Released: February 18, 2003

Butterflies Have Special Needs

MANHATTAN, Kan. – In ways, planning a garden that attracts butterflies is like landscaping for the physically challenged.

Just as each human handicap brings different needs, each fragile butterfly species seems to need – or at least prefer – a different mix of plants.

"Fortunately, if you plant a variety of material and make sure it includes groups of plants that bloom at different times of year and different times of day, you’ll probably attract a variety of butterflies, too. Part of the fun can be seeing how many and which species come to visit," said Ward Upham, horticulturist with Kansas State University Research and Extension.

Butterflies can’t regulate their own body temperature because they’re as cold-blooded as any lizard.

"That’s why you’ll raise the odds butterflies come to visit if you provide open areas where they can sun themselves during cool days this spring. Then they’ll need shade where they can cool off when the sun gets too intense this summer," he said.

Butterflies require water, as well, but have a definite "sweet tooth." Plus, they function best if they keep their bodies dry – feet included.

"I suppose you could keep your flowers studded with water drops all the time, although that might not be consistently healthy for the plants," Upham said. "But an easier approach is a butterfly pool.

"You can make a pool out of a bucket filled with gravel and then buried to the rim. When you pour in liquid, the butterflies can light on the gravel and reach between the rocks to drink. If in a hurry, just use water. But butterflies really like sweet drinks – such as the sugar-water solution you cook ahead and then store in a closed refrigerator container for a hummingbird feeder."

Planting Starts - Upham recommends that gardeners hoping to attract butterflies include at least some of the following in their plan. All are plants known to attract several butterfly species.

* Shrubs – (early bloom) lilac; (midseason) buttonbush; privet; and glossy abelia, where hardy.

* Perennials – (early bloom) allium, chives, forget-me-not, (midseason) bee balm, black-eyed Susan, butterfly bush, butterfly milkweed, daisy, daylily, gaillardia, lavender, lily, mint, phlox, sunflower, veronica, (late-season) aster and sedum.

* Annuals, bedding plants – (near season-long bloom) ageratum, cosmos, French marigold, petunia, verbena and zinnia.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Kathleen Ward, Communications Specialist
kward@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News