I N T H E G A R D E N

outdoors

How to catch butterflies

Whether for nectar or as food for caterpillars, certain plants are guaranteed to attract

butterflies as well as look great in your landscape. Here are six to try.

1 - PURPLE CONEFLOWER

(Echinacea

varieties, Zones 3-9) A tough, summer-blooming

native with daisy-type flowers, it’s available in several colors.

2 - RUSSIAN SAGE

(Perovskia atriplicifolia

, Zones 6-9) A drought-tolerant perennial with

spikes of purple blooms catches the eyes of gardeners and butterflies alike.

3 - MILKWEED

(Asclepia tuberosa

, Zones 4-9) This and other milkweeds are both a

source of nectar and a food plant for monarch caterpillars.

4 - FENNEL

(Foeniculum vulgare

, Zones 4-9) The fernlike foliage is food to swallowtail

caterpillars, and the blooms attract butterflies as well.

5 - STONECROP (

Sedum

‘Autumn J o /, Zones 4-8) This fall-bloomer is a powerful draw to

monarchs and painted ladies, which often swarm the flowers during fall migrations.

6 - ASTER

(Aster

spp., Zones 6-11) Purple blooms are a welcome fall source of nectar. 1ah

For buying infonnation see /xigc 23&

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS AUGUST

2009

9 7