Plan Your Spring Butterfly Garden

Winter is here, but it’s never too early to start planning your spring garden. This year, why not create a butterfly garden? These gardens not only bring beauty and charm to your outdoor space but also support essential pollinators. Imagine a backyard filled with fluttering wings, vibrant blooms, and the joy of knowing you’re helping butterflies thrive.

At Maryland Flower & Foliage Company, we proudly grow what we sell, ensuring you receive high-quality plants that thrive in our Maryland shoreline climate. From host plants to nectar-rich annuals and long-lasting perennials, we offer everything you need to create a butterfly-friendly paradise.

What Does a Butterfly Garden Need?

A butterfly garden includes:

1. Host plants: Where butterflies lay eggs and caterpillars feed.
2. Nectar plants: Flowers that feed adult butterflies.
3. Shelter and water: Sunny spots with wind protection and access to shallow water.

Top Plants for Your Butterfly Garden

Host Plants

Host plants are critical for the butterfly life cycle. Suitable for Maryland’s shoreline gardens, we recommend:

• Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa): Vital for monarchs, milkweed thrives in sandy soil and full sun.
• False Nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica): A favorite of red admiral butterflies, perfect for moist, coastal areas.
• Willow (Salix spp.): Attracts several species, including viceroy butterflies, and does well near water.

Annuals for Pollinators

Add color and attract butterflies all season long with these nectar-rich options:

• Zinnias: Butterfly favorites, thriving in full sun and easy to grow.
• Lantana: Heat-tolerant and vibrant, perfect for sunny coastal gardens.
• Marigolds: A hardy choice that offers both beauty and nectar.

Perennials for Long-Term Appeal

Perennials are the backbone of your garden, providing lasting beauty year after year. Great choices include:

• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum): Thrives in moist, sandy soils and attracts multiple butterfly species.
• Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens): A Maryland native, ideal for sandy shoreline conditions and adored by pollinators.
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A reliable nectar source and stunning addition to your garden.

Plan Your Butterfly Paradise Today!

At Maryland Flower & Foliage Company, we grow all our plants locally, ensuring they’re perfectly suited to the Maryland shoreline climate. Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced green thumb, we’re here to help you select the best plants for your butterfly garden.

Let us help you create a vibrant, pollinator-friendly garden that’s both beautiful and beneficial. Stop by this spring to explore our wide selection of host plants, annuals, and perennials—and make your butterfly garden dreams a reality!

Visit Maryland Flower & Foliage Company this spring to start planning your butterfly garden. Together, we can make your backyard a haven for butterflies!