Attract Butterflies and Hummingbirds with These Best Perennials

Are you looking to attract more butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden? Perennial plants are a great way to do just that! Unlike annuals, perennials will come back year after year, providing a consistent source of nectar and pollen for these important pollinators. In this blog post, we'll explore the best perennials for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden.

The Best Perennials for Attracting Butterflies and Hummingbirds

Milkweed

Milkweed is a must-have plant for any butterfly garden. Monarch butterflies in particular rely on milkweed as their sole host plant for laying eggs and feeding caterpillars. Milkweed also provides a valuable source of nectar for adult butterflies, making it a true double threat. There are many different varieties of milkweed to choose from, including common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), each with its own unique color and growth habit.

Bee Balm

Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is another excellent perennial for attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. Its bright red, pink or purple flowers are a favorite among hummingbirds, while its sweet nectar is a draw for butterflies. Bee balm thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist soil.

Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a cheerful, sun-loving perennial that is easy to grow and attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds. Its bright yellow petals and dark centers make it a striking addition to any garden. Black-eyed Susan tends to self-seed, so be prepared for it to spread throughout your garden over time.

Coneflower

Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a popular choice for butterfly and hummingbird gardens thanks to its long-lasting blooms and drought tolerance. The plant's distinctive cone-shaped center provides a good landing spot for butterflies and its nectar-rich flowers are a favorite among hummingbirds.

Salvia

Salvia is a diverse group of plants that includes both annual and perennial species. Many varieties of salvia, including the popular 'May Night' cultivar, are excellent choices for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. Salvia prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Joe-Pye Weed

Joe-Pye weed (Eupatorium purpureum) is a tall, late-blooming perennial that is a magnet for butterflies. Its large clusters of pinkish-purple flowers provide a plentiful source of nectar for adult butterflies. Joe-Pye weed prefers moist soil and full sun to part shade.

Phlox

Phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a beautiful, fragrant perennial that comes in a range of colors from white to pink to purple. Its sweet scent is particularly attractive to hummingbirds, who love to dart from flower to flower collecting nectar. Phlox thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist soil.

Butterfly Bush

As its name implies, the butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) is a magnet for butterflies. Its long, slender spikes of flowers come in a range of colors from pink to purple to white and are particularly attractive to swallowtail and monarch butterflies. Butterfly bush prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Liatris

Liatris (Liatris spicata) is a unique-looking perennial that produces tall spikes of purple or white flowers. Its unusual shape makes it an excellent landing spot for butterflies, while its nectar-rich flowers provide sustenance for both butterflies and hummingbirds. Liatris prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Verbena

Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) is a tall, airy perennial with clusters of purple or pink flowers. Its open structure makes it easy for butterflies and hummingbirds to access its sweet nectar. Verbena prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata) is a low-maintenance perennial that produces masses of yellow or orange daisy-like flowers throughout the summer. Its bright coloration and abundance of blooms make it a popular choice for attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds. Coreopsis prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Aster

Asters (Aster spp.) are fall-blooming perennials that come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Their late-season blooms provide a valuable source of nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds as they prepare for migration. Asters prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) is a hardy perennial that produces masses of yellow flowers in late summer and early fall. While often unfairly maligned as a cause of hay fever, goldenrod is actually pollinated by insects, including butterflies and bees. Goldenrod prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Ironweed

Ironweed (Vernonia spp.) is a tall, striking perennial with clusters of purple or magenta flowers. Its bold coloration and large size make it an attractive choice for both butterflies and hummingbirds. Ironweed prefers full sun and moist soil.

Mountain Mint

Mountain mint (Pycnanthemum spp.) is a fragrant, low-growing perennial that produces clusters of white or pinkish flowers. Its leaves have a pleasant minty aroma and are a favorite among many butterfly species. Mountain mint prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.

Attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden is not only enjoyable but also beneficial to the environment. By planting these best perennials, you'll be providing a source of nectar and pollen for these important pollinators year after year. Remember to choose plants that are native to your area whenever possible, as they will be better adapted to local conditions and will provide the most benefit to local wildlife.

FAQs

1. Can I plant these perennials in containers?

Yes, many of these perennials can be grown successfully in containers, especially smaller varieties like bee balm or coneflower. Just be sure to choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system and provide adequate drainage.

2. Do I need to deadhead these perennials to keep them blooming?

While deadheading can encourage some perennials to produce more blooms, it is not always necessary. Many of the perennials listed here will continue to produce blooms throughout the season without deadheading.

3. Are these perennials safe for pets?

While many of these perennials are safe for pets, some, like butterfly weed and milkweed, can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. If you have pets that like to nibble on plants, it's best to do some research or consult with a veterinarian before introducing any new plants to your garden.

4. Will planting these perennials attract pests to my garden?

While it's possible that some of these perennials could attract pests like aphids or spider mites, the overall benefits of attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden far outweigh any potential drawbacks. In most cases, any pest problems can be easily managed with natural pest control methods or by introducing beneficial insects to your garden.

5. Can I plant these perennials in shade?

While many of these perennials prefer full sun, there are some, like mountain mint and liatris, that will do well in part shade. Be sure to read the plant tags carefully and choose varieties that are suited to the light conditions in your garden.