Attract butterflies to your garden—even if you have just a deck or patio—with these easy container recipes.
Plant a Butterfly Magnet
Simple and eye-catching, the color and shape of the container is perfect for pentas plants, which no butterfly can resist. Red varieties like 'Butterfly Red' will also attract hummingbirds.
A. Pentas 'Butterfly Red' — 3
Pick Easy Plants
This container garden is almost no-fail; the white zinnia is extra-easy to grow and the butterflies will appreciate it. They will also love the fragrant heliotrope.
A. Zinnia angustifolia 'Crystal White' — 3
B. Heliotrope (Heliotropium 'Marine') — 2
C. Coleus (Solenostemon 'Brilliancy') — 1
Go with a Group
This grouping of different kinds of containers, yet planted in the same color palette, draws the eye where a single container would be overlooked. Explore different textures and sizes within the same color of flower.
A. Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender' — 4
B. Salvia guarantica 'Black and Blue' — 2
C. Fan flower (Scaevola 'New Wonder') — 4
Give Them Something to Eat
While we typically think of attracting butterflies with flowers, don't forget about host plants. Here, fennel is a good way to attract swallowtail caterpillars.
A. Bronze fennel (Foeniculum vulgare 'Rubrum') — 2
B. Nasturtium (Tropaeoleum 'Scarlet Gleam') — 4
C. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Tricolor') — 1
D. Sage (Salvia officinalis) — 1
Be Bold
Bold and brassy, 'Teddy Bear' sunflower is fun and playful, especially as an echo for the dwarf marigolds at its feet. It'll also help bring tons of butterflies to your yard.
A. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus 'Teddy Bear') — 3
