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The stained-glass patterns of butterflies
add an extra dimension to this floral island bed, which bursts with
perennial and annual flowers that are irresistible to butterflies. A
variety of blossoms offers nectar to adult butterflies, while leafy
food sources, such as parsley, nourish the larvae. The one shrub in
the design is commonly called "butterfly bush" for good reason—it
lures butterflies of all sorts. Rocks are convenient perches for
butterflies to sun themselves, and a birdbath provides water.
Butterflies are sun-loving creatures, as are the plants in this
garden. Locate it where it receives six or more hours of sun daily.
And remember: No pesticides are allowed in your butterfly
garden.
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Plant List |
A- |
Butterfly Weed ()
Zones 4-9. Bright orange flowers in late spring, unusual seed
pods. 24" tall.
Alternative Plants
Anthea Yarrow ( ‘Anthea‘)
Zones 4-8. Flat-topped clusters of tiny butter-yellow flowers.
Sturdy stems. 18"-20" tall.
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B- |
Purple Dome Aster ( ‘Purple Dome’)
Zones 4-8. Abundant purple flowers in fall, rounded habit. 18"
tall.
Alternative Plants
Red Star Aster ( ‘Red Star’)
Zones 4-8. Starry rose-red flowers in fall. 15"
tall.
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C- |
Nanho Purple Butterfly Bush
( ‘Nanho
Purple‘)
Zones 5-9. A shrub with slender wands of violet-blue blossoms.
Long bloom season. Cut stems to the ground in winter to maintain
compact size. 5' tall.
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D- |
Purple Coneflower (‘Bright Star‘ )
Zones 4-9. Bright yellow flowers, ferny foilage. 12” tall
Alternative Plants
Eva Cullum Summer Phlox ( ‘Eva Cullum’)
Zones 4-8. Dense clusters of clear pink florets in summer. 30"
tall.
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E- |
Spike Gayfeather ( ‘Floristan Violet’)
Zones 3-9. Purple bottle-brush flowers in summer. 36"
tall.
Alternative Plants
Russian Sage () (substitute 2
Russian sage for 4 spike gayfeather)
Zones 5-10. Aromatic gray-green leaves, lavender-blue flowers,
long season of bloom. 48" tall.
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F- |
Petite Delight Bee Balm ( ‘Petite Delight’)
Zones 3-9. A dwarf form. Pink summer flowers. 12"-15"
tall.
Alternative Plants
Rosenkuppel Oregano ( ‘Rosenkuppel’)
Zones 5-9. Lavender-pink flowers in summer. 12"-15"
tall.
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G- |
Black-Eyed Susan ( ‘Goldsturm’)
Zones 3-8. Golden daisies with dark centers, late summer. 24"
tall.
Alternative Plants
Sunray Coreopsis ( ‘Sunray‘)
Zones 4-9. Bright yellow, double flowers. Blooms for two to
three months in summer. 18"-24" tall.
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H- |
Matrona Stonecrop ( ‘Matrona‘)
Zones 3-9. Flat-topped clusters of tiny rose-pink flowers in
late summer. Dark stems. 24" tall.
Alternative Plants
Dwarf Iris ( ‘Banbury Ruffles‘ or any dwarf
variety)
Zones 3-9. Blue flowers in May, fans of foliage. 15"
tall.
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I- |
Golden Fleece Goldenrod ( ‘Golden
Fleece’)
Zones 3-10. Sprays of bright yellow flowers, unique foliage.
18" tall.
Alternative Plants
Butterfly Blue Pincushion Flower
( ‘Butterfly
Blue‘)
Zones 3-10. Lavender-blue flowers, long blooming season. 12"
tall.
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J- |
Elijah Blue Fescue ( ‘Elijah Blue’)
Zones 4-8. A clump-forming grass with fine, soft blue leaves.
12" tall.
Alternative Plants
Cushion Spurge ( or )
Zones 4-9. Chrome-yellow flowers in spring, reddish leaves in
fall. 15" tall.
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K- |
Sweet Alyssum ()
All zones. An annual with tiny, honey-scented white flowers.
Replant every spring. 4" tall.
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L- |
Parsley ()
All zones. An herb. Serves as food for butterfly larvae.
Replant every spring. 12" tall.
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M- |
Dwarf Zinnia (, any dwarf variety such as
Peter Pan or Dreamland)
All zones. An annual that blooms all summer long. Many colors
available. Replant every spring. 12"
tall.
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