You want to attract butterflies to your garden. Keep a shallow pan of water with sand, placed decoratively in the middle of a slightly untidy garden. Then, plant these five perennials for a spectacular show.
The purple coneflower, also known as Echinacea, is a late-blooming flower that always attracts butterflies. The purple flower almost resembles a daisy, then folds back to look more like a badminton birdie. It looks good with shasta daisies, and coreopsis. You can also find it in white, orange, and red varieties.
Phlox is available in enough varieties that it can bloom in the garden all season. Start with the creeping variety in the spring, and upright summer phlox for the later season.
Butterflies love goldenrod, though some people don't. The tall golden flowers come in numerous varieties that are difficult to distinguish from each other. Some people have allergies to the flower, but most allergies blamed on the goldenrod is actually caused by ragweed.
This full sun perennial is usually dark pink to purple in color, with a yellow center. They are easier to grow as plants, than by seeds.
Many people yank the milkweed out of their gardens, but this is where monarchs can thrive. Though unattractive to start, they do yield a beautiful flower. And, the joy of having monarchs fluttering around the yard mean even more!
This article is based upon suggestions from the September 2010 issue of Better Homes and Gardens.
Congratulations on the front page spot.
Beautiful creatures! Thanks for sharing.
WE have fun leaving milkweed in our garden for the late summer Monarchs. Good list.
Congratulations on the front page spot.
Great tips.
H5 Thanks for the list.
I love butterflies. Nice list.
Great list, I love the creeping phlox.
select one here...