Container Planting To Attract Butterflies

Every year we have tons of butterflies. I mean so many that car radiators get clogged. Too bad we can't dodge them or teach them to fly away from the roads.

We are smack-dab in the middle of the Monarch migration path. They are so beautiful and it is such an awesome sight, that people travel here to just to watch it. Migration time this year is supposed to be between October 2 and October 22. This year I decided to attract some to our house. How to do that? I had no idea, so I hit the web. After evaluating time and space (and the fact that our house is built on solid rock) I chose container gardens.

The ideas below are directly from the Better Homes and Gardens website. I love this site because I  know nothing about which plants to use. Below are three of my favorites, but you can find more on their website.

The pictures and information below show and tell you which plants to use and how to arrange them. Be sure you choose the correct pot and potting soil. I like Camp Wonder's  "Make Your Own Signature Potting Mix & Save!" I think once you give it try, you won't buy Miracle Gro again!
 

 

Better Homes and Gardens

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

Better Homes and Gardens

 

 

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.
 
A. Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender' -- 4
B. Salvia guarantica 'Black and Blue' -- 2
C. Fan flower (Scaevola 'New Wonder') -- 4



 






Better Homes and Gardens

Pick Easy Plants 

This container garden is almost no-fail; the white zinnia is extra-easy to grow and the butterflies will appreciate it, as well as the fragrant heliotrope.
 
A. Zinnia angustifolia 'Crystal White' -- 3
B. Heliotrope (Heliotropium 'Marine') -- 2
C. Coleus (Solenostemon 'Brilliancy') -- 1