Host plants (aka larval plants) - Host plants can be either annuals or perennials and are best defined as plants where butterflies lay their eggs. 4. ‘Grand Cascade’ is one cultivar to consider. With showy purple spikes of flowers and leaves that resemble clumps of grass, the blazing star makes an interesting addition to any perennial garden. Butterfly bush does just what its name suggests – attracts a wealth of butterflies as well as bees to the garden. Allium is the perfect addition to your garden if you have a problem with cute critters trying to eat your plants or dig things up. Try interspersing a few white varieties ( Liatris spicata 'alba' ) to a butterfly bed for more contrast. NOTE: Butterfly bush is considered an invasive plant in many regions. Planting flowers that interest butterflies is easy! These colors are what butterflies prefer most, but sometimes you will see butterflies on other plants that are blue and white. Once it blooms. Check with your local extension office prior to planting to ensure that the plant is permitted in your area. Butterfly bush is an invasive plant, meaning it crowds out beneficial plants that have naturally grown in your community for centuries. Deers hate these tall purple blooms, and squirrels will never try to dig up the bulbs. This plant produces pale lavender flowers that can grow well over a foot in length. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Most butterfly bush plants are found in shades of red, but there are some types that are purple, too. Therefore, you need to diversify your offerings for attracting more of these beautiful butterfly species. Butterfly Bush, Purple This small bush attracts many species of butterflies with their fragrant, small purple flower clusters, and with the help of... starting at This species … Butterfly bushes grow from 6 to 12 feet (2-4 m.) tall with a spread of 4 to 15 feet (4-5 m.). https://homeguides.sfgate.com/tall-purple-plants-attract-butterflies-42944.html it will attract bees and butterflies – perfect for every garden. The semi-evergreen perennial fills with fragrant flower clusters that can be 2 feet long and depending on the cultivar, can be purple, white or pink. To create the optimum butterfly habitat, we recommend incorporating clusters of butterfly-friendly plants that bloom throughout the butterfly season. Aside from host plants and nectar-rich plants, you may offer a fruit-feeding station, because some species like the monarch, mourning cloak, question mark, and red-spotted purple, feed on fruits. 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