Citrus trees + Butterflies

Howdy planza 126,

Gardens come alive when butterflies visit. Not only are Butterflies good for pollinating our fruit and vegetables, but their beauty is a great-added bonus. They are also fun to watch, and they are fascinating for kids.

Unfortunately, citrus trees are not a “tried and true” host plant for butterflies.

Instead why not make a raised Butterfly Island Bed will attract these winged guests to your property.

When you are choosing plants for your butterfly garden, remember that butterflies prefer large clusters of small, tube-shaped flowers, as well as an array of different colors.

To get your “Butterfly Garden started begin by offering your butterflies the essentials

like some flat stones or pavers so they can rest and warm themselves in the sun.

A spot for “puddling” where they can drink water and extract minerals. To make a “puddle,” fill a shallow pan with coarse sand and put it in your island bed. Keep the soil moist. pesticide-free zone. and avoid using chemicals where butterflies visit.

Nectar plants for adult butterflies and foliage and other food plants for caterpillars. Use flowers that bloom in succession, and plant in masses of color to help the butterflies find them. Red, yellow, pink, purple and orange blossoms with short tubes or flattened flower heads are best.

Plants that attract butterfly larvae – Yarrow, Hollyhock, Snapdragon, Aster,

Foxglove, Fennel, Sunflower, Alyssum, Lupine, Mallow, Beard tongue, Veronica,

Wisteria, Wild lilac, Tree mallow, Plumbago, Spiraea, Birch, Citrus, Dogwood,

Hawthorn, Pine, Poplar, Oak, and Willow.

Plants that attract adult butterflies – Yarrow, Lily-of-the-Nile, Snapdragon,

Columbine, Thrift, Aster, Astilbe, Shasta daisy, Coreopsis, Cosmos, Delphinium,

Dianthus, Purple coneflower, Fleabane, Candytuft, Sweet pea, Lobelia, Alyssum,

Bee balm, Beard tongue, Phlox, Salvia, Sedum, Tagetes, Verbena, Abelia, Buddleja,

Scotch heather, Wild lilac, Escallonia, Hebe, Lantana, Lavender, Rhododendron,

Rosemary, Spiraea, Maple, Apple, Citrus, and Willow.

Other plants will work well too. The good news your local Home Depot carries plants that work well in your Hardiness Zone.

As for your citrus tree, try planting another one. With your butterfly garden resort, your tree should reap all the benefits without the leaf-loss.

Happy Gardening,

Coach Dave

Other Related Articles:

24 Flowering Plants That Attract Butterflies