Perennial Flowers that Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies

If you love watching hummingbirds and butterflies flit around your garden, planting perennial flowers is the way to go. These flowers come back year after year, providing a consistent source of nectar for these creatures. Not only do they add beauty to your garden, but they also help support the ecosystem by providing food for pollinators. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best perennial flowers for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.

Top Perennial Flowers that Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies

1. Bee Balm

Bee balm is a beautiful, easy-to-grow flower that attracts both hummingbirds and butterflies. Its bright red or pink flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, while its nectar-rich blooms are irresistible to butterflies. Bee balm grows best in full sun to partial shade and requires moderate watering.

How to Grow Bee Balm

To grow bee balm, plant it in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Water regularly, and give it plenty of space to spread out.

2. Coneflower

Coneflowers are another popular choice for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Their daisy-like blooms come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and yellow. Coneflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Coneflowers

To grow coneflowers, plant them in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

3. Salvia

Salvia is a popular perennial flower that comes in a variety of colors, including shades of blue, purple, and pink. Its tubular flowers are perfect for hummingbirds to feed on, while its nectar-rich blooms attract butterflies. Salvia prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Salvia

To grow salvia, plant it in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

4. Butterfly Bush

As the name implies, butterfly bush is a favorite of butterflies. Its long, cone-shaped clusters of flowers come in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, and white. Butterfly bush prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Butterfly Bush

To grow butterfly bush, plant it in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, and prune it back in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.

5. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan is a classic perennial flower that attracts both hummingbirds and butterflies. Its bright yellow petals and dark center provide a striking contrast. Black-eyed Susan prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Black-Eyed Susan

To grow black-eyed Susan, plant it in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

Other Perennial Flowers to Consider

1. Lantana

Lantana is a colorful perennial flower that attracts butterflies with its sweet fragrance. Its blooms come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, pink, and yellow. Lantana prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

2. Monarda

Monarda, also known as bee balm, is a favorite of both hummingbirds and butterflies. Its bright red or pink flowers are perfect for hummingbirds to feed on, while its nectar-rich blooms attract butterflies. Monarda prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

3. Verbena

Verbena is a hardy perennial flower that comes in a variety of colors, including shades of purple, pink, and white. Its nectar-rich blooms are a favorite of butterflies. Verbena prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

4. Phlox

Phlox is a beautiful perennial flower that comes in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, purple, and white. Its fragrant blooms are a favorite of both hummingbirds and butterflies. Phlox prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

5. Joe-Pye Weed

Joe-Pye weed is a tall, stately perennial flower that attracts both hummingbirds and butterflies. Its pink or purple blooms provide a striking contrast in the garden. Joe-Pye weed prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soil.


Planting perennial flowers is an easy way to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden. By providing a consistent source of nectar, you can help support these important pollinators. Some of the best perennial flowers for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies include bee balm, coneflower, salvia, butterfly bush, and black-eyed Susan. Other great options to consider include lantana, monarda, verbena, phlox, and Joe-Pye weed.

FAQs

1. What other plants attract hummingbirds?

Other plants that attract hummingbirds include trumpet vine, fuchsia, and cardinal flower.

2. What can I do to encourage butterflies to visit my garden?

In addition to planting nectar-rich flowers, you can also provide a habitat for butterflies by including host plants in your garden. Some common host plants include milkweed, parsley, and dill.

3. Can I plant these perennial flowers in containers?

Yes, many of these perennial flowers can be planted in containers. Just make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant's roots, and be sure to water regularly.

4. How do I deadhead spent blooms?

To deadhead spent blooms, simply pinch off the flower head at the base of the stem. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.

5. When is the best time to prune butterfly bush?

The best time to prune butterfly bush is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.