Best Plants for a Butterfly Garden in Florida
Creating a butterfly garden in Florida is a great way to attract and support butterflies year-round! The best plants include a mix of nectar plants (for adult butterflies) and host plants (for caterpillars). Here are some top choices:
Nectar Plants (for Adult Butterflies)
Firebush (Hamelia patens) – A long-blooming shrub that attracts many butterfly species.
Lantana (Lantana spp.) – A hardy plant with bright, nectar-rich flowers.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – A beautiful, drought-tolerant flower that butterflies love.
Pentas (Pentas lanceolata) – Clusters of red, pink, or white flowers that provide abundant nectar.
Blanketflower (Gaillardia pulchella) – A bright, long-blooming wildflower.
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) – Besides being a host plant, it provides nectar for many butterflies.
Salvia (Salvia spp.) – Tubular flowers perfect for long-tongued butterflies.
Host Plants (for Caterpillars)
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) – Essential for monarch butterflies.
Passionvine (Passiflora incarnata) – Host plant for Gulf fritillaries, zebra longwings, and julia butterflies.
Cassia (Senna spp.) – Hosts sulfur butterflies.
Coontie (Zamia integrifolia) – The only host plant for the Atala butterfly.
Additional Tips
Plant a mix of flowers that bloom at different times for year-round nectar.
Include flat rocks for butterflies to sunbathe.
Provide a shallow water source, like a small dish with wet sand.
Avoid pesticides to keep butterflies safe.
