Your garden can be much more than a lovely, serene place for family and friends to gather. It can be a bird and butterfly oasis. Creating this oasis doesn’t take much more than planting the kinds of plants which will attract birds and butterflies.
To help get you started, we’ve listed some of the annuals and perennials that will entice these critters into your garden. Remember that birds need to feel protected before they begin to gather so try centering these plantings near or around groups of established trees and shrubs.
Hummingbirds and Butterflies enjoy many of the same features in your garden. Both enjoy flowers for food, shelter from the weather, and a place to bask in the sun. Water is another essential — a hollow in a rock or a shallow birdbath can provide the needed water and hours of enjoyment to the observer!! Both hummingbirds and butterflies like to fly freely; and will give aerial shows almost hourly!
A well-planned garden with the proper plants and positioning is the secret to luring hummingbirds and butterflies. Even better, it is also practical and attractive…
Lantana
Flowers in reds and yellows provide a nectar source for butterflies.
Phlox
Butterflies and hummingbirds take nectar from the white and purple flowers. Other birds feed on the seeds in the fall.
Zinnias
Flowers provide nectar for butterflies while birds eat seeds in autumn and winter. Single flowering varieties are best.
Lavender
Fragrant purple flowers attract butterflies for nectar.
Stonecrop (Sedums)
Butterflies take nectar from the small pink flowers that bloom from August to September.
Sweet William (Dianthus)
Red, white, rosy purple flowers provide nectar for butterflies.
Achillea (Yarrow)
Yarrow is easy to grow and rewarding with sprays of summer flowers, making great butterfly landing pads. Ladybugs are attracted to this plant as well as butterflies. Grows 18″-24″ high.
Buddleia davidii (Butterfly Bush)
Can reach 9-15 feet. Cut to knee high in November. Reblooms through summer if old blossoms removed. Great for both hummingbirds and butterflies.
Salvia Greggii (Autumn Sage)
This, and in fact, most sages are hummingbird attractants. Blooming for over half the year, Autumn sage is found in shades of red and pink.
Gaura lindheimeri
Can almost bloom its heart out. May remain in bloom 6 or more months. 2-3′ high and wide. Attracts hummers and butterflies.
Hemerocallis (Daylily)
Easy to grow, strap leaves are a nice contrast. Flowers are 2-3′ and attract both hummingbirds and butterflies.
