Not all pollinators are created equal. While bees are essential to many gardens, sometimes you want to attract butterflies without inviting a buzzing crowd. Certain flowers have evolved to appeal specifically to butterflies with their color, shape, and scent—while being less attractive to bees.
These selective bloomers add delicate beauty and graceful movement to your garden, creating a peaceful space where butterflies can thrive. Knowing which plants to choose means you can encourage butterfly visits without overwhelming your outdoor space with bees.
In this article, we explore 17 flowers that draw butterflies in but keep bees at bay—perfect for gardeners who love fluttering wings but prefer a gentler pollinator presence.
Verbena
Verbena is a butterfly magnet. Its vibrant clusters of purple flowers entice with their rich nectar, offering a feast for fluttering visitors. Despite its allure to butterflies, bees tend to overlook this bloom.
It flourishes in sunny spots and requires well-drained soil. Verbena’s low maintenance and drought tolerance make it an excellent choice for novice gardeners.
Incorporating Verbena into your garden ensures a vibrant, butterfly-friendly space without the frequent buzz of bees.
Red Valerian
Red Valerian, with its clusters of crimson flowers, is irresistible to butterflies. Its sweet fragrance and rich nectar draw them in droves. However, bees are rarely lured by its charms.
This perennial thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil, making it a versatile addition to any garden. It blooms from late spring through summer, providing a long-lasting display of color.
Red Valerian’s easy growth and care requirements make it a favorite among gardeners seeking to attract butterflies.
Lavender
Lavender’s aromatic purple spikes are a treat for butterflies. Its calming scent and abundant nectar offer a peaceful haven for these gentle creatures. Surprisingly, bees often bypass lavender for more enticing blooms.
This fragrant herb is ideal for sunny borders and containers alike. Its drought-resistant nature and minimal upkeep requirements make it a gardener’s delight.
By planting lavender, you create a serene environment that butterflies love, without the buzz of bees.
Salvia
Salvia plants, known for their tall spikes of blue or purple flowers, are a butterfly’s dream. Their nectar-rich blooms provide sustenance, yet bees tend to pass them by.
Requiring minimal care, Salvias thrive in sunlit areas with well-drained soil. They bloom profusely from spring to fall, adding striking color to any garden.
Their hardiness and appeal to butterflies make Salvias a fantastic addition to your floral haven.
Fuchsia
Fuchsia’s pendulous blooms draw butterflies like magnets. Their vibrant pinks and purples provide an attractive feast, yet bees usually ignore them.
Perfect for shaded areas, Fuchsias thrive in cool, moist conditions and are ideal for baskets and containers. Their continued blooming and minimal care make them a gardener’s favorite.
Incorporating Fuchsia ensures a lively display that butterflies adore.
Snapdragon
Snapdragons are beloved by butterflies for their vivid colors and sweet nectar. Their unique flower shape is intriguing yet doesn’t attract many bees.
These blooms enjoy sunny spots and thrive in well-drained soil. Blooming from spring through fall, they add vibrant hues to your garden.
Snapdragons’ charm and easy care make them a must-have for butterfly enthusiasts.
Zinnias
Zinnias are a favorite for adding a splash of color and attracting butterflies. Their bright, daisy-like flowers provide ample nectar, yet bees often pass them by.
These easy-to-grow annuals thrive in sunny locations and prefer well-drained soil. Their long blooming season ensures continuous color.
For a butterfly-friendly garden, Zinnias are hard to beat.
Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks stand tall with their striking spires of colorful blooms. Butterflies are drawn to these vibrant flowers, but bees usually are not as interested.
These biennials or short-lived perennials thrive in sunny areas and are perfect for back borders. They add architectural interest with their height.
Incorporating Hollyhocks into your garden provides a haven for butterflies.
Lantana
Lantana’s bright clusters of flowers attract butterflies with their sweet nectar. These blooms create a lively spectacle without drawing in many bees.
Lantanas are heat-tolerant and thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Their extended bloom period makes them a continuous source of color.
Their vibrant blossoms make Lantanas an excellent choice for a butterfly-friendly garden.
Milkweed
Milkweed is essential for the Monarch butterfly. Its flowers provide nourishment, while the plant serves as a host for caterpillars. Bees, however, tend to ignore it.
Growing well in sunny, open areas, Milkweed is a must-have for Monarch enthusiasts. It supports the butterfly lifecycle from start to finish.
By planting Milkweed, you contribute to conserving these majestic butterflies.
Coneflower
Coneflowers, especially the purple variety, are adored by butterflies. Their large, daisy-like flowers are rich in nectar but not particularly appealing to bees.
These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are hardy and provide vibrant blooms from summer into fall.
Coneflowers offer a colorful sanctuary for butterflies in any garden setting.
Daylilies
Daylilies enchant with their vivid blooms and sweet nectar. Butterflies find them alluring, while bees typically do not.
These perennials are known for their hardiness and adaptability, thriving in a variety of conditions. Their blooms last only a day, but the plant flowers prolifically.
Daylilies add vibrant beauty and are a favorite in butterfly gardens.
Bee Balm
Despite its name, Bee Balm is more popular with butterflies. Its tubular blooms offer nectar without heavily attracting bees.
Thriving in sunny locations, Bee Balm adds bright splashes of color to gardens. It’s easy to grow and perfect for attracting butterflies throughout the summer.
These blooms are a delightful choice for a butterfly-centered floral display.
Cosmos
Cosmos flowers sway gently in the breeze, capturing the attention of butterflies with their airy elegance. Their open-faced blooms offer nectar but aren’t as alluring to bees.
These annuals thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil and bloom prolifically from midsummer to fall.
Cosmos brings a touch of whimsy to gardens, making them a favorite for butterfly lovers.
Verbascum
Verbascum, with its tall spikes of delicate blooms, is a charming sight. Butterflies are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers, while bees are less enchanted.
These drought-tolerant perennials thrive in sunny environments. Their striking presence adds visual interest to any garden.
Verbascum’s unique charm makes it a delightful addition to a butterfly-friendly garden.
Petunias
Petunias offer a vibrant splash of color with their trumpet-shaped blooms. Butterflies are enticed by their nectar, while bees often seek other sources.
These versatile flowers thrive in sunny spots and are perfect for borders and containers alike. Their wide range of colors ensures a lively garden display.
Petunias provide a cheerful, butterfly-friendly garden atmosphere.
Buddleia
Known as the butterfly bush, Buddleia lives up to its name. Its fragrant, cone-shaped flowers offer a haven for butterflies, with bees largely uninterested.
Thriving in sunny areas with well-drained soil, Buddleia is a must-have for butterfly enthusiasts. Its long blooming period ensures a continuous source of nectar.
Buddleia’s enchanting blooms make it a centerpiece in butterfly gardens.