When thinking of a butterfly garden, one must not think just about what butterflies need but also what caterpillars need. Butterflies feed on flower nectar and prefer bright and simple flowers. These flowers need to be shallow and have an adequate perching surface. Flowers with stronger scents generally produce more nectar. Butterflies need nectar year-round, so it is important to have flowers in bloom for each season.
Some adults choose to feed on manure, rotting fruit, mud, or sap instead of nectar.
This means that you may wish to also have a compost pile for your butterflies to feed on. Pesticides should be avoided as they are deadly to the caterpillars and butterflies. They may keep away thet unwanted insects - but they also keep butterflies away as well. Now you are thinking of what you should plant in order to attract the beautiful creatures. It is not enough to just pick plants with flowers.