10 Low Growing Plants That Attract Butterflies to Your Garden

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10 Low Growing Plants That Attract Butterflies to Your Garden

Why attract butterflies to your garden?

If you're a nature lover, then attracting butterflies to your garden is an excellent idea. It's a fantastic way to introduce some wildlife and color to your outdoor space. Butterfly watching can also be quite relaxing and enjoyable activity.

What are low growing plants?

Low growing plants refer to plants that don't grow tall, but rather spread out horizontally near the ground. These types of plants are ideal for covering large areas, and they are perfect for creating borders or ground covers.

10 Low Growing Plants That Attract Butterflies

Butterflies need a constant supply of nectar to survive, so incorporating some low-growing plants that produce lots of flowers is a great way to attract them. Here are ten options:

1. Lavender

Lavender is one of the most popular plants for attracting butterflies. Not only does it have beautiful purple flowers that butterflies love, but it also smells great, making it an excellent addition to any garden.

2. Creeping Phlox

Creeping phlox is a fast-spreading perennial that produces masses of colorful flowers in spring. It's perfect for rock gardens or as a ground cover in sunny locations.

3. Mexican Sunflower

Mexican sunflowers (also known as Tithonia) are large, bright orange flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. They grow very tall, so they may need some support to keep them upright.

4. Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a hardy perennial that produces tall spikes of bright yellow flowers in late summer. Not only do the blooms provide nectar for butterflies, but the plant also provides food and shelter for other insects and wildlife.

5. Thyme

Thyme is a fragrant herb that produces tiny, delicate flowers. Butterflies love thyme because the flowers are easily accessible, and they bloom in abundance.

6. Sedum

Sedum (also known as stonecrop) is a succulent plant that produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers. It's perfect for rock gardens or as a ground cover in sunny locations.

7. Germander

Germander is an herb that produces long spikes of purple flowers. It's a great addition to any garden because it repels pests and attracts beneficial insects like butterflies and bees.

8. Catmint

Catmint (also known as catnip) is a hardy perennial that produces lots of small blue flowers. It's perfect for sunny borders or as a ground cover, and it attracts butterflies and bees.

9. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susans are vibrant daisy-like flowers with dark centers surrounded by bright yellow petals. This drought-resistant plant attracts butterflies and is relatively easy to grow.

10. Coreopsis

Coreopsis is a low-growing, sun-loving perennial that produces lots of small, bright yellow flowers. Not only do the blooms attract butterflies, but they also make excellent cut flowers.

Low growing plants are an excellent addition to any butterfly garden. By incorporating some of these low growing plants into your garden, you can attract beautiful butterflies while also adding color and interest to your landscape.

FAQ

What do butterflies eat?

Butterflies primarily feed on nectar from flowers. Some species also feed on tree sap, fruit juice, and even animal droppings.

How can I create a butterfly garden?

To create a butterfly garden, you need to provide food, water, and shelter for butterflies. Incorporating lots of flowering plants, including some of the low-growing ones mentioned above, is an excellent place to start.

Can I grow these plants in containers?

Most of the low-growing plants listed above can be grown in containers. Just make sure that the container is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system, and don't forget to water them regularly.

How often should I water these plants?

Most low-growing plants require regular watering to thrive. However, the frequency depends on several factors, such as soil type, temperature, and humidity. It's best to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

What other types of plants attract butterflies?

Other plants that attract butterflies include milkweed, coneflower, bee balm, and daisy.

Do I need special soil to grow these plants?

Not necessarily. Most low-growing plants prefer well-drained soil, but other than that, they're not too fussy about soil type. Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve its texture and fertility.

Will these plants attract other insects to my garden?

Yes, but not necessarily harmful ones. These plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which help control pests in your garden.

What can I do to keep my garden healthy and thriving?

Regular watering, fertilization, and pruning will help keep your garden healthy and thriving. Also, pay attention to pest and disease problems and deal with them promptly.

How long do these plants typically last?

Most low-growing plants are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. However, their lifespan varies depending on the species and growing conditions.