The fact is, butterflies are picky eaters. They don’t just visit any old back yard, searching for the odd butterfly bush to drink from. They want more from their dining experience. In fact, attracting butterflies to a garden “restaurant” requires a certain finesse. You need to provide an attractive décor, the right kind of seating and a varied menu. But if you practice the following “marketing” secrets for running your own butterfly buffet, these “flying flowers” are sure to flock in for reservations.
The clustered flowers of this pentas provide a nice platform for this monarch butterfly to land on while nectaring.
Photo Credit: David Walker
The center of this tickseed flower provides many nectar cups for this American lady butterfly to sip from.
Photo Credit: Amy Dee Stephens
The various colors of lantanas attract many species of butterflies, including this red spotted purple butterfly.
Photo Credit: Amy Dee Stephens
A colorful bowl filled with orange slices can be a butterfly magnet, as well as a simple garden accent.
Photo Credit: Jenny Hooks
First things first: Your butterfly restaurant needs suitable seating. That means comfortable “furniture.” Since butterflies don’t typically hover when they’re eating – or rather, drinking – they need something nice for settling. So pick plants with a flat platform shape that your winged visitors can rest on while sampling the nectar. Consider flowers with large, wide petals that serve as landing pads, like cosmos or purple coneflower. Plants with small flowers that group together to form flat surfaces, like yarrow, Queen Anne’s lace (also known as the garden carrot) and phlox, are also desirable additions to butterfly-inspired décor.
Remember, diners don’t like to switch tables between each course of a meal. Butterflies aren’t any different. That means you need to include flowers with numerous blooms grouped together. This offers butterflies a smorgasbord of food at one location. Some butterfly favorites include butterflybush, pentas and showy stonecrop. From just one “table,” your little guests can sample from dozens of flowers as they sip from each individual nectar cup.
Of course, ambiance counts. Butterflies appreciate a few large, flat rocks in a garden, too. Rocks give butterflies a place to hang out between meals and rest. Furthermore, rocks absorb heat, helping butterflies warm up enough to fly when they’re finished relaxing.
It’s also important to expand your menu items beyond the typical butterfly-attracting seating accommodations. The more drink options butterflies have, the merrier they’ll be. If you’re willing to really enhance the atmosphere and menu, consider placing rotting fruit in your garden. This simple act can elevate your restaurant to gourmet standards. Set out anything from watermelon rinds to smashed bananas – any fruit will do. Lay it on the ground or put it in a bowl – either presentation is a great way to feed the butterflies, as well as lessen your guilt of allowing good food to go to waste in your fridge!
And don’t forget about mud puddles. Have you ever noticed butterflies gathering around them? They’re just drinking in much-needed salt, amino acids and other nutrients. Try making your own mud puddles or provide a shallow pan filled with wet sand for butterflies to dip into.
If you’re a truly fanatical butterfly lover and want to go that extra mile, you might consider some other additions to your garden. Butterflies are drawn to manure and sap, which provide extra nutrients. If that concept is too distasteful, then just go out and work hard in your garden. Seriously. Good, old-fashioned sweat will lure the butterflies straight to you! (And don’t be surprised if they land on your arms to sip up the accumulated salt.)
So now you know the décor, seating requirements and menu preferences of your flying clientele. While butterflies are picky eaters, it’s not too difficult for gardeners to create the perfect restaurant atmosphere for them. Start your diner out small, with just a few plants. You’re guaranteed to see a bit more butterfly traffic through your yard. Follow a few more of these tips, and you’ll be on your way to your own five-star, gourmet butterfly restaurant!
