Best Groundcovers For Butterflies

Are you looking for groundcovers that will attract butterflies to your garden? Look no further! In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best groundcovers for butterflies. With their low-growing habit and ability to provide nectar and shelter for butterflies, groundcovers are an excellent addition to any butterfly garden. So, let's get started with an introduction to groundcovers for butterflies.

What are Groundcovers?

Groundcovers are plants that grow low and spread wide, typically reaching no more than a foot or two in height. They form a dense carpet of foliage that covers the ground, helping to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and protect the soil from erosion. Groundcovers can be herbaceous or woody, evergreen or deciduous, and they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

Why Plant Groundcovers for Butterflies?

Groundcovers are an essential element in a butterfly garden as they provide an understory of nectar-rich flowers that many butterflies favor for feeding. These plants also act as a host for butterfly larvae, providing food and shelter for caterpillars to complete their lifecycle. A well-planted groundcover will attract a diverse range of butterfly species to your garden, including the monarch, swallowtail, and painted lady.

Top Groundcovers for Butterflies

Now that we've covered the basics, let's dive into the top groundcovers for butterflies. These plants have been carefully selected for their ability to attract and sustain butterfly populations, and we will provide you with all the information you need to successfully incorporate them into your garden.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Groundcovers for Butterflies

When it comes to choosing the best groundcovers for butterflies, there are a few criteria that you should consider. These criteria will help ensure that you choose the right plants for your garden, and that they will attract and benefit the local butterfly population.

1. Nectar Production: One of the most important criteria for choosing the best groundcovers for butterflies is nectar production. Butterflies rely on nectar as a food source, so choosing plants that produce high levels of nectar is essential. Look for groundcovers that produce a lot of flowers, and that attract butterflies with bright colors and sweet fragrances.
2. Host Plants: Another important consideration is host plants. Many butterfly species rely on specific plants to lay their eggs on, and for their larvae to feed on. Choosing groundcovers that serve as host plants for local butterflies can help support their life cycle and increase butterfly numbers in your garden.
3. Duration of Bloom: It’s important to choose groundcovers that bloom at different times throughout the season, to provide a continuous source of nectar for butterflies. Look for plants that bloom in early, mid and late season, and plan your garden so that different plants are blooming at different times.
4. Tolerances: Some groundcovers are more tolerant of specific environmental conditions than others. If your garden experiences hot, dry conditions, for example, you may want to choose groundcovers that are drought-tolerant. Similarly, if your garden is prone to flooding, you may want to choose plants that can survive in wet conditions.
5. Size and Spacing: When selecting groundcovers for your garden, it’s important to consider their size and spacing. Some groundcovers spread quickly and can quickly take over an area, while others are more slow-growing. Consider the amount of space you have available and choose plants that will work well in your specific garden environment.

By considering these criteria when choosing groundcovers for your garden, you can create a beautiful and nurturing environment that benefits both butterflies and your garden as a whole.

Top 3 Groundcovers for Butterflies: Characteristics and Benefits

If you want to attract butterflies to your garden, groundcovers are an excellent way to provide a habitat for them while also adding some visual interest to your landscape. Here are the top 3 groundcovers for butterflies and their characteristics and benefits:

1. Creeping Phlox

   Creeping Phlox is a perennial groundcover that is well-loved by butterflies. This plant features small, fragrant flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, and blue during the spring and summer. Creeping Phlox is also easy to grow and low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

   The benefits of Creeping Phlox extend beyond its attractant qualities, this plant also helps prevent soil erosion, and it is known for its ability to thrive in tough environments. Creeping Phlox also looks great when planted on hillsides, rock gardens, and to fill in gaps between other groundcovers.

2. Butterfly Weed

   The Butterfly Weed, also known as Asclepias tuberosa, is a bright orange-flowered plant that is well-loved by many butterfly species. This plant is native to North America and can grow up to three feet tall. It is an important host plant for the monarch butterfly because it is the only plant that their larvae will eat.

   Butterfly Weed is also a drought-tolerant plant known for its ability to grow in a wide variety of soil types. Additionally, it requires little maintenance once established.

3. Blue Star Creeper

   Blue Star Creeper is an evergreen groundcover that produces tiny blue flowers. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a low-growing plant that spreads quickly. This plant is native to Australia and can be grown in zones 5 through 9.

   Blue Star Creeper is known for its adaptability and can be grown in a wide variety of environments, including shady and moist areas. It is also a great plant for filling in gaps between other groundcovers, and its tiny blue flowers make it an attractive addition to any garden.

In summary, Creeping Phlox, Butterfly Weed, and Blue Star Creeper are all excellent groundcovers for attracting butterflies to your garden. They all have unique characteristics and benefits that make them great additions to any landscape. When choosing which groundcover, or combination of groundcovers, to plant in your garden, consider the type of soil in your area, amount of sunlight, and the amount of maintenance you want to do, and let these factors inform your decision. No matter which groundcover you choose, you can be sure that you will be providing a valuable habitat for butterflies to thrive in.

Other Recommended Groundcovers for Butterflies: A Comprehensive List

In addition to the best groundcovers for butterflies we have discussed earlier, there are additional plants that you can add to your garden for an even more comprehensive butterfly habitat. Here are some other recommended groundcovers that butterflies love:

1. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) – This low-growing plant produces bright, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It is a favorite of many butterfly species, including skippers, whites, and sulphurs.
2. Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera) – This groundcover produces beautiful displays of lavender, pink, white, or purple flowers in the spring. It attracts a variety of butterflies, including hairstreaks, blues, and fritillaries.
3. Golden Marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria) – This cheerful plant produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers in the summer. It is a favorite of many butterfly species, including swallowtails, sulphurs, and skippers.
4. Purple Heart (Setcreasea pallida) – This plant has striking purple foliage that adds interest even when not in bloom. It produces small pink or purple flowers in the summer that attract butterflies like the Gulf Fritillary and Gray Hairstreak.
5. Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) – This low-growing plant produces masses of small blue or white star-shaped flowers in the summer. It is a favorite nectar source of many butterfly species, including blues and skippers.
6. Dwarf Snapdragon (Chaenorrhinum origanifolium) – This plant produces masses of snapdragon-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It attracts a variety of butterfly species, including blues, skippers, and hairstreaks.

When you add these plants to your garden, you will provide a diverse array of nectar sources and host plants for butterflies. This will not only attract more butterflies to your garden, but it will also provide them with the resources they need to thrive. Remember to group your plants by color and bloom time to create attractive garden beds and to keep your garden looking beautiful throughout the growing season.

Tips for Planting and Maintaining Groundcovers for Butterflies

Now that you have selected the best groundcovers for butterflies, it's time to plant and maintain them to provide a welcoming habitat for these delicate creatures. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Choose the right location: Choose a location that receives ample sunlight and is well-drained. Groundcovers love the sun and thrive when planted in a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight. Make sure to avoid areas that receive a lot of foot traffic or are prone to flooding.
2. Prepare the soil: Groundcovers prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil. So, prepare the soil by mixing organic matter into the soil to help improve drainage and fertility. You can also add a layer of compost to help enrich the soil.
3. Water regularly: Water the groundcovers regularly, especially during the first year after planting. Allowing the soil to dry out can damage the plants, so make sure to keep the soil moist.
4. Mulch: Cover the ground with a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Mulch will also help deter weeds and keep the groundcover healthy.
5. Prune regularly: Prune the groundcovers regularly to promote healthy growth and keep the plants from getting too bushy. This will also prevent any damage to other plants or objects near the groundcovers.
6. Fertilize: Apply a slow-release fertilizer to the groundcovers every six months to provide them with necessary nutrients to thrive.
7. Protect from pests: Keep an eye out for pests such as caterpillars, aphids, and spider mites and use appropriate pest control measures when necessary.
8. Consider companion planting: Encourage butterflies to visit by planting other butterfly-friendly plants near the groundcovers. Some great companion plants include coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and bee balm.

With the right care, your groundcovers will attract a variety of butterfly species and provide a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to your garden. Happy planting!

Conclusion: Creating a Butterfly-Friendly Garden with Groundcovers

Groundcovers aren't just attractive and easy-to-grow plants, they make a significant impact on the butterfly population by providing a habitat for their growth and survival. With the right selection of groundcovers, you can create a butterfly-friendly garden that is not only beautiful but also helps in the conservation of these beautiful creatures.

While planting groundcovers for butterflies, consider the blooming season, plant size and color, sunshine, leaf shape, and the type of soil. Do not plant invasive species, as they can harm the surrounding ecosystem. Here are some suggestions for groundcovers that will make your garden attractive to butterflies:

1. Creeping Thyme: Low-growing and hardy, creeping thyme is drought-resistant and fragrant, making it a popular groundcover choice. Its pink and purple flowers bloom in early summer and attract adult butterflies.
2. Butterfly Weed: As its name suggests, it's a perfect groundcover for attracting a variety of butterflies. The plant prefers sunny, well-drained soil and produces bright orange flowers in early to mid-summer.
3. Wild Ginger: This native groundcover has attractive dark green foliage and reddish-brown flowers that bloom in early spring. The plant prefers light shade, moist soil, and attracts early spring butterflies.
4. Purple Coneflower: One of the most popular wildflowers, purple coneflower is a great plant for attracting butterflies with its pink and purple flowers. It blooms from summer to early fall and prefers well-drained, moist soil and full sun.

Remember to provide food sources for butterfly larvae in addition to adult nectar plants. Keep the garden pesticide-free, which is often toxic to butterflies and other pollinators. Finally, make sure your garden has plenty of sunshine and water, remove weeds regularly, and enjoy the reward of fluttering butterflies calling your garden home.