Lavender is a highly effective plant for attracting beneficial insects. This fragrant herb definitely draws in butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any pollinator-focused landscape. Its dense, colorful flower spikes and rich aromatic oils make it a frequent stopover for many species of butterflies. The presence of lavender in a garden increases the activity of these winged creatures, offering both ecological benefits and visual appeal.
The Specific Appeal of Lavender to Butterflies
The primary draw of lavender is its high-energy nectar, which is a crucial food source for adult butterflies. The sweet nectar provides the necessary fuel for flight, mating, and migration. Species like the Swallowtail and Duskywing butterflies are particularly attracted to this reward.
The structure of the lavender flower spike also accommodates a butterfly’s feeding style. The small, clustered flowers are arranged on a dense spike, which serves as a stable landing platform. This allows the butterfly to rest while it unrolls its long proboscis to access the nectar, enabling efficient feeding without expending excessive energy hovering.
Beyond the nectar, the plant’s vibrant color acts as a long-range visual signal. Butterflies possess a visual system that detects ultraviolet (UV) light. The purple hue of lavender is highly visible against the green foliage, signaling a food source. The powerful, aromatic scent provides a close-range locator, as butterflies use specialized receptors on their antennae to navigate toward the flowers.
Maximizing Lavender’s Attraction Power
The effectiveness of lavender depends on selecting the right variety and optimizing its growing conditions. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), including varieties such as ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’, are excellent choices for butterfly gardens. These cultivars are known for their deep purple color and abundant flower spikes.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) hybrids are also effective, often having a longer bloom time that extends the feeding season. Spanish Lavender, sometimes called Butterfly Lavender, is characterized by conspicuous bracts at the top of the flower heads that resemble small wings.
To create the most visible target, lavender should be planted in a location that receives full, direct sunlight. Grouping several plants in a mass planting creates a large, noticeable patch that butterflies can spot easily. Proper maintenance includes shearing back spent flowers (deadheading), which encourages new blooms and prolongs nectar availability. Avoid using systemic pesticides, as these chemicals contaminate the nectar and pollen, making them toxic to visiting insects.
Complementary Plants for a Butterfly Garden
A successful butterfly habitat requires more than a single plant species to provide continuous nectar throughout the seasons. Companion plants that share lavender’s preference for full sun and well-drained soil, such as Coneflower (Echinacea) and Yarrow (Achillea), offer additional nectar sources and a varied bloom schedule. Late-season bloomers like Sedum are useful, providing nourishment after the lavender has finished flowering.
Adult nectar sources are only half of the equation for a thriving butterfly population. Caterpillars require specific host plants on which to feed and lay their eggs. For instance, Milkweed (Asclepias) is the only host plant for Monarch caterpillars.
Incorporating host plants like dill, parsley, and fennel for Swallowtails, alongside nectar sources, ensures the garden supports the entire butterfly life cycle. A diverse planting of both nectar and host plants guarantees a steady food supply for all stages, creating a complete ecosystem for butterflies.