Six Plants That Attract Butterflies

Apart from their aesthetics, these unique bugs also have some pretty great benefits for a garden – therefore, plants that attract butterflies are a must. 

Of all of the random visitors to our garden, butterflies are arguably right up there as fan favourites. From their humble beginnings as caterpillars, butterflies provide a great metaphor for positive change and there’s a simple pleasure that can be found in watching their colourful wings transport them from flower to flower in your backyard. 

What’s more is that Australia has more than four hundred species of butterflies. Although the majority of these are continental species, more than a dozen endemic species of butterflies can only be found in the Land Down Under. While this fact alone should motivate us to grow more plants that attract butterflies, bringing these all important pollinators into your garden can help supercharge your plants as well. 

How To Attract More Butterflies To Your Garden 

Aside from native birds and bees, butterflies are some of our most important pollinators. What this means is that these tiny creatures are essential to our ecosystems as they transfer pollen from one plant to another while drinking the nectar from flowers. In layman’s terms, this means more flowers, more seeds and more fruit. 

However, it’s important to note that some plants are more effective than others when it comes to encouraging the presence of butterflies. The ideal species should provide both food and shelter at every stage of a butterfly’s life cycle, so aim to cultivate the following plants that attract butterflies. 

Bottlebrush – Known for its distinct bushy red flowers and is often found growing in areas that are prone to flooding, bottlebrushes are a low allergen plant that thrive in full sun and can tolerate both droughts and floods. It’s a particular favourite amongst local pollinators largely because of its high quantities of nectar. 

Sunflowers – For gardeners who prefer large scale plants that attract butterflies, sunflowers are a great choice for homeowners with limited shade. Keep in mind that they can grow to quite large heights and since they have long taproots that need to go several feet into the ground, sunflower plants prefer loose, well-drained, somewhat alkaline soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Grevillea – For colourful plants that attract butterflies, you can’t go past a grevillea. Available in over 350 different varieties and found in just about all corners of Australia, their year round flowering habits don’t just attract butterflies, but can also capture the attention of other native pollinators such as birds and bees. 

Lavender – As one of the most popular fragrant plants of all time, introducing lavender to your garden is a low maintenance way to attract pollinators without having to deadhead any blooms. While there are hundreds of varieties to choose from, not only will lavender fill your garden with its famous aromas, but there’s also options for edible varieties as well. 

Banksia – Arguably one of the most iconic of the many Australian natives, banksias are a go-to for any gardener growing flowers for the purpose of attracting pollinators. Flowering in shades of white, yellow, orange and red, banksias do well in full sun with well drained, sandy soils and are regarded as low maintenance and are relatively a drought tolerant species. 

Kangaroo Paw – Although they’re currently in the news for their rumoured medicinal properties and skincare benefits, the flowers of native Australian kangaroo paws sit high atop strappy foliage from spring to autumn and make great summer flowering plants for gardeners who prefer local flora options for plants that attract butterflies. 

Ultimately, the more that you’re able to encourage a sustainable ecosystem in your garden by learning tips like how to attract pollinators like butterflies, the happier your plants will be. However, sometimes your plants may need a little extra help in fending off unwanted invaders, but that doesn’t mean resorting to pesticides that may have negative consequences on the health of your soil, plants, and even local wildlife – so what’s the alternative?

Introducing A Safer Way To Spray 

Bioweed is an organic, non selective weed killer that works fast on contact with the weed, in order to rapidly desiccate and burn even the most stubborn of plants. It can be used anywhere around the house including garden beds, veggie patches, paths and driveways, and is safe to use around children, animals and even native wildlife. 

The best part? Bioweed is the brainchild of well established agricultural leaders greenPRO, and is backed by over twenty years of research and development. Owned and manufactured in Australia, the primary ingredient of Bioweed is actually sustainably sourced pine oil, and is even approved by NASAA, ACO and APVMA for use around organic farms and food production. 

If you’re on the hunt for a weed killer that’s safe to use around pets or kids, or simply want to know more about eliminating weeds safely – check out other tips and tricks in our online advice forum, or contact us for any further queries.