Plant your garden in a sunny place. Butterflies are attracted to sunny sites because the warmth gives them energy to fly and to search for food and places to lay their eggs. Use trees, shrubs, trellises, vines on fences or buildings as windbreaks to shelter the garden. Select food plants for the caterpillars, as well as brightly colored nectar-producing flowers for the adults. Plant an assortment of recommended butterfly plants.
Butterflies choose plants by scent, taste, shape, and color.
Cluster the plants in large showy clumps, rather than scattering them throughout the garden. Extend the blooming season from spring through fall. Plant both perennials and annuals. Layer your plants to provide for butterfly safety from predators. Plant shorter plants in the front and taller species in the rear.