Masses of color are more likely to attract butterflies. Host plants are those plants on which butterflies lay their eggs. Different species prefer different host plants. If the female can't find a suitable plant in your garden she will go elsewhere. Trees, shrubs, vines, annuals, perennials and herbs all provide nectar flowers and host plants.
Some butterflies prefer tall plants and some prefer short ones.
Plants suitable for Houston are discussed below. If a plant is especially attractive to a particular butterfly, that information is also provided. This tree is easy to grow in Houston. It has interestingly textured bark. Like most oaks, it gets tall with the years.