Trees and Shrubs for a Butterfly Garden

These low-growers provide shelter and flowers, and keep larger plants healthy by keeping roots cool and suppressing competing weeds.

• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Emerald Carpet' (Manzanita) *for adults
• Grevillea species (Spider Flower) (ground cover types) *for adults
• Rosmarinus prostrata & 'Huntington carpet' (Creeping Rosemary) *for adults

Nestle these plants in among boulders in sunny areas or water basins with pebbles where butterflies can rest and drink. These varieties are waterwise once established, meaning you can enjoy more butterflies and blooming color with fewer resources.

• Asclepias species (Butterfly Milkweed) *for both, available from spring through fall
• Callistemon 'Little john' (Dwarf Bottlebrush) *for adults
• Ceanothus 'Yankee point' (California Wild Lilac) *for both
• Lavandula species (Lavender) *for adults
  
• Penstemon species *for both, available from spring through fall
• Statice perezii (Sea Lavender) *for adults
• Verbena species *for adults, available from spring through fall

The shrubs below will thrive in full to part sun, perfect for filling in tricky areas while still attracting wildlife. Plant several shrubs that bloom in varying seasons, to provide the longest season of food for butterflies, and establish your garden as a sanctuary they can return to year after year.

• Abelia 'Kaleidescope' *for adults
• Agapanthus africanus (Lily of the Nile) *for adults
  
• Asclepias species *for both, available spring through fall
• Coleonema 'Sunset Gold' (Breath of Heaven) *for adults
  
• Pittosporum 'Wheeler's Dwarf' (Dwarf Mock Orange) *for adults
• Polygala 'Petite butterflies' (Dwarf Sweet Pea Shrub) *for adults
• Salvia species *for adults, available spring through fall

These large blooming shrubs offer loads of flowers for a season or more in California, making great foundation plants to anchor sweeping flower beds.

• Abutilon species (Flowering Maple) *for adults, available spring through fall

• Buddleija (Butterfly Bush) *for adults, available spring through fall

• Grevillea species (Spider Flower) *for adults

• Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum' (Wax Leaf Privet) *for adults

• Plumbago *for adults, available spring through fall

• Polygala myrtifolia 'grandiflora' (Sweet Pea Shrub) *for adults

• Salvia rosmarinus (Rosemary) *for adults

• Syringa species (Lilac) *for adults, available winter through spring

• Tecoma species *for adults, available spring through fall

Create a magical archway where butterflies will flock to vines filled with colorful nectar-rich flowers, or provide an essential food source for larvae with fast growing foliage. Vines are a wonderful way to maximize garden space and add visual interest by growing vertically.

• Bignonia species (Crossvine) *for adults, available spring through fall
  
• Clematis species *for adults, available spring through early summer
• Passiflora species (Passion Vine) *for larvae, available spring through fall
• Wisteria *for larvae, available late winter through midsummer

There are many trees that butterflies love and need, providing shelter and food for larvae or flowers for adult butterflies. Plant trees near other blooming shrubs to create areas sheltered from wind and other harsh elements.

• Betula alba (White Birch) *for larvae
• Cercis 'Forest Pansy' (Redbud) *for adults