If you’re looking to improve the butterfly population in your garden, it’s essential to choose the right plants. Planting bushes/shrubs that attract butterflies will provide them with a habitat, and it also gives you the chance to enjoy the beautiful sight of these insects flitting around your garden. But with so many different bushes out there, which ones should you choose? In this post, we’ll be exploring 12 shrubs that attract butterflies and how to take care of them.
Butterfly Bush
The Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) is one of the most popular bushes for attracting butterflies. Also one of my favorites, I have had multiple different colors and each one is always covered in butterflies! Not only does it provide a nectar source for adult butterflies, but it also serves as a host plant for caterpillars. To plant a butterfly bush, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Place the bush in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, firm it gently, and water thoroughly.
To care for your butterfly bush, water it regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant. Prune in early spring to encourage new growth and more flowers. Apply a layer of mulch around the bush to conserve water, suppress weeds, and maintain a cool root environment. Remember, it’s important to check if this plant is considered invasive in your area, as it can spread if not managed properly.
Spirea Bush
The Spirea bush (Spiraea) is another excellent choice for attracting butterflies. To plant a Spirea bush, select a site with full sunlight to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Avoid areas with standing water. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the plant’s root ball. Place your Spirea bush in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, then backfill the hole, firming the soil as you go. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
To maintain your Spirea bush, ensure it gets regular watering, especially during dry spells. During the first growing season, aim for about 1 inch of water per week. Once established, Spirea has a high tolerance for drought. Prune the bush annually in late winter to early spring to encourage a healthier growth and a more pleasing shape. Always remove any dead or damaged wood. A light layer of mulch can help protect the roots, conserve moisture, and suppress weeds. Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer for best flowering.
Sweet Pepperbush
The Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) is another excellent bush that attracts butterflies. To plant a Sweet Pepperbush, choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil. Avoid areas prone to standing water. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and equal in depth to the root ball. Place the bush in the hole ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Then, backfill the hole, firming the soil gently yet firmly around the root ball. Water the bush thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Caring for your Sweet Pepperbush is fairly straightforward. Water it regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, the Sweet Pepperbush is quite tolerant to occasional dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Remove any damaged or dead wood as soon as you notice it. Spreading a thin layer of mulch around the bush will help retain soil moisture, control weeds and protect the roots. Lastly, apply a slow-release, acid-forming fertilizer in spring to promote lush foliage and abundant flowering.
Juniper
The Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is an excellent choice of Juniper that attracts butterflies. The berry-like cones provide food for wildlife, and the evergreen foliage offers shelter. To plant an Eastern Red Cedar, choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid areas that experience standing water. Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. Place the tree in the hole, making certain that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Then, backfill the hole, firming the soil gently around the root ball. Water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Caring for your Eastern Red Cedar is quite simple. Water it regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, the Eastern Red Cedar is extremely drought tolerant. Prune as necessary to maintain shape, and remove any dead or damaged wood as soon as you notice it. Mulching around the base of the tree can help retain soil moisture, control weeds, and protect the roots. While the Eastern Red Cedar isn’t a heavy feeder, an annual application of a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring can promote vibrant foliage.
Lilac Bush
The Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is an excellent type of Lilac that attracts butterflies with its fragrant, colourful blossoms. To plant a Common Lilac, choose a location that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day and has well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the plant’s root ball. Place your Lilac in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, then backfill the hole, firming the soil as you go. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Maintaining your Lilac requires a mix of regular watering, annual pruning, and careful feeding. Water your Lilac about 1 inch per week, particularly during dry periods. Prune your Lilac annually, just after it has finished blooming to shape the plant and encourage more blooms for the following year. Always remove any dead or diseased wood. Applying a layer of compost in the spring, followed by a layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds, will keep your Lilac healthy. Lastly, feed your Lilac in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy foliage and abundant flowering. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers, as they can discourage blooming.
Butterfly Weed Bush
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), as the name suggests, is an excellent plant for attracting butterflies. It boasts vibrant, orange to yellow flowers that add a splash of color to any garden. To plant Butterfly Weed, choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil. This plant is quite drought tolerant and thrives in dry, sandy, or rocky soil conditions. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of the plant. Place your Butterfly Weed in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball aligns with the soil surface, then backfill the hole, firming the soil as you go. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Caring for your Butterfly Weed is relatively easy due to its hardy nature. During the first growing season, water regularly to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, Butterfly Weed is highly drought resistant and requires little watering. Deadheading the flowers can promote a second bloom, and cutting the plant back in late fall can help maintain its shape. Monitor for pests like aphids and caterpillars, and if necessary, use an organic pesticide for control. As for feeding, apply a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer in the spring to encourage flowering. Remember, Butterfly Weed is late to emerge in the spring, so be patient and avoid disturbing the soil until new growth appears.
Blueberry Bush
The Northern Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is a great type of blueberry that attracts butterflies and provides delicious fruits. To plant a Northern Highbush Blueberry, choose a location with full sun and well-drained, acidic soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the plant’s root ball. Place your Blueberry bush in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball aligns with the soil surface, then backfill the hole, firming the soil gently as you go. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Caring for your Northern Highbush Blueberry requires a few steps, but the process is straightforward. Water your Blueberry bush regularly, especially during dry spells. Prune the bushes in late winter to early spring to promote vigorous growth and a plentiful fruit yield. Always remove any dead or diseased wood. Apply a layer of pine bark mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, control weeds, and acidify the soil. Finally, feed your Blueberry bush in early spring with a slow-release, acid-forming fertilizer to encourage abundant fruiting and healthy foliage. Remember, Blueberries are heavy feeders, so they will benefit from additional feedings in late spring and mid-summer.
Viburnum Shrub
Viburnum, a diverse genus of flowering shrubs, is an excellent addition to any garden thanks to its beautiful blooms and attractive foliage. To plant a Viburnum, choose a location with full sun to partial shade where the soil is well-drained. Begin by digging a hole about twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Place your Viburnum in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole and firmly press the soil around the root ball. Complete the planting process by watering thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Taking care of your Viburnum involves regular watering, pruning, and occasional feeding. During the first growing season, water the plant regularly to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, Viburnums are fairly drought tolerant. Prune your Viburnum annually, ideally after it has finished blooming, to maintain its shape and stimulate the growth of fresh blooms for the next season. Always remove any dead or diseased wood promptly. In terms of feeding, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help retain soil moisture, control weeds, and protect the root system. With proper care, your Viburnum will reward you with a stunning display of blossoms each year.
Rose of Sharon
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a hardy deciduous shrub known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in summer and fall. It adds a colorful touch to any garden and is easy to care for. To plant a Rose of Sharon, select a location with full sun to partial shade in well-draining, loamy soil. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the plant’s root ball. Place your Rose of Sharon in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole and firmly press the soil around the root ball. Finish the planting process by watering the plant thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Caring for your Rose of Sharon is a straightforward task. Water the plant regularly during the first growing season to develop a deep and established root system. Once the plant is established, it becomes relatively drought-tolerant. Pruning your Rose of Sharon annually, preferably in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, will maintain its shape and encourage more blooms. Always remove dead or diseased wood promptly. In terms of feeding, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Adding a layer of organic mulch around the base can help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil temperature. With proper care, your Rose of Sharon will provide a spectacular display of blossoms for you to enjoy each year.
Summersweet Shrub
Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) is a fragrant, flowering shrub that blooms in mid to late summer, providing a sweet aroma and attracting a variety of pollinators. To plant a Summersweet, choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained, moist soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the plant’s root ball. Position the Summersweet in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firm the soil, and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Caring for your Summersweet is relatively easy. During the first growing season, water the plant regularly to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, Summersweet is fairly drought resistant but does prefer consistently moist soil. Pruning is not often needed, but if you wish to maintain shape or size, prune in late winter to early spring. Always remove any dead or diseased wood to maintain the health of the plant. As for feeding, apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage growth and flowering. Remember, adding organic mulch around the base can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. With proper care, your Summersweet will reward you with a delightful fragrance and stunning display of blooms during the summer months.
Bluebeard – Blue Mist Spirea
Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis), also known as Blue Mist Spirea, is a robust, deciduous shrub admired for its attractive clusters of blue flowers that bloom in late summer and autumn. To plant a Bluebeard, select a location with full sun exposure and well-drained, fertile soil. Begin by digging a hole that’s approximately twice as wide and equal in depth to the root ball. Place your Bluebeard in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole and compact the soil gently around the root ball. Complete the planting process by watering the plant thoroughly, which will settle the soil around the roots.
The care for your Bluebeard is quite straightforward. Water the plant regularly during the first growing season to ensure a well-developed and deep root system. Once established, Bluebeard is relatively drought-tolerant. For pruning, trim your Bluebeard in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage new growth, as this plant blooms on new wood. Always remove any dead or diseased wood promptly. In terms of feeding, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering. A layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant will help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain consistent soil temperature. With proper care, your Bluebeard will serve as a beautiful focal point in your garden with its vibrant blue blooms.
Honeysuckle Bush
Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) is a hardy deciduous shrub prized for its clusters of yellow flowers that bloom in summer, attracting various pollinators. To plant a Bush Honeysuckle, choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice as wide and equal in depth to the plant’s root ball. Position the Bush Honeysuckle in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firm the soil, and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
In terms of care, Bush Honeysuckle is relatively low-maintenance. Water the plant regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, Bush Honeysuckle is quite drought resistant. Pruning can be done annually in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and stimulate new growth. Always remove any dead or diseased wood to maintain plant health. Regarding feeding, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote growth and flowering. A layer of organic mulish around the base will help in retaining soil moisture, suppressing weeds, and maintaining a uniform soil temperature. With the right care, your Bush Honeysuckle will reward you with a delightful display of yellow blooms each summer, adding a beautiful touch to your garden.
Happy Gardening!
In conclusion, planting bushes that attract butterflies is an excellent way to improve the butterfly population in your garden. The above-listed bushes are just a few examples of plants that you can use to create a butterfly garden. When considering these bushes, ensure that you choose the ones that suit the climate conditions, soil type, and amount of sunlight your garden receives. Remember also to take care of your bushes by pruning and deadheading to ensure lush, healthy growth. With the right bushes, you can enjoy a beautiful butterfly garden and improve the health and well-being of these essential insects.
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