10 Best Lavender Varieties to Attract Butterflies
10 Best Lavender Varieties to Attract Butterflies
Lavender is an excellent addition to any garden because of its lovely fragrance and beautiful appearance. But what many people don't know is that lavender also attracts butterflies, making it an essential plant for anyone looking to create a butterfly-friendly space. In this post, we'll look at the top 10 best lavender varieties for attracting butterflies.
Why is Lavender Great for Attracting Butterflies?
Butterflies are attracted to plants that are high in nectar and pollen, as they use these nutrients to fuel their flights and courtships. Lavender is an excellent source of nectar, making it a natural magnet for butterflies. Additionally, lavender's aromatic oils act as a natural insect repellant, which keeps pesky plant-eating bugs away from other plants nearby.
Top 10 Best Lavender Varieties for Butterflies
- Hidcote Dwarf
- Munstead
- Silver Anouk
- Phenomenal
- Grosso
- Fred Boutin
- Lavandula stoechas
- Ellagance Sky
- Buena Vista
- Anouk Supreme
Each variety has its own unique characteristics, but all share a love for full sun and well-draining soil.
Description
This compact lavender produces violet-blue flowers that bloom in early summer. Its petite size makes it an appealing choice for a low hedge or container planting.
Growing Tips
Hidcote Dwarf thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Be sure to prune it after flowering to keep its attractive shape.
Butterfly Benefits
Butterflies love Hidcote Dwarf's abundant nectar production, which is available in early summer when other sources may be scarce.
Description
Munstead is a popular choice for gardeners because of its compact growth habit and profusion of flowers. Its violet-blue blooms appear in late spring/early summer, and the plant has a lovely, sweet fragrance
Growing Tips
Like most varieties of lavender, Munstead prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It does not like wet feet! Regular pruning will help to maintain its shape.
Butterfly Benefits
Munstead is a great source of nectar for butterflies and various bees.
Description
This unusual lavender variety has silvery-green foliage that contrasts beautifully with its deep purple blooms. It is a great accent plant and provides color/texture variation in the garden.
Growing Tips
Silver Anouk thrives in full sun and well-draining soil conditions. It requires only minimal watering once established.
Butterfly Benefits
The nectar-rich flowers of Silver Anouk attract a variety of butterflies and bees.
Description
Phenomenal Lavender produces tall, elegant stems with bright violet-blue flowers that bloom in midsummer. It has excellent disease resistance and is a hardy selection for regions with colder winters.
Growing Tips
Phenomenal prefers full sun but tolerates some light shade. Its silvery-green foliage looks great when paired with other perennials and shrubs.
Butterfly Benefits
Butterflies love the abundant nectar produced by Phenomenal's large flower spikes
Description
Grosso is known for its long bloom period, which lasts through late summer. Its deep blue-violet blooms are held on long stems an inch above its silver foliage.
Growing Tips
Grosso does well in full sun and fertile soil. Maintain its compact shape through consistent pruning after flowering.
Butterfly Benefits
Butterflies flit from flower to flower, attracted by Grosso's bountiful supply of nectar.
Description
Fred Boutin produces spikes of vibrant purple-blue flowers in midsummer. It has a vigorous growth habit and is prized for its long-lasting color.
Growing Tips
Fred Boutin will grow in a variety of soil types, but requires full sun. If plants become too leggy, prune them back after flowering.
Butterfly Benefits
Garden visitors will delight at the sight of butterflies drinking nectar from Fred Boutin's showy flower spikes.
Description
Lavandula stoechas, or Spanish lavender, has colorful tufted blooms atop tall stems. Its uniquely shaped flowers make a bold statement in the garden.
Growing Tips
Provide excellent drainage for Lavandula stoechas, which prefers a warm, dry climate. It can be grown in containers or as an accent plant.
Butterfly Benefits
Spanish lavender's prolific supply of nectar brings joy to gardeners and butterflies alike from late spring into fall.
Description
Ellagance Sky is a dwarf lavender with sky-blue petals surrounding a white eye. This stunning display of color is perfect for brightening up borders and container gardens.
Growing Tips
Ellagance Sky requires well-drained soil and benefits from a bit of afternoon shade. It grows well in rock gardens or as an edging plant.
Butterfly Benefits
Ellagance Sky's bountiful nectar and compact habit make it an attractive option for butterflies and gardeners alike.
Description
Buena Vista Lavender produces showy spikes of deep blue-violet flowers in midsummer. It is noted for its long-lasting blooms and disease resistance.
Growing Tips
Buena Vista does best in full sun and well-draining soil. Prune after flowering to ensure a tidy appearance.
Butterfly Benefits
Butterflies and other pollinators flock to Buena Vista for its abundant supply of sweet nectar.
Description
Anouk Supreme Lavender features vibrant violet-blue flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Its fragrant aroma adds an additional level of enjoyment.
Growing Tips
Anouk Supreme prefers full sun and well-draining soil, but can tolerate light shade. Keep it pruned to promote bushiness and flower production.
Butterfly Benefits
Butterflies and other pollinators are attracted to Anouk Supreme for its abundant nectar and cheerful blooms.
Now that you know more about the best lavender varieties to attract butterflies, you can create a garden that is sure to delight. These plants offer a stunning appearance and a bountiful supply of nectar, making them perfect for any garden looking to boost their butterfly population. Start planting today and enjoy the fluttering beauty of these beloved insects in your own backyard.
How does lavender attract butterflies?
Lavender produces sweet nectar that butterflies are attracted to. Butterflies also love lavender's vibrant color and sweet fragrance.
Which type of lavender is best for attracting butterflies?
All lavender varieties attract butterflies, but some of the top options include Hidcote Dwarf, Munstead, Silver Anouk, Phenomenal, and Grosso.
Do you need to maintain lavender to continue attracting butterflies?
Yes! Regular pruning and deadheading will keep lavender looking fresh and attractive to pollinators.
Can I use lavender to attract other pollinators as well?
Yes, other pollinators like bees and hummingbirds are also attracted to lavender.
When is the best time to plant lavender for butterfly attraction?
The best time to plant lavender in spring when the soil has warmed up enough for root growth.
Does location matter when planting lavender for butterfly attraction?
Lavender needs full sun and well-draining soil to thrive. Plant it in a sunny spot away from water-logged areas.
Should I start from seeds or buy a mature plant?
While starting from seed can be rewarding, purchasing a mature plant is the easiest way to ensure a healthy lavender plant that will quickly establish in your garden.
Are there any companion plants that I can grow alongside lavender for maximum butterfly attraction?
Yes, planting complementary plants alongside lavender can help to attract a variety of pollinators. Other butterfly-friendly plants include milkweed, asters, and coneflowers.
How often should I water my lavender for butterfly attraction?
Lavender prefers dry conditions once established, so it is best to water infrequently yet deeply when the soil appears to be dry several inches down.
What are some other benefits of having lavender in your garden?
Aside from being an excellent choice for butterflies, lavender is also deer and rabbit resistant, and its fragrant blooms can be used in cooking and crafting. Plus, its natural oils can help repel mosquitoes, flies, and other unwanted insects.
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