If you want to bring more life, color, and movement into your garden, planting flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds is one of the most rewarding things you can do. These creatures not only add natural beauty but also play essential roles in pollination and biodiversity.
In this article, you’ll discover the best plants to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, along with tips to create a thriving garden that invites these delightful visitors all season long.
Why Attract Butterflies and Hummingbirds?
Before diving into the plant list, let’s understand why these visitors are so valuable for your garden.
Benefits of butterflies:
- Pollination: Like bees, butterflies help fertilize flowers by transferring pollen.
- Biodiversity: They support the overall health of the ecosystem.
- Beauty and peace: Watching butterflies is relaxing and therapeutic.
Benefits of hummingbirds:
- Pollination: They are vital pollinators for many tubular flowers.
- Pest control: Hummingbirds eat small insects and spiders as part of their diet.
- Entertainment: Their fast movements and bright colors are mesmerizing.
Now let’s explore which plants to grow to attract and support both!
1. Milkweed (Asclepias)
Milkweed is the host plant for monarch butterflies — they lay their eggs on it, and the caterpillars feed on its leaves.
- Type: Perennial
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Attracts: Monarch butterflies
Tip: Choose native milkweed species for your region to ensure the best results.
2. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm is a favorite of both hummingbirds and butterflies thanks to its bright, tubular flowers and strong fragrance.
- Type: Perennial
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, rich
- Attracts: Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees
Bonus: Its leaves can be used to make tea!
3. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
As the name suggests, butterfly bushes are magnets for butterflies — especially in midsummer when they bloom heavily.
- Type: Perennial shrub
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Attracts: Butterflies of all kinds
Note: In some regions, it can be invasive — check before planting.
4. Zinnias
Zinnias are bright, easy-to-grow annuals that butterflies adore. They bloom throughout the summer and require little maintenance.
- Type: Annual
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Average, well-drained
- Attracts: Butterflies, bees
Tip: Deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms.
5. Salvia
Salvias are a top choice for hummingbirds thanks to their tubular shape and bright red, pink, or purple colors.
- Type: Annual or perennial (depends on variety)
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Attracts: Hummingbirds and butterflies
They’re also drought-tolerant once established.
6. Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers not only attract butterflies during bloom but also provide seeds for birds after the flowers fade.
- Type: Perennial
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Tolerates poor soil
- Attracts: Butterflies and seed-eating birds
Bonus: Coneflowers are also medicinal and low maintenance.
7. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
This vigorous vine produces clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers — perfect for hummingbirds.
- Type: Perennial vine
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Adaptable
- Attracts: Hummingbirds
Caution: Can be aggressive — best grown with space to spread or in containers with supports.
8. Lantana
Lantanas are colorful, tough, and bloom endlessly through hot months, attracting butterflies like crazy.
- Type: Annual or perennial (depending on climate)
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Attracts: Butterflies and hummingbirds
Great for borders, containers, and hanging baskets.
9. Fuchsia
Fuchsia’s delicate, pendulous flowers are a hummingbird favorite — especially in shady garden spots.
- Type: Annual or perennial (in mild climates)
- Sunlight: Partial to full shade
- Soil: Moist, fertile
- Attracts: Hummingbirds
Perfect for hanging baskets or porch planters.
10. Verbena
Verbena offers clusters of tiny, nectar-rich flowers that butterflies can’t resist.
- Type: Annual or perennial
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Attracts: Butterflies
Many varieties have a trailing habit — great for borders and pots.
Tips for Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Garden
Here’s how to go beyond just planting flowers:
- Use native plants: They provide the best nectar and are more attractive to local species.
- Plant in groups: Clusters of the same plant make it easier for butterflies and hummingbirds to find them.
- Avoid pesticides: Even organic sprays can harm pollinators.
- Add water: A shallow dish with pebbles makes a great butterfly drinking spot.
- Provide shelter: Include trees, shrubs, or trellises for resting and protection.
A Living, Breathing Garden
With just a bit of planning, your garden can become a paradise for butterflies and hummingbirds. These tiny visitors will reward you with vibrant energy and help your plants thrive through natural pollination. It’s a win for you, your garden, and the planet.
Start small — even a single pot of bee balm or a patch of zinnias can make a difference. As your garden grows, so will your connection to nature.
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