Nursery Care Sheets

Butterfly & Hummingbird Gardens

10 Helpful Steps to Attract Butterfiles & Hummingbirds

1. Situate the garden in a sunny location. Both butterflies and hummingbirds as well as most plants that attract them prefer higher levels of light.

2. Select plants that naturally produce nectar. Because butterflies and hummingbirds use large amounts of energy in flight and have such small bodies which are not energy efficient, they must consume foods very high in sugars like nectar. Plants that produce nectar provides a food source thus attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

3. Consider the flower structure. Because of butterfly and hummingbird anatomy, flowers that are single and tubular shaped allow for easiest access to the nectar. Double flowers have more petals which often restrict that ability.

4. Plant in larger color groups. Color is important in attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds, but that color needs to be noticed from afar. Groups of flowers are easier to locate than isolated plants. Keep in mind that brightly colored yellows, reds, oranges, and purples are the most attractive to butterflies, while red is the most attractive to hummingbirds.

5. Plan for continuous bloom. Butterflies and Hummingbirds are active from early spring until late fall. Plant a selection of flowers that will provide nectar by blooming throughout the growing season.

6. Remember host plants. Add plants which provide food for caterpillars before they become butterflies, as well as plants to lure the female butterflies into the garden to lay their eggs. It is also helpful to include plants that hummingbirds can use to perch on and provide shelter.

7. Create damp areas or shallow water. Some butterflies drink while extracting minerals like salt. This process can be facilitated with a shallow dish of water at ground level. Hummingbirds also make use of standing water to both drink and bathe.

8. Place flat stones in the garden. This provides a place to perch and bask in the sun. The heat raises the body temperatures of butterflies and hummingbirds, reducing the amount of energy needed to stay warm, thus leaving energy available for flight and food collection.

9. Avoid pesticide use in the area. Most traditional garden pesticides are toxic to butterflies. Use other pest management methods to rid the garden of pest problems.

10. Feeders and houses. Many types of feeders are available and can be filled with a solution one part sugar dissolved in four parts water. Commercially available nectars are also a good choice. Do not use honey or other artificial sweeteners in feeders as they can produce a fatal fungal disease. Clean the feeders every 3 to 5 days. Houses to provide sanctuary from the weather and predators will create a safe atmosphere and will attract more butterflies and hummingbirds to the area.

Use the following lists to help select plants to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Plants to Attract Butterflies

Annuals
Dill
Calendula
Heliotrope
Flowering Tobacco
Parsley
Petunia
Anise
Rosemary
African Marigold
Nasturtium
Verbena
Zinnia
Cosmos
Impatiens

Lantana
Lavender
Bronze Fennel

Perennials
Achillia millefolium
Alcea rosea
Asclepias spp.
Aster spp.
Centranthus spp.
Chelone spp.
Dianthus barbatus
Echinacea prupurea
Echinops spp.
Eupatorium maculatum

Gaillardia spp.
Helianthus spp.
Hemerocallis spp.
Liatris spp.
Lupinus perennis
Monarda spp.
Oenothera spp.
Rudbeckia spp.
Solidago spp.
Phlox paniculata

Shrubs
Rhododendron
Azalea
Butterfly Bush

Spicebush
Summersweet
Mockorange
Pussywillow
Lilac
Weigela

Trees
Tulip Tree
Birch
Poplar
Oak
Plum
Cherry

The plant known as the Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) is a popular choice for butterfly gardens. These plants bloom prolifically on panicles several inches long. Flowers are often purple to lavender, but can also be found in white, pink, and even yellow. Butterfly Bushes are beautiful landscape plants grown best in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained soil. Although most are hardy to this area, they die back to the ground at the end of the season and do best with protection such as a thick layer of mulch over the winter. ENJOY!

Plants to Attract Hummingbirds

Shrubs
Weigela
Rhododendron
Rose of Sharon
Coralberry

Vines
Cross Vine
Trumpet Vine
Scarlet Runner Bean
Honeysuckle

Perennials
Lobelia cardinalis
Aquilegia canadensis
Monarda spp.
Chelone obliqua
Impatiens pallida

Digitalis mertonensis
Lobelia siphilitica
Kniphofia uvaria
Hosta spp.
Penstemon spp.