Here are 10 herbs to consider for your butterfly garden. Lavender prefers hot and dry conditions with well-drained soil, but it requires good airflow and is susceptible to fungal problems in humid conditions. Lavender blooms early and continues until hard frost. Because it is especially good at attracting insects, this is a must-have herb for a butterfly garden.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9Color Varieties: Bluish-purple, lavender, white, pinkSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Sandy, well-drained, dry soil
Be aware that the effects of catnip on cats are entirely accurate. Catnip is an intoxicating scent for cats; you can expect kitties to visit your garden, rolling on the plant and chewing it to smithereens. You might have to fence off the plant or keep a close watch on it. Catnip is available in different varieties, tall, short, and sprawling, making it an excellent choice for all types of gardens. If you cut the plants down after the first bloom, they will regrow and bloom again.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9Color Varieties: White, lavenderSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Moderately rich loam or sandy soil with good drainage
The fat, fluffy blossoms are irresistible to insects. Bees and butterflies are especially attracted to chives. Chives should be lifted and divided every two to three years to keep the clumps vigorously growing.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9Color Varieties: PurpleSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil
Fennel is easy to grow, but do not grow fennel next to dill. Fennel works so well at attracting and protecting beneficial insects. Consider growing it in two locations: one for yourself, which you can keep trimmed and tidy, and a second patch that you can allow to develop to its glorious, full height as a destination for butterflies.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9Color Varieties: YellowSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
Your local nursery will have multiple varieties of yarrow, with a wide range of colors and flower shapes. The species form can spread aggressively; cultivars are better behaved. If grown in too moist soil, the plants can flop and require staking.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9Color Varieties: Pink, red, cream, yellow, whiteSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, loamy/sandy soil
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11Color Varieties: Whitish-yellowSun Exposure: FullSoil Needs: Loamy, moist, well-drained
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11Color Varieties: YellowSun Exposure: FullSoil Needs: Well-drained
USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11Color Varieties: MagentaSun Exposure: FullSoil Needs: Moist, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 11Color Varieties: White, purple, pinkSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Loamy, moist, well-drained
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8Color Varieties: Blue, purple, white, pinkSun Exposure: FullSoil Needs: Sandy, loamy, well-drained
