reason why buddleia claims the title of 'butterfly bush': its cone-shaped flowers are packed with nectar, and their large clusters offer the perfect spot for butterflies to land and feed.
Colorful, fragrant, and packed with goodness, it's no wonder that buddleia is so tempting to butterflies. It's also a brilliant choice for a wildlife garden, attracting a host of pollinators and other insects which in turn can provide food for birds, too.
It's important to note that buddleia is classed as an invasive plant in some parts of the country, including the Pacific Northwest, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. It can start to dominate in sunny areas, out-competing other shrubs and native flowers.
Before planting, it's advisable to check the US Invasive Plant Atlas, or consult your local extension service to make sure planting is not restricted or banned.
Regular deadheading and pruning will help to control the plant in your own environment, and prevent the spread of airborne seeds.
Conversely, buddleia's dense, energetic growth is what many gardeners are looking for: It makes this joyful plant particularly ideal for the back of borders, or anywhere in your yard where you're craving a little privacy.
When it comes to upkeep, you'll want to consider when and how to prune buddleia. Large hybrids usually require yearly pruning, and even smaller varieties should be trimmed to prevent them from looking unruly.
Pruning will also encourage vigorous growth and more abundant blooms, which is crucial when it comes to attracting pollinators.
Luckily, spring is the perfect time to check this task off your list: you can prune buddleia using pruning loppers (like these from The Home Depot) and shears (like these from Amazon).
Long, scratch-resistant gardening gloves are another useful buy; this pair from Walmart is ideal.
Other Plants to Consider
If you're hesitant about planting a dense, fast-growing species like buddleia, there are plenty of other butterfly-friendly flowers you can try.
After all, the best butterfly gardens are those that incorporate a wide variety of plants, ensuring that butterflies and other pollinators can access a reliable source of nectar and pollen all year round.
Classic options like lavender and milkweed are brilliant choices for the summertime, while flowers like zinnias and aster will bloom until the end of fall.
You can pick up 'sensational' lavender plants from Fast Growing Trees, or colorful mixed zinnia plants from Burpee. To create the perfect conditions for butterflies in your yard, you can also try a wooden 'pollinating palace' (like this one from Walmart).
Crucially, butterflies require plenty of fresh water – which means a butterfly feeder (like this one from Amazon) or a decorative watering station (also from Amazon) is a wise investment, too. These will help to keep many pollinators hydrated, from bees to hummingbirds.
Tending to a city garden? It won't take you long to create a butterfly balcony, or cultivate a thriving butterfly border in your yard.
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