Attracting Hummingbirds and Butterflies with Flowers

Are you a fan of beautiful, fluttering butterflies and tiny, buzzing hummingbirds? If so, you can easily attract them to your garden with the right kind of flowers. With so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to . In this article, we'll go over some of the best flowers to plant if you want to bring these lovely creatures into your yard.

The Best Flowers for Attracting Hummingbirds and Butterflies

Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee balm is a popular choice for attracting both hummingbirds and butterflies, thanks to its bright colors and sweet nectar. This plant comes in a variety of shades, including red, pink, purple, and white. Bee balm is also easy to grow and works well in borders or as filler plants in larger gardens.

Lantana

Lantana is another favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies alike. It produces colorful clusters of flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink, which are full of nectar. Lantana is also very low maintenance, making it an ideal choice for busy gardeners.

Zinnias

Zinnias are a classic garden flower that come in a wide range of colors and sizes. They are easy to grow from seed and bloom all season long, making them a great choice for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Zinnias also make excellent cut flowers, so you can enjoy their beauty indoors as well.

Pentas

Pentas are a popular choice for attracting butterflies, thanks to their bright colors and sweet nectar. They come in shades of red, pink, white, and purple, and bloom all season long. Pentas also work well in containers, making them a great choice for small gardens or balconies.

Salvia

Salvia is a hardy perennial that produces spikes of flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and red. It is a favorite of hummingbirds, who love the long, tubular blooms. Salvia is also very low maintenance and can tolerate drought conditions, making it a great choice for hot, dry climates.

Milkweed

Milkweed is an essential plant for anyone looking to attract monarch butterflies. This plant is the only food source for monarch caterpillars, so planting milkweed is crucial to supporting their population. Milkweed produces clusters of pink, orange, or yellow flowers that are full of nectar, making it a great choice for attracting other species of butterflies as well.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

As the name suggests, butterfly bush is a favorite of butterflies. It produces long spikes of flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue, which are full of nectar. Butterfly bush is also easy to grow and can tolerate a variety of growing conditions.

Cosmos

Cosmos is a beautiful annual flower with delicate, daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, white, and red. It is a favorite of both hummingbirds and butterflies and is very easy to grow from seed. Cosmos also self-seeds readily, so you'll have plenty of new plants every year.

Coneflower (Echinacea)

Coneflower is a hardy perennial that produces large, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It is a favorite of both hummingbirds and butterflies and blooms from early summer through fall. Coneflower is also very low maintenance and can tolerate drought conditions.

Verbena

Verbena produces clusters of small, colorful flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. It is a favorite of both hummingbirds and butterflies and blooms all season long. Verbena is also very low maintenance and works well as a ground cover or in containers.

Petunias

Petunias are a classic garden flower that come in a wide range of colors and sizes. They are easy to grow from seed or transplants and bloom all season long, making them a great choice for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Petunias also work well in hanging baskets or window boxes.

Columbine

Columbine is a hardy perennial that produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, yellow, and blue. It is a favorite of hummingbirds and blooms in early spring. Columbine prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Phlox

Phlox is a hardy perennial that produces clusters of colorful flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It is a favorite of both hummingbirds and butterflies and blooms from mid-summer through fall. Phlox prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

Black-eyed Susan is a hardy perennial that produces daisy-like flowers with dark centers and golden petals. It is a favorite of both hummingbirds and butterflies and blooms from mid-summer through fall. Black-eyed Susan prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Daylilies

Daylilies are a hardy perennial that produce large, showy flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red. They are a favorite of hummingbirds and bloom from early summer through fall. Daylilies prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

How to Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies

Provide a Water Source

Hummingbirds and butterflies both need water to survive, so providing a source of water in your garden is crucial. This could be a bird bath, a shallow dish filled with water, or even a drip irrigation system.

Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides can be harmful to hummingbirds and butterflies, so it's best to avoid them if possible. Instead, try using natural methods like companion planting or manual removal of pests.

Plant in Clumps

Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to clusters of flowers, so planting in clumps is more effective than scattering individual plants throughout your garden.

Plant in the Sun

Most flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies prefer full sun, so make sure to plant them in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Provide Shelter

Hummingbirds and butterflies need shelter from the wind and rain, so planting near trees or other structures can provide them with protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know which flowers will attract hummingbirds and butterflies?

A: Look for flowers that are brightly colored and have a tubular shape, as these are the types of flowers that hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to.

2. Can I attract hummingbirds and butterflies to my balcony or patio?

A: Yes! Many of the flowers listed in this article work well in containers, making them a great choice for small spaces.

3. How often should I water my hummingbird and butterfly garden?

A: This depends on the specific plants you've chosen and your climate. In general, most of these flowers prefer moist, well-drained soil, so make sure to water them regularly.

4. What should I do if I see a sick or injured hummingbird or butterfly in my garden?

A: Contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for advice on how to help the animal.

5. Can I use hummingbird feeders instead of planting flowers?

A: While hummingbird feeders can be effective at attracting hummingbirds, it's important to remember that they are not a substitute for planting flowers. Hummingbirds need a variety of food sources to stay healthy, and natural nectar from flowers is their preferred choice.

Attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden can be a fun and rewarding experience. By planting the right flowers and following these tips, you can create a beautiful oasis that will attract these lovely creatures all season long. So get out there and planting!