What to Plant Instead of Butterfly Bush

Introduction

If you're an avid butterfly lover, you may have heard that butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) is not the best plant for your garden. While it's true that butterfly bush attracts butterflies, it also attracts invasive species and can be harmful to the environment. Before you plant butterfly bush, consider these better alternatives.

1. Milkweed

Milkweed (Asclepias) is a must-have plant for any butterfly garden. It is the only food source for monarch butterfly caterpillars and also attracts a wide variety of other butterflies. Milkweed is a perennial plant that grows in full sun and well-drained soil. It comes in a variety of colors, from pink to orange to yellow, and is easy to grow from seed or transplant.

2. Coneflowers

Coneflowers (Echinacea) are beautiful and easy-to-grow perennials that attract butterflies and bees to your garden. They have large, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Coneflowers grow best in full sun and well-drained soil, and they are drought-tolerant once established. They are also disease-resistant and low maintenance.

3. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) is a hardy, easy-to-grow perennial that blooms from mid-summer to fall. Its yellow and black daisy-like flowers are a favorite of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Black-eyed Susan is drought-tolerant and grows in full sun to partial shade. It is also resistant to pests and diseases and self-seeds easily.

4. Lantana

Lantana (Lantana camara) is a colorful and fragrant shrub that attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees to your garden. Its flowers come in a variety of colors, from pink to orange to purple, and bloom from spring to fall. Lantana is heat-tolerant and drought-resistant, making it perfect for hot and dry climates. It also requires little maintenance and can be grown in containers or as a hedge.

5. Verbena

Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) is a tall, airy plant that blooms from mid-summer to fall. Its tiny purple flowers are a favorite of butterflies and other pollinators, and its long stems make it a great addition to cut flower arrangements. Verbena grows best in full sun and well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. It is also disease-resistant and easy to grow from seed or transplant.

Conclusion

There are plenty of plants that attract butterflies to your garden without the harmful effects of butterfly bush. Milkweed, coneflowers, black-eyed Susan, lantana, and verbena are just a few of the many options available. By planting these butterfly-friendly plants, you'll not only provide food and habitat for butterflies but also contribute to a healthier and more diverse ecosystem.