Are there plants that attract butterflies but not bees and wasps?

Question

We are considering creating an eastern exposure garden, above which will be many condominium decks. We note that wasps like creating nests beneath our balcony deck boards.

Thank you!
Scott

Answer 1

Typically, what attracts butterflies will attract bees and ESPECIALLY wasps. Parasitic wasps use caterpillars as a host to lay their eggs on. Bees will be attracted to the same nectars as butterflies will, however, there is resaerch that shows bees cannot see the color red, so planting a lot of red flowers can deter bees. I did this in a planter near my back door. I planted pentas, red salvia, red annual periwinkle, red miniature roses (no nectar), and calibrachoa. I have not seen bees or wasps on that planter.