When it fare to attracting butterflies in Southern California , there are several plant selection that can make a beautiful and take in habitat for these delicate brute . Having personally act on many gardening and landscape gardening projects in the part , I have had the chance to explore and try out with dissimilar industrial plant mintage that are known to attract butterflies . Here , I will share some of my top testimonial base on their ability to attract butterflies and thrive in the climate of Southern California .
1 . Milkweed ( Asclepias ): Milkweed is a must - have plant for attracting butterfly , especially the iconic monarch butterfly . It dish up as both a nectar source and a host works for sovereign caterpillars . There are dissimilar varieties of milkweed native to California , such as California milkweed ( Asclepias californica ) and narrowleaf silkweed ( Asclepias fascicularis ) .
2 . Lantana ( Lantana camara ): Lantana is a democratic choice for butterfly stroke gardens due to its vivacious flowers and power to attract a wide variety of butterfly species . It blossom continuously throughout the year , providing a coherent nectar reservoir . Lantana is also drought - tolerant , stimulate it desirable for the dry climate of Southern California .
3 . Verbena ( Verbena bonariensis ): With its clusters of pocket-size , purplish heyday , verbena is a favourite among butterflies . It draw species like the painted lady and swallow-tailed coat butterfly stroke . Verbena is a low - upkeep plant life that flourish in full sun and well - drained soil , arrive at it an idealistic option for Southern California garden .
4 . Butterfly Bush ( Buddleja davidii ): As the name paint a picture , butterfly bush is specifically known for its power to draw in butterflies . Its cone - shaped heyday bunch are rich in nectar and are irresistible to butterflies . However , it is important to note that butterfly bush can be incursive in some domain , so it ’s all important to choose non - invasive cultivars like the “ Lo and Behold ” serial .
5 . California Lilac ( Ceanothus ): California lilac is a native shrub that not only attract butterflies but also provide habitat for good worm . Its blasphemous or majestic flowers are a magnet for butterfly , particularly the California babe and pallid swallowtail . California lilac is drought - liberal and fly high in well - drained soil , make it a perfect pick for Southern California gardens .
6 . Marigold ( Tagetes ): Marigolds are not only beautiful , but they also publish a scent that repels many garden pests while pull in butterflies and other good insects . They issue forth in various colors and sizes , construct them a versatile improver to any garden . marigold prefer full sun and well - drain soil , making them suitable for Southern California ’s mood .
7 . Purple Coneflower ( Echinacea purpurea ): While normally link with attracting bees , purple coneflower also appeal butterfly with its vibrant pinkish - royal bloom . It ’s a hardy perennial that flourish in full sunshine and well - drain soil . purplish coneflower allow both ambrosia and pollen , relieve oneself it a valuable intellectual nourishment generator for butterfly stroke .
8 . Salvia ( Salvia spp . ): Salvia is a diverse genus with many metal money that are attractive to butterflies . Common variety like Salvia leucantha ( Mexican bush salvia ) and Salvia clevelandii ( Cleveland salvia ) are particularly popular among butterfly . These plants have coloured flush and produce abundant ambrosia , attracting various butterfly stroke specie .
Remember that creating a butterfly - friendly garden involves providing a variety of nectar sources throughout the yr , as well as innkeeper plants for cat to feed in on . By including a combining of these plants in your garden , you’re able to make an inviting habitat that will appeal butterfly stroke and support their lifecycle . Enjoy the ravisher and curiosity of butterfly in your Southern California garden !
Caroline Bates
