Bring in the Butterflies

We enjoy seeing the wide variety of colorful butterflies that are attracted to the pollinating plants throughout our area of Florida.  With over 200 species of butterflies in Pinellas County, we have a great spot for viewing these gorgeous pollinators as they flutter throughout our plant beds and gardens.  If you are interested in attracting more butterflies to your landscape, try adding some of their favorite plants for food and shelter.  Choose plants based on your location for the best results, you will be amazed by the increased butterfly activity when their preferred food source is available.  

Native & Giant Milkweed
There are over 20 species of milkweed that are native to Florida.  Some of the native milkweed choices you may find available at a nursery are Pink Swamp Milkweed, White Swamp Milkweed and Butterfly weed.  Giant milkweed is a great full sun plant that can grow 15 feet high with a similar spread and can bloom with purple or white flowers.  Milkweed is specifically favored by the Monarch butterfly which feeds on the plant as a caterpillar and the flower nectar later as an adult.   

Firebush
This drought-tolerant plant is great for attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds.  The bright reddish-orange tubular flowers will bloom most of the year and will require little maintenance as the plant deadheads itself.  This plant can grow up to 12 feet high with a similar spread so make sure the location is large enough to accommodate a mature plant.  Does well in full sun or partial shade but will bloom better in a sunny location.  

Corkystem Passionflower
This is one of the best host plants for the Zebra Longwings (Florida state butterfly) and Gulf Fritillaries.  This vine can grow on a trellis or be used as a groundcover, offering small but attractive flowers to pollinators all year long.  The passionflower vine is drought-tolerant once established and produces edible seeds that are a food source for birds and mammals.   

Salvia
One of our favorite options for attracting butterflies is Tropical Sage, a Florida native salvia that will bloom all year round.  Salvias come in several colorful options, typically growing 1-3 ft high and are drought-tolerant once established.  This plant requires very little maintenance and is a great food source for our pollinators.         

We are lucky to live in an area that gives us so many plant options for attracting butterflies into our landscapes.  By incorporating the above plants, you are sure to see an increase in your butterfly traffic.  If you would like to learn about more options for our area or need assistance creating a landscape design that attracts pollinators, give us a call or send a text to schedule an onsite consultation.  We can make plant recommendations based on your location that will have butterflies visiting you often!