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.
Plant marigolds, petunias, mint, and other herbs that naturally repel pests.
Encourage ladybugs and dragonflies to dine in your garden. Wash pests away with insecticidal soap. Learn about native butterflies. Each butterfly has a favorite nectar plant, and needs a specific host plant where it will lay eggs. Learn about local butterflies, so you can provide the right match of plants to make your garden a popular hang-out.