Top 10 Gorgeous Spring Flowers to Attract Butterflies

7. Blazing Star (Liatris)

A photo of a Blazing Star (Liatris) plant with purple spikes blooming from top to bottom. The plant has green leaves at the base. The plant is growing in a garden with other prairie plants, including Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea), and Native Grasses. The background contains a fence and trees.

Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite butterfly-attracting plants – the magnificent Blazing Star! I first discovered this beauty when I was redesigning my prairie garden, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer for both the vertical interest and butterfly activity in my space.

What Makes Blazing Star Special?

The Liatris spicata, as it’s scientifically known, isn’t your average garden plant. These stunning purple spikes can reach heights of 2-4 feet, creating what I like to call “nature’s fireworks” in the garden. When I first planted them, I was amazed at how the flowers bloom from top to bottom – it’s like they’re defying gravity!

Growing and Care Tips

Here’s something I learned the hard way – while Blazing Stars are drought-resistant, they absolutely need well-draining soil. I lost my first batch by planting them in heavy clay soil that held too much moisture. Now I mix in plenty of organic matter and some sand to create the perfect growing medium.

These prairie natives are surprisingly low-maintenance once established. I’ve found that they:

Thrive in full sun conditions
Need minimal watering after the first season
Return reliably year after year in zones 3-9
Attract not just butterflies, but also bees and hummingbirds

Perfect Companion Plants

Through years of experimentation, I’ve discovered that Blazing Star plays incredibly well with other prairie plants. My favorite combinations include:

Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Native Grasses like Little Bluestem

Strategic Garden Placement

The key to success with Liatris is strategic placement. I’ve learned to plant them in groups of 3-5 for the most dramatic effect. They make an excellent backdrop in butterfly gardens and create stunning vertical interest when planted behind shorter perennials.

One pro tip I wish I’d known earlier: stake these beauties before they get too tall! Nothing’s more heartbreaking than seeing those gorgeous spikes bend over after a summer rain. I use natural bamboo stakes that blend right in with the foliage.

Butterfly Magnet Properties

What makes Blazing Star such a butterfly magnet? It’s all about the nectar! The dense flower spikes provide easy landing pads for butterflies, and the nectar-rich blooms keep them coming back for more. I’ve counted up to five different butterfly species on a single plant at once!

Ready to discover another amazing butterfly-attracting flower? Click the next button below to learn about Salvia, a versatile perennial that’s become one of my go-to plants for continuous blooms and reliable butterfly action. Trust me, you won’t want to miss the tips I’ve gathered about keeping these beauties blooming all season long!