Plant One Beautiful Flower With Zinnias To Make Your Garden A Butterfly Paradise

If you are dreaming of creating a garden bursting with color and wildlife, there are some wonderful pairings to bring into your space. When planting zinnias, consider adding coneflowers alongside them to create a fantastic array of bold hues and intriguing shapes. This pairing will boost the butterfly population in your garden, as butterflies are attracted to both of these flowers. This duo is also a great choice for less experienced gardeners, as zinnias and coneflowers are easy to grow and maintain.

Like zinnias, coneflowers thrive in warm conditions and aren't too sensitive to drought. Both plants love to be in the full sun and do well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9. There is a huge range of zinnia and coneflower varieties, with these flowers coming in many colors and sizes. Have a look around before purchasing yours to find the perfect pairing of shades and shapes. For example, yellow coneflower (Echinacea paradoxa) and common zinnia (Zinnia elegans) will create a warm and bright flowerbed that will bring you sunshine even on a cloudy day!

Pairing zinnias with coneflowers will attract different types of butterflies to your garden for you to enjoy. But when planting your butterfly garden with these flowers, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your space is perfect. Firstly, it is helpful to consider the color of the coneflowers and zinnias before purchasing them. Certain colors attract butterflies more than others, so opt for brightly colored varieties in red, orange, and yellow hues. 

When planting your flowers, ensure they are in full sun, as this suits them and the butterflies. Since butterflies like to sun themselves on flat surfaces, you may wish to place large rocks near your flowers for the butterflies to visit after feeding. You may also want to provide the butterflies with a water source to keep them happy when they are in your yard. 

As your zinnias and coneflowers settle in and flower, they will begin to bring butterflies into your garden. These two flowers are fairly easy to maintain, but ensure you provide them with water and fertilizer to help them establish themselves. Try not to use any pesticides on your flowers or in the general area, as many of these can harm the butterflies.