Shade Plants for Butterflies and Hummingbirds

Butterflies and hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating creatures on earth. They are also very important pollinators - without them, many plants would not be able to reproduce. However, their populations are declining due to habitat loss and climate change. One way we can help these creatures is by planting shade plants that provide food and shelter for them. In this article, we will explore some of the best shade plants for butterflies and hummingbirds.

The Importance of Shade Plants

Shade plants are essential for any garden, as they provide a cool and comfortable environment for plants and animals alike. They also help to reduce water loss and soil erosion, making them ideal for gardens in hot and dry climates. Shade plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small ground covers to towering trees. Some shade plants are also excellent at attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, making them perfect additions to any garden.

Host Plants for Butterflies

If you want to attract butterflies to your garden, you should consider planting host plants. Host plants are plants that butterflies lay their eggs on, and that caterpillars eat when they hatch. Some of the best host plants for butterflies include milkweed, parsley, dill, fennel, and rue. These plants provide food and shelter for butterflies at different stages of their life cycle, and they are also beautiful to look at.

Milkweed

Milkweed is a common host plant for monarch butterflies. It provides food for caterpillars and nectar for adult butterflies. There are many different varieties of milkweed, so you can choose the one that best suits your garden. Some popular varieties include common milkweed, swamp milkweed, and butterfly weed.

Parsley, Dill, Fennel, and Rue

These plants are all members of the carrot family, and they are great host plants for a variety of butterflies. They provide food and shelter for caterpillars and nectar for adult butterflies. However, they can also be invasive, so it's important to plant them in a contained area.

Flowering Plants for Butterflies and Hummingbirds

In addition to host plants, you should also consider planting flowering plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. These plants provide nectar for adult butterflies and hummingbirds, and they are also beautiful to look at. Some of the best flowering plants for butterflies and hummingbirds include bee balm, cardinal flower, columbine, and salvia.

Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as Oswego tea, is a member of the mint family. It produces showy red, pink, or purple flowers that attract both butterflies and hummingbirds. Bee balm prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it perfect for gardens with wet soil.

Cardinal Flower

Cardinal flower is a native wildflower that produces bright red flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, and it can grow up to 4 feet tall. Cardinal flower is also a host plant for the white admiral butterfly.

Columbine

Columbine is a delicate wildflower that produces unique flowers with long spurs. It attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds, and it prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. Columbine comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, blue, and yellow.

Salvia

Salvia is a popular garden plant that produces spikes of purple, pink, or blue flowers. It attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds, and it prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Salvia comes in many different varieties, so you can choose the one that best suits your garden.

Shrubs and Trees for Butterflies and Hummingbirds

Shrubs and trees are also important for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. They provide shelter and nesting sites for these creatures, as well as food and nectar. Some of the best shrubs and trees for butterflies and hummingbirds include dogwood, elderberry, serviceberry, and viburnum.

Dogwood

Dogwood is a small tree that produces showy white or pink flowers in the spring. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers, and it also provides shelter for them. Dogwood prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

Elderberry

Elderberry is a large shrub that produces clusters of small white flowers in the spring. These flowers attract both butterflies and hummingbirds, and they are followed by dark purple berries that are enjoyed by birds. Elderberry prefers moist soil and partial shade.

Serviceberry

Serviceberry, also known as Juneberry, is a small tree that produces white or pink flowers in the spring. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers, and it also provides food for birds and other wildlife. Serviceberry prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.

Viburnum

Viburnum is a large shrub that produces clusters of white or pink flowers in the spring. It attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds, and it also provides shelter for them. Viburnum prefers moist soil and partial shade.

In planting shade plants that are specifically designed to attract butterflies and hummingbirds is an excellent way to help these creatures survive. By providing food and shelter for them, we can create habitats that are perfect for these important pollinators. There are many different shade plants to choose from, including host plants, flowering plants, shrubs, and trees. So why not planning your butterfly and hummingbird garden today?

FAQs

Q: What is a host plant?

A: A host plant is a plant that butterflies lay their eggs on, and that caterpillars eat when they hatch.

Q: How do I know if a plant is invasive?

A: You can check with your local gardening center or extension office to find out if a plant is invasive in your area.

Q: How often should I water my shade plants?

A: The frequency of watering will depend on the specific plant and its growing conditions. As a general rule, you should water shade plants deeply once a week.

Q: Can I grow shade plants in containers?

A: Yes, many shade plants can be grown in containers as long as they have enough space and light.

Q: Can I use pesticides on my shade plants?

A: It's best to avoid using pesticides on your shade plants, as they can harm beneficial insects like butterflies and hummingbirds. Instead, try using natural pest control methods like companion planting and handpicking pests.