Monarch Magnets

Monarch Magnets

Swarms of butterflies can transform a backyard patch into a magic garden. But there's no mystical tip for making them flutter around your house. You see, butterflies are attracted to flowers that have a heavy perfume because they contain more carbohydrates that are needed to fuel their high-intensity mating and flower-pollinating.

A few butterfly favorites:

  • Milkweed
  • Valerian
  • Buddleia
  • Red zinnias
  • Orange marigolds
  • Lavender.

Be sure to plant these flowers in a sunny spot that's protected from high wind. And don't use a light touch -- butterflies love abundant patches of nectar.

Another tip: Plan the flowers so you that have at least a few nectar-bearing blooms throughout the summer months, that will keep the butterflies from having to seek out new feeding grounds.