Butterfly garden nectar sources

There are many good butterfly garden nectar sources.

One good nectar source is the Lemon Princess Spiraea Spiraea japonica 'Lemon Princess' available from our friends at Park Seed. This dwarf Japanese Spiraea has vivid yellow foliage that eventually darkens to green in the summer and then to orange and red in the fall. It produces large clusters of pink blooms in early summer. It grows to 18 to 24 inches high, blooms for an extended period and keeps a nice shape. Plant in a well drained site in full sun to flower best. It is also a good candidate for container gardening. A late winter pruning creates a bushier plant and ensures more blooms. Spiraea is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.

Another good nectar plant from the folks at Park Seed is the Ice Ballet Asclepias Asclepias incarnata 'Ice Ballet' Ice Ballet is a very easy plant to grow. It doesn’t mind damp soils. It blooms mid to late summer on 3 to 4 foot tall plants with snowflake-like clusters of white flowers. The blooms last a long time when cut for bouquets. Ice Ballet is hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9.

Bee Balm or Monarda is a perennial that attracts butterflys as well as humming birds. Our friends at Spring Hill Nursery, where you can save $25 Off a $50 Order have the Jacob Cline Monarda Monarda, 'Jacob Cline'- a mildew resistant cultivar that boasts large deep red flowers that bloom all summer long making it a great addition for your butterfly or herb garden. The Jacob Cline Monarda grows 3-4' tall and 2-3' wide and is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.

These are just a few suggestions and there are many other good butterfly garden nectar sources.

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