How to Create a Butterfly Garden: A Complete Guide

Choose nectar plants: Buddleia (butterfly bush), Verbena, Echinacea, Lantana, Milkweed. Include host plants for caterpillars: Milkweed (Monarchs), Nettles (Red Admirals, Tortoiseshells), Passionflower (Heliconians), Dill/Fennel (Swallowtails). Provide sun (butterflies need warmth), shelter from wind, and muddy puddles for mineral-drinking (puddling).

Avoid pesticides entirely. Native plants support 4x more species than ornamentals. A single butterfly bush can attract 20+ species..