This was a very informative article, but like many such articles missed the importance of growing annual flowers for the nectar needs of the adult butterflies. A large patch of zinnias and cosmos in the summer will draw butterflies in like no other summer blooming perennials can. Butterflies prefer a flat, daisy like flower to land on and sip nectar, and cosmos and zinnias provide these types of blooms. These annuals also bloom when many other perennials aren't at the peak of their bloom, or when their bloom peak has already passed. In order to have the butterflies to lay their eggs on your host plants, you have to draw them to your garden, and zinnias and cosmos are sure to do so. They see in color, and can spot bright colors from high in the air when in flight.
