Top Native Plants to Attract Butterflies in Miami.
1. Firebush (Hamelia patens)
A pollinator magnet! Its tubular red-orange flowers bloom nearly year-round and draw in butterflies like Zebra longwings and monarchs.
2. Lantana involucrata (Wild Lantana)
This sweet-smelling shrub produces tiny clusters of flowers and attracts hairstreaks, skippers, and more.
3. Little Strongbark (Bourreria cassinifolia)
A true South Florida gem, this native shrub features delicate white flowers that butterflies love—and it doubles as a larval host for the Bahamian Swallowtail. It’s drought-tolerant and great for layered planting.
4. Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora)
An often-overlooked groundcover that feeds White Peacocks and Phaon Crescents. Bonus: it's also a fast-spreading, low-maintenance lawn alternative.
Plant with purpose: clustering plants of the same species will draw more attention from butterflies, and mixing bloom times ensures there's always a food source.
Visit Flora of Miami for native plants, expert guidance, and to see our own butterfly garden in action. Let’s plant the wings of change—together!