Create a vibrant haven to attract butterflies to your Long Island garden this summer with our top picks for pollinator-attracting plants. Discover overlooked yet stunning options that thrive from the south to the north shore.
These five favorites promise to enchant both butterflies and garden enthusiasts alike:
Caryopteris ‘Dark Knight’
Abelia ‘Kaleidoscope’
Caryopteris ‘Dark Knight’ (Caryopteris clandonensis ‘Dark Knight’)
A delicate shrub boasting royal blue flowers and silvery-green foliage with a sweet scent. Ideally suited for full sun, this plant reaches a height of 2-3 ft. Moreover, cutting it back in late winter encourages lush growth.
Abelia ‘Kaleidoscope’ (Abelia x grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’)
Clusters of ivory flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall amidst variegated gold and green leaves tinged with pink. It’s perfect for attracting birds, bees, and butterflies to sunlit or partially shaded areas, growing up to 3 ft tall. In addition it is somewhat deer resistant.
Little Princess Spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘Little Princess’)
Adorned with pink flower clusters in late spring to early summer, complemented by emerald green foliage turning chartreuse in spring. A compact choice growing upwards of 24 inches tall, it thrives in full sun, drawing butterflies to your garden. In spite of its beauty, it is not attractive to most deer.
Spirea ‘Little Princess’
Weigela ‘Wine & Roses’
Magic Carpet Spirea (Spiraea ‘Magic Carpet’)
Features vibrant clusters of hot pink flowers with yellow foliage that emerges tomato-orange in spring. This ornamental shrub flourishes in full sun, standing 24 inches tall and attracting butterflies with its visual charm.
Wine & Roses® Weigela (Weigela florida ‘Wine & Roses’)
Known for its rosy-pink blooms and wine-colored leaves that appear May to June. For these reasons it is adored by hummingbirds and butterflies alike. Use it as a striking accent or in mass plantings for a burst of color. This plant thrives in full sun, reaching up to 5 ft in height.
Therefore, plant these unique shrubs to transform your Long Island garden into a butterfly sanctuary this season. Consequently, you will watch as these hardy and beautiful plants invite fluttering guests all summer long.
Additional Information:
SHOP Pollinator Friendly Plants