Maureen Austins' Top Plant Recommendation: Favorite Biennials for Birds & Butterflies for Southern California.
Alcea rosea Those huge leaves are food for hungry painted lady caterpillars. And the blooms have a nostalgic quality to them. If you are growing hollyhocks for butterflies, stick to the old, single varieties rather than new strains of doubles. Additional Details
Daucus carota It makes wherever it grows look like a garden bouquet, with its beautiful blooms and airy quality. I really love it because it is a host plant for ladybugs, and I want them in my garden. Additional Details
Malva sylvestris Beautiful blooms for a long time, but the main attraction is as a butterfly host plant. Painted lady butterflies will lay their eggs on it and it will feed the hungry caterpillars. Additional Details
