Butterfly bushes, also known as buddleia, are a very popular plant for home gardens. Their colorful and fragrant flowers attract a wide variety of insects and animals. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most common visitors to butterfly bushes and what attracts them to these plants.
Butterflies
As their name suggests, butterfly bushes are a prime source of nectar for butterflies. Their flowers provide an excellent source of energy in the form of sugary nectar. Butterflies are attracted to the bright colors and sweet scents of the flowers.
Some of the most common butterflies attracted to butterfly bushes include:
- Swallowtails
- Monarchs
- Painted ladies
- Red admirals
- Buckeyes
- Skippers
Butterfly bushes are especially effective at attracting butterflies if they are planted in large groups or clusters. This allows butterflies to easily move from plant to plant. Good airflow around the plants is also important so the fragrance can spread further to attract more butterflies.
Bees
Butterfly bushes are also highly attractive to bees. They provide bees with a nutritious source of pollen and nectar during summer months when fewer flowers may be in bloom.
Some of the most common bees seen visiting butterfly bushes are:
- Honeybees
- Bumblebees
- Carpenter bees
- Mining bees
- Mason bees
- Leafcutter bees
Butterfly bushes contain good amounts of pollen which is the main source of protein for bees. The nectar provides carbohydrates and energy. Butterfly bushes have abundant nectar that is easily accessible to bees since the flowers have a shallow shape.
Hummingbirds
The tubular shaped flowers of butterfly bushes perfectly match the long beaks of hummingbirds. These tiny birds are highly attracted to the nectar-rich blooms.
Some hummingbird species commonly seen visiting butterfly bushes are:
- Ruby-throated hummingbird
- Rufous hummingbird
- Allen’s hummingbird
- Anna’s hummingbird
- Black-chinned hummingbird
- Calliope hummingbird
Hummingbirds appreciate butterfly bushes that are planted in warm, sunny spots. They also like it when the plants are grouped close together so they can efficiently feed on multiple flowers.
Moths
Like butterflies, many species of moths seek out the sweet nectar of butterfly bushes. They are attracted to the vibrant blooms and scent. Some types of moth commonly seen include:
- Hummingbird moths
- Sphinx moths
- Flower loopers
- Prominent moths
- Plume moths
Nocturnal moths such as hawk moths are also frequent visitors. They feed at night and provide pollination services.
Other Insects
Butterfly bushes provide food and shelter for an array of other beneficial insects beyond just pollinators. Some examples include:
- Ladybugs
- Lacewings
- Fritillary butterflies
- Dragonflies
- Damselflies
- Spiders
By attracting these predatory and parasitic insects, butterfly bushes help control pest populations like aphids in the garden.
Birds
Butterfly bushes attract birds in a couple of different ways. Orioles, tanagers, grosbeaks and other birds feed on the flower nectar. The blooms also attract insects which birds then feed on.
Some birds commonly seen visiting butterfly bushes:
- Orioles
- Hummingbirds
- Finches
- Tanagers
- Warblers
- Sparrows
- Chickadees
Butterfly bushes can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds as well. Plant them near other shrubs or trees to create an attractive habitat.
Benefits of Attracting Pollinators
There are a number of benefits to using plants like butterfly bushes to attract pollinators to your garden:
- Pollination for food crops – Bees, butterflies, etc. will help pollinate vegetable plants, fruit trees and bushes
- Biodiversity – More insects attract more birds and wildlife
- Pest control – Many insects attracted are natural predators that keep pests in check
- Beauty – More color, movement and sound from visiting insects and birds
Tips for Attracting Pollinators
Here are some useful tips for attracting more pollinators with butterfly bushes:
- Plant in groups – Pollinators are drawn to large patches of color
- Include native plants – Native insects co-evolved with native plants
- Provide open soil – Ground nesting bees need bare soil
- Supply water – Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds need drinking water
- Avoid pesticides – Many chemicals harm or kill pollinators
- Allow decaying wood and leaves – Shelter for some insects
- Plant a diversity of bloom times – Ensure nectar all season
The Best Butterfly Bushes to Attract Pollinators
If you want to maximize the number of pollinators your butterfly bushes bring in, choose varieties with these features:
- Bright, showy, scented flowers
- Lots of nectar
- Long bloom period
- Native species
Some top butterfly bush picks include:
- Buddleia davidii – butterfly bush
- Buddleia alternifolia – alternate leaf butterfly bush
- Buddleia lindleyana – Lindley’s butterfly bush
- Buddleia x weyeriana – Weyer’s butterfly bush
Conclusion
Butterfly bushes are magnets for pollinators and beneficial insects in the garden. Their fragrant, nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and more. By planting butterfly bushes, especially in groups, you can create an interactive environment that brings nature close. Watching the colorful visitors flock to your butterfly bushes will bring joy while supporting healthy garden ecosystems.
