Butterfly Host Plants

It is one of the most frequent tree species of the eastern United States forests and is hardy in Zones 4 to 9. I collect the fallen flowers and float them in bowls. Placed on the bar and coffee table, we can enjoy them for several days.The common name,...

I therefore provided a layer of dead leaves, bark and twigs in the bottom of the jar.At about the end of September they completed their caterpillar phase and both weaved a cocoon, incorporating the hairs from their final caterpillar stage and in this...

Butterflies are just one more living thing in the garden that brings happiness to young and old alike. I've also left trees off the list, but there are many that would be great additions to your yard.The plants listed above are merely suggestions for...

But you and the butterflies and the bees will both have fewer regrets if you plant some of the other species.Photo credits - Bees: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_the_GNU_Free_Documentation_LicenseMilkweed flower close-up: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_the_GNU_Free_Documentation_License

Digging into the native milkweeds for your area is a very rewarding experience. But times changed and we grew smarter and wiser and now I would not want to see my garden without this wonderful and basic plant.The biggest thing to know about this wonderful...

You stick those fingers in your mouth. I had a playhouse when I was growing up. I also knew that in the fall, those very ripe pawpaws would fall on my playhouse porch and make a slick gooey mess for me to clean up.

There are shrubs that fit both categories.You can also deadhead (cut off the spent flowers) to avoid reseeding.'Illini'. If you really want to attract the beautiful "flying flowers," you will need to provide a variety of plant material.

Swamp milkweed grows lovely green stems covered with thin leaves and topped by the typical milkweed flower cluster. (Milkweed foliage contains toxic compounds). You can gather and sow seeds of this milkweed just like the previous ones.

Long spikes of deep indigo blue, tubular flowers are borne continuously from spring to frost on this vigorous perennial Salvia. Considered hardy into zone 7 Indigo Spires Salvia will need a winter mulch anywhere temperatures drop much below about 25 o...

Homestead Verbena was discovered by Dr. Allan Armitage and Dr. Michael Dirr on an old homestead in Georgia. Verbena's are cool season growing perennials and so that is when fertilize should be applied.

Cloud Eight is a semi-dwarf selection of Purole-Top Vervain with a compact and free flowering habit. Clusters of rich purple flowers are produced on sturdy stems atop the medium green foliage from spring through summer and into fall.

To learn more see the Passionfruit datasheet by Purdue Horticulture: https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/passionfruit.html#Varieties The Maypop is also known as: Purple Passionflower, Purple Passionvine, and Apricot Vine.

Buchanan's Sage is considered hardy in zones 9-11, with some reports suggesting into zone 8B, provide a well-drained soil and part shade in hot summer climates for the best results.

Photos courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com A tight compact mound of blue-green foliage is topped with spikes of lilac colored, fragrant flowers. Lilac Chip is one of the newest introductions in this line of compact, basically sterile Butterfly...

Shade tolerant, deer resistant, moderately salt tolerant, and moderately drought resistant once they are well-established and few plants can compete for adaptability. Where they don't freeze back, a hard late-winter pruning will act as a renewal and may...

A tough and hardy, drought tolerant, perennial US Native. Masses of tall wispy deep pink spikes are covered by a succession of large pink butterfly-like flowers throughout summer.

This is great for those who love the flowers as the plant has more resources for continuous flowering throughout the growing season. The Snow Queen Passionflower is a host to the Gulf Frittilary Butterfly and will most likely serve as a host for other...

This naturally sprawling vine-like shrub can easily be pruned to produce a dense mass of foliage and flowers. Sweetly fragrant clusters of 2", star-like, pure white blooms are produced continuously throughout the summer months against a rich glossy green...

In the northern portions of their hardiness range provide mulch to help ensure their return for the following season. Pentas are considered to be deer resistant and moderately salt tolerant.

Rudbeckia fulgida is native to much of the central and eastern United States. A must have perennial! Early Bird Gold Rudbeckia produces wave after wave of bright golden yellow, 3-4" daisies from late spring to fall on a nicely branching plant.

Cut back the stems to the rosette in winter. May not tolerate poor drainage but at the same time will do well in most soils from clay, calcareous, limestone, and sand. October Skies Aster is a low mounding perennial that develops into a compact shrub-like...

Texas Coneflower provides us with a medium-sized Rudbeckia that is similar in habit to the stately Giant Coneflower. Excellent deer resistance. A choice native coneflower, the Texas Coneflower produces 3-5" bright golden yellow daisies that are borne...

In zone 10 it is likely to be a reliable perennial if not evergreen. Porterweed is known to reseed particularly in mild winter climates. Porterweeds are excellent nectar producers outperforming nearly all other butterfly plants in the garden.

Periodic removal of spent flower spikes will help keep your Scarlet Sage looking great and flowering throughout the growing season. Summer Jewel Red is a 2011 All American Selection Award winner and produces a nearly non-stop display of scarlet red tubular...

Photos courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com A tight compact mound of blue-green foliage is topped with spikes of lilac colored, fragrant flowers. Lilac Chip is one of the newest introductions in this line of compact, basically sterile Butterfly...

On a recent trip to west Texas, we saw what must have been over 50 butterflies on one vine! Coral Vine is considered invasive in some regions, please consult your local county extension office before planting.

Removing spent flowers will also help to prevent its spread in areas where this may be a concern. The flowers are richly fragrant with an aroma reminiscent of honey. For these areas consider some of the sterile or near sterile hybrids like " Lo' & Beholdtm...