Select plants that are native to your area, and they will attract local butterflies. Include host plants in your garden. Butterflies lay their eggs on host plants that the emerging caterpillars will eat. The sight of a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis will more than make up for the chewed leaves. Use colorful plants.
Butterflies see more colors than humans do.
They seem to prefer red, orange, yellow, purple, and dark pink. A large, colorful garden is easy for butterflies to find, and encourages them to stay longer. Don't use chemical pesticides. Pesticides kill butterflies, caterpillars, and other useful insects. Try these methods instead.