When it comes to attracting butterflies to your garden, there are several flowering herbs that they absolutely love. These herbs not only provide a beautiful display of colors and scents but also offer a rich source of nectar for butterflies to feed on. Let’s explore some of the best herbs for attracting butterflies:
1. Almond Verbena: This herb produces clusters of fragrant white flowers that are irresistible to butterflies. Its sweet nectar is a favorite among many butterfly species.
2. Basil: Besides being a delicious culinary herb, basil also attracts butterflies with its vibrant flowers. The purple, pink, or white blooms are a magnet for butterflies seeking nectar.
3. Bee Balm: As the name suggests, bee balm is highly attractive to bees and butterflies. Its showy, tubular flowers come in various shades of red, pink, and purple, and they provide a rich source of nectar.
4. Borage: With its bright blue, star-shaped flowers, borage is not only visually appealing but also a great butterfly attractant. Its nectar-rich blooms are particularly loved by swallowtail butterflies.
5. Butterfly Weed: As the name implies, this herb is a must-have for any butterfly garden. Its orange or yellow flowers are a favorite of monarch butterflies, and its nectar is highly sought after.
6. Calendula: Also known as pot marigold, calendula produces vibrant yellow or orange flowers that butterflies find irresistible. They are not only attractive but also highly beneficial for pollinators.
7. Catnip: While catnip is well-known for its effects on cats, it also has an allure for butterflies. Its small, white flowers are a valuable source of nectar, attracting butterflies to your garden.
8. Chives: Chives produce lovely, round purple flowers that butterflies are often drawn to. The delicate blooms provide a good source of nectar for butterflies to feed on.
9. Cilantro: Cilantro may be popular in the kitchen, but it also has small, white flowers that butterflies find appealing. These flowers provide a quick energy boost for visiting butterflies.
10. Dill: The feathery foliage of dill adds an attractive element to any garden, and its yellow flowers are a bonus for butterflies. Swallowtails, in particular, are fond of dill flowers.
11. Echinacea: Commonly known as coneflowers, echinacea plants have large, daisy-like blooms that butterflies adore. Their vibrant colors and abundant nectar make them a favorite among many butterfly species.
12. Fennel: Fennel’s feathery foliage and clusters of yellow flowers are a magnet for butterflies. Swallowtails, in particular, are known to lay their eggs on fennel plants, making it a vital host plant as well.
13. Hyssop: Hyssop produces beautiful spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers that butterflies find irresistible. Its aromatic blooms are a valuable source of nectar, attracting various butterfly species.
14. Lavender: Loved for its soothing scent, lavender also entices butterflies with its purple flowers. Its nectar-rich blooms are particularly attractive to swallowtails and other butterfly species.
15. Lemon Balm: This herb, with its lemon-scented leaves and small white flowers, is not only a favorite of gardeners but also a favorite of butterflies. Its nectar provides a quick energy boost for visiting butterflies.
16. Marjoram: Marjoram’s delicate pink, white, or purple flowers are highly attractive to butterflies. The abundant nectar it offers makes it a popular choice for butterflies seeking a quick energy source.
17. Mints: Mints, such as spearmint and peppermint, produce small flowers that butterflies find enticing. Their nectar-rich blooms provide a valuable food source for visiting butterflies.
18. Oregano: Oregano’s tiny pink or purple flowers are not only loved by bees but also by butterflies. Their nectar is a high-energy treat for butterflies visiting your garden.
19. Parsley: Parsley may be a kitchen staple, but it also has small, greenish-yellow flowers that butterflies are drawn to. Providing a source of nectar, parsley can attract butterflies to your garden.
20. Pinks: Pinks, also known as dianthus, produce fragrant, fringed flowers in various shades of pink, red, and white. These charming blooms are highly attractive to butterflies seeking nectar.
21. Rosemary: Rosemary’s small, blue flowers are not only beloved by bees but also by butterflies. They provide a reliable source of nectar, attracting various butterfly species to your garden.
22. Sage: Sage produces spikes of purple, blue, pink, or white flowers that butterflies find appealing. Its nectar-rich blooms are a valuable food source for visiting butterflies.
By incorporating these flowering herbs into your garden, you can create a haven for butterflies. Providing them with a diverse range of nectar-rich flowers not only attracts these beautiful creatures but also supports their survival and contributes to the overall biodiversity of your garden.
