What Are The Best Things To Plant To Create Small Areas For Bees And Butterflies In Grand Rapids, MI?

Question

Can I plant a butterfly bush (budleja daviddi), or is it considered invasive here? If not a butterfly bush, do you have another bush suggestion? As far as smaller plants, what do you recommend other than milkweeds? Thank you!

Answer 1

Grand Rapids is in hardiness zones 5 and 6. Butterfly bushes are generally hardy to zone 5, but check the tag before purchasing. The newer varieties are sterile and will not set seed. I've also included information on attracting butterflies and bees.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/controlling-butterfly-bushes.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-care.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/butterfly-gardening-in-zone-5.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/attracting-bees.htm