Creating a Butterfly Garden

May 29, 2012

It’s not too late to put some plants in the ground that would appeal to butterflies this year. Not only are butterflies beautiful to observe, but they are some of our best plant pollinators. If you were considering planting some perennials anyway, you are in luck because butterflies love many of the perennial blooms. Among my favorites, and theirs, are: coneflowers, rudbeckia, lantana, and asters.

Here are some tips to keep in mind. Butterflies need the sun to keep them warm to fly. They also love native plants, and Missouri is home to an abundance of blooming varieties. Think about a mix of wildflowers and grasses for visual variety as well as ease of care.

For some more ideas, visit our Research Databases and follow the DIY and Hobbies link to gardening websites. Not only will you be glad you made the effort as you watch the fluttering activity in your yard, but your neighbors will no doubt be glad as well.

Ann R.
North Oak Branch