12 Perennials That Butterflies Find Irresistible

Plant perennials butterflies find irresistible. Love butterflies in the garden? Grow plants with blooms that butterflies find irresistible.  

Interested in attracting butterflies to your garden space? Or maybe you have some butterflies and would like to see more? Use garden plants that butterflies just can’t pass by without stopping.

Entice butterflies to your garden space by planting the right type of plants. Provide them with plenty of nectar rich plants and they’ll return again and again. We’ve gathered 12 perennials that butterflies find irresistible. Nectar rich plants that butterflies love. Take a look at these perennials that butterflies find irresistible. Be sure to let us know what you think.  

1. Phlox

Phlox is also known as a garden phlox. Considered the perennial garden “backbone”. Phlox provides unmatched flowering from late Spring through the Summer months. Crisp colors and fragrant blooms. There are many types of phlox to meet many gardeners needs. Make excellent cut flower bouquets. Ideal for a cottage garden. A great selection for colder climates. Best in moist, humus-rich soil. Provide good air circulation to avoid mildew.  

Tall Phlox Jeana

Tall Phlox Jeana has brilliant purple pink blooms. Blooms July to September. Grows in zones 4 to 8 in part shade and part Sun to full Sun. Tops out at 24 to 48 inches tall. Attracts butterflies. A native herbaceous perennial with a spicy fragrant scent that deer are discouraged from. Disease resistant. Use as cut flowers. Plant Jeana in well drained soil with good air circulation to avoid powdery mildew. A native variety that was found along a river in the Nashville, Tennessee area.  

Kirchenfuerst Phlox

Kirchenfuerst Phlox has deep purple colored scented trusses of flowers on tall stems. Blooms from July to October. Grows in zones 5 to 8 in part shade and part Sun to full Sun. Reaches 30 to 34 inches tall. Bee friendly and attracts butterflies. Deer resistant. Plant in garden beds and borders. Use in flower bouquets. Add compost in the Spring prior to the blooming season. Award winning “Best in Show” at the Royal Horticultural Society. Remove spent flowers to avoid re-seeding.  

Starfire Phlox  

Starfire Phlox has striking cherry-red blooms with dark burgundy-bronze leaves. Foliage has burgundy leaves that mature to dark green lance shaped leaves. Fragrant blooms appear from late Summer to early Fall. Grows in zones 4 to 8 in full Sun. Reaches 24 to 36 inches tall. Attracts pollinators, butterflies and hummingbirds. A native perennial. Easy to grow and does best in full Sun. Use as cut flowers. Fragrant garden phlox.

Sherwood Purple Woodland Phlox

Sherwood Purple Woodland Phlox has periwinkle bluish-purple blooms. Foliage has woody stems with short lanceolate leaves and an evergreen. Blooms from late Spring to early Summer. Grows in zones 5 to 9 in full shade to part shade and part Sun. Tops out at 6 to 10 inches. A North American native. Attracts butterflies. Likes well drained, sandy soil conditions. Once established, tolerant of drought conditions. Plant as a woodland ground cover. Provides a gorgeous sea of periwinkle bluish-purple flowers that brightens shade gardens during the late Spring.   

2.  Salvia

Salvia is also known as Meadow Sage. A tried and true perennial. Ideal for dried and cut floral arrangements. Produces an intense show of color over the Summer months. Pollinators are drawn to these gorgeous Salvia floral spikes. Performs best in full Sun. Deer resistant.

Azure Snow Salvia

Azure Snow Salvia has deep violet blue and white bicolor blooms. Foliage is dark green. Blooms late Spring to early Summer. Grows in zones 4 to 9 in full Sun. Reaches 18 to 20 inches tall. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Once established, tolerant of drought. To encourage repeated blooming, cut back flowers. Use fragrant floral spears in floral arrangements or dried flowers.   

Arctic Blaze Purple Salvia

Arctic Blaze Purple Salvia has purple blooms. Blooms from early to late Summer. Grows in zones 6 to 10 in full Sun. Reaches 20 to 24 inches tall. Plant in garden beds. Attracts bees and butterflies. Once established, tolerant of drought conditions. Heat tolerant. Repeat bloomer.  

3.  Delphinium

Delphinium is also known as a perennial larkspur and larkspur. Blooms are elegant and gorgeous. Flower spikes that add a majestic touch to the garden. Taller varieties require staking. Shorter varieties won’t need staking. Use as cut flowers. Attracts hummingbirds.

Diamonds Blue Delphinium

Diamonds Blue Delphinium has small, delicate, finely serrated compact growth Blooms early Summer to Fall. Grows in zones 3 to 7 in part shade and part Sun to full Sun. Reaches 16 to 24 inches tall. Use as cut flowers. Attracts butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. Deer tend not to bother with Diamonds Blue Delphinium. Use in fresh cut bouquets. Plant in a cutting garden or containers.

Blue Lace Delphinium  

Blue Lace Delphinium has densely packed spires of true sky blue flowers with a lavender pink accent. Blooms early Summer until Fall. Grows in zones 3 to 7 in part shade and part Sun to full Sun. Reaches 5 to 6 feet tall. Attracts butterflies and pollinators. Deer tend to avoid Blue Lace. Plant in the back of borders and in cutting gardens. Use in elegant floral arrangements. Tolerant of heat and humidity. Cold hardy Blue Lace F1 hybrid was produced by Dowdeswell’s Delphiniums in New Zealand. Stunning addition to the back of a garden border. Plant in a cutting gardens.  

Percival Delphinium

Percival Delphinium has pristine white blossoms. Blooms from early to late Summer. Grows in zones 3 to 8 in full Sun to mostly sunny. Reaches 4 to 6 feet tall. Beneficial for pollinators. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Rabbit resistant. Use as cut flowers. Staking may be required.

4.  Asclepias 

Asclepias tuberosa is also known as butterfly weed or milkweed. The Asclepias verticillata is known as Horsetail Milkweed or Milkweed. Milkweed or Asclepias like sunny locations with sandy soils. Milkweed is a nectar source for Monarch butterflies. And a host plant for them to lay their eggs. Plant in groups to attract more butterflies. Low maintenance perennial. Can be slow to establish. Asclepias are slow to recover when moved or divided. Remove spent flowers to encourage repeat blooms.   

Asclepias tuberosa

Asclepias tuberosa has vividly orange blooms. Flowers are crown-shaped clusters as large as 2 inches across. Blooms from June to August. In the Fall, upright pods open releasing seeds with silky hairs. Grows in zones 3 to 10 in part shade and part Sun to full Sun. Reaches 12 to 36 inches tall. Attracts butterflies especially Monarch butterflies. A native and prolific bloomer over the Summer months. Easy to grow upright perennial. Use as cut flowers. Once established, tolerant of drought conditions. Deer resistant. Plant in meadows or wildflower gardens. Use in floral arrangements. Easy to grow perennial.  

Asclepias verticillata

Asclepias verticillata has fragrant white cluster blooms. Foliage is grey green that turns yellow-orange in the Fall. Blooms from early to late Summer. Grows in zones 4 to 8 in full Sun. Reaches 12 to 24 inches tall. Beneficial for pollinators. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer resistant. Use as cut flowers. Tolerant of clay, sandy, and acidic soil conditions. Tolerates hot dry site and wet site conditions. Hardy native. Likes a hot dry spot, but tolerates moist garden soils. Provides a food source for butterfly larvae.

5.  Liatris 

Liatris is also known as blazing star, gayfeather and Button Snakeroot. Ideal for garden borders or cutting gardens. Liatris are good selections for the cold areas. Grows in many conditions. Low maintenance perennial. Encourage repeat blooming by cutting back flowering spikes. Seed heads provide fall interest as well as supply winter food for birds.   

Kobold Liatris  

Kobold Liatris has fluffy spikes in deep purple blooms. Vertical spikes 6 to 12 inch long of rounded, fluffy of feathered flower heads. Blooms from early to late Summer. Grows in zones 3 to 9 in full Sun. Reaches 18 to 30 inches tall. Deer resistant. Plant in garden beds and borders. Use as cut flowers. A compact native cultivar perfect for beginner gardeners. Tolerant of heat and humidity conditions. Prefers moist but well-drained soils and full Sun. Plant in butterfly or cottage gardens.

Floristan White Liatris

Floristan White Liatris has pristine white spires of blooms. Feathery tufted flower heads on long dense spikes and flowers. Blooms from mid Summer to early Fall. Grows in zones 3 to 9 in mostly sunny to full Sun. Reaches 3 feet tall. Beneficial for pollinators. Attracts bees and butterflies. Once established, tolerant of drought conditions. Tolerant of sandy and clay soil conditions. Long blooming perennial. Use as cut flowers. Tolerates humidity and hot dry site conditions. 

6.  Echinacea 

Echinacea is also known as a coneflower. Summertime color, easy to grow. Butterflies are attracted to the flowers. Birds love the seeds from the cone. Seed heads provide the garden with Winter interest.

Repeat blooming, the native Echinacea make great cut flowers and floral arrangements.

Magnus Echinacea  

Magnus Echinacea has lavender rose petals with almost 6 inch blooms. Blooms from Summer to the Fall. Grows in zones 3 to 10 in full Sun. Reaches 36 inches tall. Attracts butterflies. Deer and rabbit resistant. Once established, tolerant of drought conditions. Tolerant of cold and heat weather conditions. Plant in garden beds and borders. Ideal for the back of the garden border. Use as cut flowers. Hardy perennial that is tolerant of the heat. Once established, tolerant of drought conditions. Plant in average, well-drained soil.

Sombrero Salsa Red Echinacea

Sombrero Salsa Red Echinacea has intense, red daisy like flowers with dark cones. Blooms from mid Summer until Fall. Grows in zones 4 to 9 in full Sun. Reaches 18 to 20 inches tall. Attracts butterflies and bees. Lightly scented, ideal for cut flowers. Deer and rabbit resistant. Disease resistant. Once established, tolerant of drought conditions. Tolerant of heat, humidity, and poor soil conditions. Plant in garden beds, borders, or in containers. Use as cut flowers.

Free blooming, Salsa Red or Echinacea purpurea is known as a purple coneflower. Easy to grow native perennial. Add Salsa Red to a perennial border, meadow, butterfly or pollinator garden.

Sombrero Lemon Yellow Echinacea

Sombrero Lemon Yellow Echinacea has vivid yellow daisy-like blooms. Bold long lasting color for the Summer months. Blooms in the Summer and Fall. Grows in zones 4 to 9 in full Sun. Reaches 18 to 20 inches tall. Deer and rabbit resistant. Plant in garden beds and borders. Use as cut flowers. Once established, tolerant of drought conditions. Tolerates heat, humidity, and poor soil conditions.

Known as the echinacea purpurea or purple coneflower. Easy to grow perennial for meadows, butterfly and pollinator gardens.

Solar Flare Echinacea

Solar Flare Echinacea has large, fragrant, deep magenta red blooms on almost black stems. Blooms in the Summer months and into the Fall. Grows in zones 4 to 8 in full Sun. Reaches 24 to 36 inches tall. Pleasing aroma attracts bees and butterflies. Deer resistant. Large, single daisies with fragrance and deep magenta-red petals surrounding a dark cone.

Echinacea is also known as echinacea purpurea and purple coneflower. A native, herbaceous perennial that is easy to grow. Once established, tolerant of drought conditions. Tolerates heat, humidity, and poor soil conditions. Perfect for perennial gardens, meadows, butterfly or pollinator gardens.  

7.    Monarda 

Monarda is also known as Bee Balm, Bergamot, and Oswego Tea. Irresistible to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. A North American native perennial and part of the mint family. Bright colorful blooms with fragrant foliage. Bee Balm is a great attraction to hummingbirds and other pollinators. Use for making potpourri or herbal wreaths and teas.

Balmy Purple Monarda  

Balmy Purple Monarda has purple blooms. Blooms from late Spring to mid Summer. Grows in zones 4 to 9 in mostly sunny to full Sun. Reaches 10 to 12 inches tall. Tolerates clay soil conditions. Deer and rabbit resistant. Beneficial for pollinators. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. long blooming. Use as cut flowers. Tolerant of wet site conditions. Fast growing and compact perennial.

Balmy Rose Monarda

Balmy Rose Monarda has bold rose pink blooms. Blooms from late Spring to mid Summer. Grows in zones 4 to 9 in mostly sunny to full Sun. Reaches 10 to 12 inches tall. Tolerates clay soil conditions. Deer and rabbit resistant. Beneficial for pollinators. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Use as cut flowers. Long blooming. Tolerant of wet site conditions. 

8.  Achillea 

Achillea is also known as Yarrow and Sneezewort. Perfect for difficult garden areas. Once established, tolerant of drought conditions. Tolerates wind and heat conditions. Grow in a variety of soil types. Provides fresh cut and dried flowers. Blooms from Summer to early Fall. Butterflies find the achillea irresistible.

Low maintenance, prefer full Sun with well draining soil. For repeat blooming achillea, remove spent blooming heads.   

Achillea Song Siren Layla

Layla Achillea has jewel tone pink blooms. Blooms from June to August. Grows in zones 4 to 9 in full Sun. Reaches 20 to 22 inches tall. Deer resistant. Compact and a continuous bloomer draws many butterflies. Flat flower heads adds interest to the garden. Use as cut flowers, either fresh or dried. Thrives in full Sun with well-drained soil.

Coronation Gold Achillea

Coronation Gold Achillea has golden yellow blooms. Flowers appear on flat, upward facing plates with silvery gray-green fern-like foliage. Blooms from early to late Summer. Grows in zones 3 to 9 in mostly sunny to full Sun. Reaches between 24 to 36 inches tall. Beneficial for pollinators. Attracts butterflies. Deer resistant. Tolerates clay and sandy soil conditions. long blooming. Use as cut flowers. Plant on a slope or bank. Tolerates humidity, hot dry site, and seaside/salt conditions. Provides Winter interest to the garden.   

9.  Hemerocallis 

Hemerocallis are also known as day lilies. Vibrant colors and hardy day lilies are suitable for a variety of climates and soils. Loved by butterflies and hummingbirds. Establish quickly and require low maintenance. Pest resistant. Tolerates black walnut trees(Juglone Toxicity) and salted roads. Once established, tolerant of drought conditions and cold temperatures.  

Gentle Shepherd Hemerocallis

Gentle Shepherd Hemerocallis has white ruffled white 5 inch blooms. Flower throats are chartreuse with semi-evergreen foliage. Blooms from early Summer to mid Summer. Grows in zones 3 to 9 in mostly sunny to full Sun. Reaches 24 inches tall. Tolerant of clay or acidic soil. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Long blooming, rabbit resistant. Plant in containers. Tolerates hot dry sites and seaside/salt conditions.  

Gentle Shepherd will adapt to a wide range of growing conditions.

Erin Lea Hemerocallis

Erin Lea Hemerocallis has golden yellow blooms with frilly ruffled petals. Flowers are 6 inches wide. Blooms from mid Summer to late Summer. Grows in zones 3 to 9 in mostly sunny to full Sun. Reaches 24 inches tall. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Rabbit resistant. Long blooming. Grow in containers. Tolerant of clay and acidic soils. Tolerates hot dry site and seaside/salt conditions. Adapts to a wide range of growing conditions.

New Tangerine Twist Hemerocallis  

New Tangerine Twist Hemerocallis has soft orange petals – a light tangerine with a slight rose tone overall. A faint rose halo encircles a golden orange throat. About 6 ½ inches wide and fragrant blooms. Blooms from mid to late Summer. Grows in zones 3 to 9 in mostly sunny to full Sun. Reaches 33 inches tall. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Long blooming and can be grown in containers. Rabbit resistant. Tolerant of clay and acidic soils. Tolerates hot dry site and seaside/salt conditions.

The Hemerocallis Daylily Hyperion has bright canary yellow flowers with a light, sweet fragrance. The Hyperion grows in a Sun to part shade garden, blooms from July to August reaching a height of 40 inches.

10.  Dianthus 

Dianthus is also known as Pinks or Carnations. Foliage remains evergreen over most Winters. A variety of colors, many with blue green or blue frosted quill-like foliage. Long blooming and ideal for bouquets. Many are fragrant. Low maintenance and tolerant of heat.

Super Trouper Orange Dianthus  

Super Trouper Orange Dianthus has orange with peach accent blooms. Blooms from late Spring to mid Summer. Grows in zones 5 to 9 in full Sun. Reaches 8 to 10 inches tall. Tolerant of clay and sandy soil conditions. Use in bouquets. Fragrant and long blooming. Attracts butterflies. Deer resistant. Use as cut flowers. evergreen and plant as edgers.   

Arctic Fire Dianthus

Arctic Fire Dianthus has white serrated petals with deep fiery red accent blooms. Dark green foliage the grows densely to form a ground cover or edger. Fragrant blooms from late Spring to mid Summer. Grows in zones 3 to 9 in full Sun. Reaches 6 inches tall. Attracts butterflies. Deer resistant. Tolerant of sandy soil conditions. Plant on a slop or bank and in containers. Use as cut flowers. Tolerates humidity.  

11.   Hibiscus

Hibiscus is also known as Rose of Sharon. Provides color from late Summer until the early Fall season. Tolerates a variety of soils with average moisture.  Easy to grow with long bloom late Summer season colors.

Azurri Blue Satin Hibiscus  

Azurri Blue Satin Hibiscus has huge, purple-blue blossoms with magenta and white centers. A red, white, and blue color combination. Blooms in mid Summer to early Fall. Grows in zones 5 to 9 in mostly Sunny to full Sun. Reaches between 8 to 12 feet tall. Tolerates clay and sandy soils. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer resistant. Long blooming shrub. Plant in containers. Use as a hedge. Tolerates seaside/salt conditions. Plant in a border or use as a specimen. Stunning flower display!

Sugar Tip Hibiscus

Sugar Tip Hibiscus has light candy pink double blooms. Foliage is chartreuse, medium green, variegated. Blooms from early to late Summer. Grows in zones 5 to 8 in full Sun. Reaches 5 to 6 feet tall. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Once established, tolerant of drought conditions. Tolerates heat conditions. Deer resistant. Plant in containers. Provides foliage interest. Plant in containers.

12.  Geum 

Geum like rich, well-draining soil. Soil with some moisture. In warmer climates, plant Geum in an area with morning Sun and afternoon shade.

Total Tangerine Geum

Total Tangerine Geum has warm, tangerine flowers. Blooms early Summer to early Fall. Grows in zones 4 to 8 in part shade and part Sun to full Sun. Reaches 30 inches tall. Tolerates clay and sandy soil conditions. Attracts butterflies. Deer and rabbit resistant. Long blooming.  

Sangria Geum

Sangria Geum has single to semi-double vivid red blooms with yellow centers. Blooms from late Spring to early Summer. Grows in zones 4 to 9 in part shade and part Sun to full Sun. Reaches 36 to 42 inches tall. Attracts butterflies. Bold and beautiful garden color! Developed by Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Perennial Gardens in Hebron, IL.

Love butterflies in your garden? Attract butterflies this Summer with these butterfly loving plants. The sight of butterflies fluttering along any garden delights us all. If you try any of these 12 Perennials that Butterflies Find Irresistible let us know how you make out.

Interested in gardening for pollinators? If you found this helpful . . .

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And if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. We always are ready to help you out. Thank you for dropping by.

Mary