butterfly on a butterfly bush

14 Beautiful Butterflies (And What To Plant To Attract Them)

Imagine stepping into your garden and being greeted by a kaleidoscope of vibrant butterflies fluttering gracefully among your blooms. Creating a haven for these enchanting creatures not only enhances the beauty of your outdoor space but also supports local ecosystems by providing essential food and habitat for pollinators. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your green journey, attracting butterflies can bring a sense of magic and tranquility to your sanctuary.

As a passionate gardener, I’ve discovered that each butterfly species has its unique preferences when it comes to plants and environment. Understanding these preferences allows you to tailor your garden to invite a diverse array of butterflies, each adding their own splash of color and life. I know how rewarding it is to watch butterflies dance around your flowers, and I’m excited to share with you fifteen stunning butterflies and the perfect plants to attract them. Let’s dive into the world of butterflies and discover how to create a vibrant and welcoming garden!

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

monarch butterfly on a flower
Credit: Unsplash

The Monarch Butterfly is arguably one of the most iconic and beautiful butterflies, recognized by its striking orange and black wings adorned with white spots. Native to North America, Monarchs are famous for their incredible migratory journey, traveling thousands of miles each year. Their graceful flight and distinctive appearance make them a favorite among gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike.

To attract Monarchs to your garden, plant Milkweed (Asclepias spp.), which is essential for their lifecycle. Milkweed serves as the only host plant for Monarch caterpillars, providing both food and shelter. These plants are native to various regions, including North America, and are not considered invasive. Additionally, planting nectar-rich flowers like Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) and Zinnias can provide Monarchs with the necessary sustenance during their migration and breeding periods. By incorporating Milkweed and other supportive plants, you create a nurturing environment for Monarchs to thrive and grace your garden with their presence.

Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilionidae Family)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Swallowtail Butterflies are renowned for their large size and vibrant colors, often featuring striking patterns of yellow, black, and blue. These butterflies are native to various regions around the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Their elegant, tail-like extensions on their wings give them a distinctive and graceful appearance, making them a captivating sight in any garden.

To attract Swallowtail Butterflies, plant a variety of host plants such as Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and Dill (Anethum graveolens). These plants are crucial for the caterpillars, providing the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. Additionally, incorporating nectar-rich flowers like Lantana and Milkweed can offer adult Swallowtails the energy they need for their daily activities. These plants are typically non-invasive and well-suited for garden cultivation, ensuring a balanced and thriving environment for Swallowtails to flourish.

Blue Morpho Butterfly (Morpho menelaus)

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The Blue Morpho Butterfly is a breathtaking sight, with iridescent blue wings that shimmer in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing display of color and light. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, Blue Morphos thrive in humid and shaded environments. Their vibrant appearance makes them a sought-after species for butterfly enthusiasts and gardeners aiming to add a touch of tropical elegance to their gardens.

To attract Blue Morphos, create a lush, tropical garden environment by planting Passionflower (Passiflora spp.), which serves as both a nectar source and a host plant for their caterpillars. Passionflowers are native to tropical regions and are not considered invasive, making them perfect for a diverse and balanced garden. Additionally, incorporating host plants like Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) and shade-tolerant ferns can provide the necessary habitat and food sources for Blue Morphos. By cultivating a tropical paradise with these plants, you invite the enchanting Blue Morpho Butterfly to grace your garden with its stunning presence.

Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui)

Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui)
Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Painted Lady Butterfly is celebrated for its striking wing patterns and remarkable migratory behavior, traveling vast distances across continents. Native to multiple regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia, Painted Ladies are adaptable and resilient, making them a common yet beautiful sight in many gardens. Their colorful wings, featuring shades of orange, black, and white, add a vibrant touch to any outdoor space.

To attract Painted Ladies, plant a variety of host plants such as Thistles (Cirsium spp.), Fennel, and Dill. These plants provide essential nourishment for their caterpillars, ensuring their successful development. Additionally, incorporating nectar-rich flowers like Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.) and Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) can offer adult Painted Ladies the sustenance they need for their long migratory journeys. These plants are generally non-invasive and well-suited for garden cultivation, creating a welcoming environment for Painted Ladies to thrive and enhance the beauty of your sanctuary.

Red Admiral Butterfly (Vanessa atalanta)

Red Admiral Butterfly (Vanessa atalanta)
Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Red Admiral Butterfly is known for its striking black wings adorned with bold red bands and white spots, creating a dramatic and eye-catching appearance. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, Red Admirals are resilient butterflies that thrive in a variety of habitats, including gardens, woodlands, and coastal areas. Their active flight and vibrant colors make them a delightful addition to any garden scene.

To attract Red Admirals, plant Nettles (Urtica dioica), which serve as the primary host plants for their caterpillars. Nettles are native to various regions and play a crucial role in the lifecycle of Red Admirals by providing both food and shelter. Additionally, incorporating nectar-rich flowers like Violets (Viola spp.) and Buddleia (Butterfly Bush) can attract adult Red Admirals, offering them the necessary sustenance for their active lifestyles. These plants are typically non-invasive and beneficial for creating a balanced and thriving garden ecosystem that supports the beauty and vitality of Red Admirals.

Peacock Butterfly (Aglais io)

Peacock Butterfly (Aglais io)
Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Peacock Butterfly is admired for its large, eye-like spots on its wings, which display vibrant colors of blue, orange, and black. Native to Europe and Asia, Peacock Butterflies are often found in gardens, meadows, and woodland edges, where their striking appearance and graceful flight patterns make them a captivating sight. Their distinct wing patterns not only add beauty to your garden but also play a role in deterring predators.

To attract Peacock Butterflies, plant a variety of nectar-rich flowers such as Clover (Trifolium spp.) and Buddleia (Butterfly Bush). Additionally, incorporating host plants like Common Nettle and Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis) can provide essential nourishment for their caterpillars. These plants are native to many regions and are not considered invasive, making them ideal for a diverse and healthy garden environment. By cultivating these plants, you create an inviting habitat for Peacock Butterflies to thrive, enhancing the natural beauty and tranquility of your sanctuary.

Queen Butterfly (Danaus gilippus)

Queen Butterfly (Danaus gilippus)
Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Queen Butterfly is a stunning species known for its vibrant orange wings adorned with black veins and white spots. Native to the Americas, including regions from the southern United States to South America, Queen Butterflies are closely related to Monarchs and share similar lifecycle characteristics. Their graceful flight and vivid colors make them a delightful presence in gardens and natural habitats.

To attract Queen Butterflies, plant Milkweed (Asclepias spp.), which is essential for their caterpillars as it serves as the primary host plant. Milkweed is native to various regions and is not considered invasive, making it a perfect addition to any garden aiming to support local butterfly populations. Additionally, incorporating nectar-rich flowers like Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) and Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) can provide adult Queen Butterflies with the necessary sustenance for their active lives. These plants create a nurturing environment that supports the entire lifecycle of Queen Butterflies, ensuring their presence and enhancing the beauty of your sanctuary.

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio glaucus)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly is renowned for its striking yellow and black striped wings, resembling the patterns of a tiger. Native to North America, particularly the eastern United States, Tiger Swallowtails are among the largest butterflies in the region, making their presence in gardens a true spectacle. Their vibrant colors and graceful flight add a dynamic and lively touch to any outdoor space.

To attract Tiger Swallowtails, plant Tulip Trees (Liriodendron tulipifera) and Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), which serve as primary host plants for their caterpillars. These trees are native to North America and provide the necessary nutrients and habitat for Tiger Swallowtail larvae. Additionally, incorporating nectar-rich flowers like Milkweed, Goldenrod, and Butterfly Bush can offer adult Tiger Swallowtails the sustenance they need for their energetic lifestyles. These plants are non-invasive and well-suited for garden cultivation, creating a supportive and vibrant environment for Tiger Swallowtails to thrive and enhance the natural beauty of your sanctuary.

Gulf Fritillary Butterfly (Agraulis vanillae)

Gulf Fritillary Butterfly (Agraulis vanillae)
Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Gulf Fritillary Butterfly is a stunning species known for its bright orange wings adorned with intricate black markings and silvery spots. Native to the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America and into South America, Gulf Fritillaries are highly active and graceful fliers, often seen fluttering among flowers in gardens and meadows. Their vibrant colors and lively movements make them a captivating addition to any garden.

To attract Gulf Fritillaries, plant Passionflower (Passiflora spp.), which serves as the primary host plant for their caterpillars. Passionflowers are native to tropical and subtropical regions and provide both food and shelter for Gulf Fritillary larvae. Additionally, incorporating nectar-rich flowers like Lantana and Zinnias can offer adult Gulf Fritillaries the necessary sustenance for their active lives. These plants are not considered invasive and are ideal for creating a diverse and thriving garden environment that supports the beauty and vitality of Gulf Fritillaries.

Zebra Longwing Butterfly (Heliconius charithonia)

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The Zebra Longwing Butterfly is a striking species known for its black and white striped wings, resembling the patterns of a zebra. Native to the Americas, from the southern United States through Central and South America, Zebra Longwings are graceful fliers that add a touch of elegance and simplicity to gardens and natural habitats. Their distinctive appearance and gentle flight make them a beloved sight among butterfly enthusiasts.

To attract Zebra Longwings, plant Passionflower (Passiflora spp.), which is essential for their caterpillars as it serves as the primary host plant. Additionally, incorporating nectar-rich flowers like Pentas and Lantana can provide adult Zebra Longwings with the sustenance they need for their active lifestyles. These plants are native to various regions and are not considered invasive, making them perfect for creating a balanced and supportive garden environment. By cultivating Passionflowers and other nectar-rich blooms, you create a welcoming habitat for Zebra Longwing Butterflies to thrive, enhancing the natural beauty and tranquility of your sanctuary.

Mourning Cloak Butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Mourning Cloak Butterfly is a beautiful and resilient species known for its deep blue wings edged with a scalloped border of silver spots. Native to North America, Europe, and Asia, Mourning Cloaks are among the earliest butterflies to emerge in spring and one of the last to linger into fall, making them a long-lasting presence in gardens. Their striking colors and graceful flight add a sense of timeless beauty and serenity to any outdoor space.

To attract Mourning Cloaks, plant Willow (Salix spp.) and Birch (Betula spp.), which serve as the primary host plants for their caterpillars. These trees are native to various regions and provide essential food and habitat for Mourning Cloak larvae. Additionally, incorporating nectar-rich flowers like Asters and Goldenrod can offer adult Mourning Cloaks the necessary sustenance for their extended lifespan. These plants are not considered invasive and are ideal for creating a diverse and thriving garden environment that supports the beauty and resilience of Mourning Cloaks, enhancing the peaceful ambiance of your sanctuary.

Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly is a stunning species known for its bright green, blue, and black wings with striking patterns that resemble the leaves of its host plant. Native to North America, particularly the eastern United States, Spicebush Swallowtails are closely associated with the Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), their primary host plant. Their vibrant colors and graceful flight make them a captivating sight in gardens and natural habitats.

To attract Spicebush Swallowtails, plant Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) in your garden, as it serves as the essential host plant for their caterpillars. Spicebush is native to the eastern United States and is not considered invasive, making it a perfect addition to a diverse and balanced garden. Additionally, incorporating nectar-rich flowers like Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) and Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) can provide adult Spicebush Swallowtails with the sustenance they need for their active lifestyles. These plants create a supportive environment that nurtures the entire lifecycle of Spicebush Swallowtails, ensuring their presence and enhancing the natural beauty of your sanctuary.

Common Buckeye Butterfly (Junonia coenia)

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The Common Buckeye Butterfly is a vibrant and charismatic species known for its bold eye spots and striking patterns of orange, black, and white on its wings. Native to North America, Common Buckeyes are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including gardens, meadows, and woodlands. Their energetic flight and eye-catching appearance make them a delightful addition to any garden scene.

To attract Common Buckeyes, plant a variety of host plants such as Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) and Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). These plants provide essential nourishment for their caterpillars, ensuring their successful development. Additionally, incorporating nectar-rich flowers like Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) and Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) can offer adult Common Buckeyes the sustenance they need for their active lives. These plants are generally non-invasive and well-suited for garden cultivation, creating a welcoming environment for Common Buckeyes to thrive and enhance the beauty of your sanctuary.

Great Eggfly Butterfly (Hypolimnas bolina)

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The Great Eggfly Butterfly, also known as the Blue Moon Butterfly, is a stunning species known for its iridescent blue wings and striking black and white patterns. Native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Great Eggflies are highly prized for their vibrant colors and graceful flight. Their presence adds a touch of exotic elegance and vibrant energy to gardens and natural habitats.

To attract Great Eggflies, plant Passionflower (Passiflora spp.), which serves as the primary host plant for their caterpillars. Passionflowers are native to tropical and subtropical regions and provide both food and shelter for Great Eggfly larvae. Additionally, incorporating nectar-rich flowers like Lantana and Zinnias can offer adult Great Eggflies the necessary sustenance for their active lifestyles. These plants are not considered invasive and are ideal for creating a diverse and thriving garden environment that supports the beauty and vibrancy of Great Eggfly Butterflies, enhancing the natural allure of your sanctuary.

Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly is a striking species known for its long, graceful tails and vibrant blue and black wings with bold patterns. Native to North America, particularly the eastern United States, Pipevine Swallowtails are closely associated with the Pipevine (Aristolochia spp.), their primary host plant. Their elegant flight and distinctive appearance make them a captivating addition to any garden.

To attract Pipevine Swallowtails, plant Pipevine (Aristolochia spp.) in your garden, as it serves as the essential host plant for their caterpillars. Pipevines are native to various regions and are not considered invasive, making them perfect for a balanced and diverse garden environment. Additionally, incorporating nectar-rich flowers like Bee Balm (Monarda spp.) and Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) can provide adult Pipevine Swallowtails with the sustenance they need for their active lives. These plants create a supportive habitat that nurtures the entire lifecycle of Pipevine Swallowtails, ensuring their presence and enhancing the natural beauty of your sanctuary.

Creating a garden that attracts and supports a diverse array of beautiful butterflies is a rewarding endeavor that enhances both the aesthetic appeal and ecological health of your outdoor space. By incorporating these fifteen stunning butterfly species and the plants they thrive on—ranging from the iconic Monarch and vibrant Swallowtails to the exotic Blue Morpho and elegant Pipevine Swallowtail—you can transform your garden into a vibrant and serene sanctuary. Each butterfly brings its unique charm and vibrancy, while the carefully selected host and nectar plants ensure their presence and well-being.

Thomas Nelson
Gardening Expert
Hi! I'm Thomas, one of the founders of The Garden Magazine. I come from a long line of gardeners who used the art of gardening as a way to live long, healthy lives. I'm here to share my knowledge of gardening with the world!