Beauty of the Butterflies

A backyard photo-shoot with this beauty! 

One of my fondest childhood memories was catching a butterfly in a clear plastic bag. I remember watching this orange and black insect closely as it fluttered around gracefully in captivity, I admired it. (...don't ask what happened to that butterfly...)

For those of you who don’t know, my Rogue Gardening journey began simply because I wanted to be able to look out my kitchen window and see butterflies, free in all their glory. However, all I knew then was that I needed flowers.

Over the years I have learned that attracting a swarm of butterflies requires preparation. You must be able to provide their needs through all the life stages of the butterfly from laying eggs to feeding caterpillars (larvae), and protecting them from predators until they form chrysalides.

Attracting Butterflies

1. Plant the right flowers- Butterflies are more attracted to certain flowers such as Asters, Zinnias, Marigolds, Oregano, Lavender, Sage, and Lantanas, a butterfly host plant.

Adult butterflies are attracted to bright colors like red, orange, yellow and pink.

I use Lantanas because they are really easy to care for, the biggest issue is keeping this plant from growing out of control. Lantanas grow properly in well-drained soils and butterflies definitely enjoy the sweet nectar from the colorful blooms. I have swarms happily feeding every day!

There is always a swarm of butterflies on the Lantanas

2. Consider the Sun- Regardless of the size of your garden, porch or balcony it must be able to get good amounts of sunshine as generally adult butterflies only feed in the sun. The sun also warms their wings for flight.

3. Provide Shelter and a Place to Rest- Apart from the plants and flowers, butterflies need a flat surface to be able to rest and soak up the sunlight. You can place flat stones in your garden to provide space for butterflies to rest and bask in the sun.

When it rains, butterflies will find shelter under large leaves or in sheltered spots so it’s a good idea to have both available.

While butterflies usually shelter under huge leaves, this beauty seemed to enjoying the attention 

4. Avoid pesticides- Avoid insecticides such as malathion, Sevin, and diazinon as these will kill butterflies.

5. Feed the caterpillars- Many people I know kill caterpillars because they consume their plants. While I understand how frustrating it can be, I encourage everyone to allow these caterpillars to feed because without them, we won’t have these gorgeous butterflies. Support their growth by allowing your garden to be wild around the edges. I allow caterpillars to eat my kale leaves since no one else will.

These babies eat quite a lot, so be prepared to say goodbye to some plants!  

6. Provide Food and Water- Butterflies like damp sand or mud where they can drink water and absorb minerals, also known as ‘puddling’. Puddling spots can be created by filling shallow dishes or pans (recycle old or damaged ones) with about a handful of coarse sand and some water. Place the pan in the soil and be sure to keep the sand moist especially on hot days.

TIP- You can supplement their diet by creating an artificial feeder. Mix one part sugar to four parts water and pour over a clean sponge or an overripe banana or melon rind and place in a saucer near the flowers.

Be sure to share your feedback on the post or tips on how you attract butterflies in the comment section below!