The shape of the flower is particularly important because butterflies can not hover very long and need a place to land. They prefer composites (daisy-like flowers), panicles (large clusters of blooms on a stem), and umbels (flat topped flowers that originate from a single apex). These plants provide a landing pad for the butterflies as well as easy access to the nectar.

When given the choice, butterflies prefer to visit stands of flowers with strong colors such as orange, yellow, and purple. Butterflies view their environment through polarized light and in the ultraviolet (UV) range. The UV light enables them to see hidden ultraviolet patterns on the petals which guide them to the heart of the nectar source. While the polarized light waves allow the butterflies to view objects at right angles to their direction of travel and to identify the suns position (like a compass).

In addition to color and shape, the fragrance of the flowers is what really draws the butterflies to the garden. Flowers with the heaviest perfume are most appealing to the butterflies sensitive sense of smell. With all the new varieties and hybrids that are being produced for color and size, the element of fragrance has been neglected. The best bet for heavily fragranced varieties are the "old fashioned" heirloom varieties.