Butterfly plants are known for their brightly colored, nectar-rich flowers that attract butterflies. But can they also draw in hummingbirds? The short answer is yes, many butterfly plants are excellent at attracting hummingbirds too.
Why do hummingbirds visit butterfly plants?
Hummingbirds feed on the nectar of flowers as their main food source. They are attracted to flowers with the following characteristics:
- Brightly colored red, orange, and pink flowers
- Tubular or trumpet shaped flowers that fit their long beaks
- Abundant nectar
Butterfly plants tend to share these traits, which is why you will often see hummingbirds visiting butterfly plants alongside butterflies. The most popular butterfly plants that attract hummingbirds include:
- Lantana
- Fuchsia
- Salvia
- Coral honeysuckle
- Butterfly bush
- Cardinal flower
- Beard tongue
- Columbine
- Bee balm
- Penstemon
These plants produce the types of flowers that hummingbirds gravitate towards. The bright colors attract the birds, while the tubular flower shapes are perfectly designed for the birds to insert their long, slender beaks into to reach the nectar.
Tips for attracting hummingbirds to butterfly plants
Here are some tips to attract more hummingbirds to the butterfly plants in your garden:
- Plant red, orange, and pink flowering varieties – these colors attract the most hummingbirds.
- Choose tubular flowers over flat open faced flowers.
- Plant in groups – clumps or drifts of the same plants work better than isolated individual plants.
- Provide continuous bloom from spring through fall – plan staggered planting and choose both early and late blooming varieties.
- Avoid pesticides – hummingbirds are highly sensitive to chemicals.
- Supplement with feeders – provide a sugar-water feeder to ensure a constant food source.
- Provide sheltered perching spots – have nearby trees, shrubs, or trellises where they can rest.
- Add a water feature – hummingbirds bathe and drink regularly when out foraging.
- Deadhead spent flowers – to encourage reblooming.
- Mulch beds – to keep soil moist so plants actively produce nectar.
Best butterfly plants for hummingbirds
Lantana
Lantana is a low maintenance, heat tolerant shrub that produces clusters of brightly colored flowers in shades of red, yellow, pink, orange, purple and white. Different colored varieties will attract both ruby-throated hummingbirds and other species. The flowers bloom continuously from spring until frost.
Fuchsia
The drooping, bell shaped flowers of fuchsia are a favorite of hummingbirds. They will visit fuchsia flowers for the abundant nectar. Grow them in hanging baskets where the hummingbirds can easily hover at the suspended flowers.
Salvia
Also called sage, salvia are long blooming plants with tubular flowers perfectly suited for hummingbirds. There are many color varieties, but red types like pineapple sage, autumn sage, and scarlet sage are most attractive to hummingbirds.
Coral Honeysuckle
This vining honeysuckle offers a profusion of bright coral-red blooms from late spring to late summer. Hummingbirds will come to feed on the nectar. Grow coral honeysuckle on a trellis where it can climb.
Butterfly Bush
As the name implies, butterfly bush is beloved by butterflies. But hummingbirds also frequent these large, conical flowers for their rich nectar. Butterfly bushes thrive in full sun and bloom from midsummer to fall. Prune annually to promote flowering.
Cardinal Flower
The brilliant red flowers of cardinal flower attract the ruby-throated hummingbird in particular. This perennial grows tall flower spikes from late summer into fall. Provide moist soil conditions.
Beard Tongue
Also known as penstemon, this perennial produces abundant tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and red. Beard tongue blooms in spring and early summer and make great long-blooming hummingbird plants.
Columbine
Columbinse flowers have backward curving petals with nectar spurs that only hummingbirds can access. These spring-blooming plants do well in shade gardens. Popular varieties include red columbine and yellow columbine.
Bee Balm
With its red tubular flowers, bee balm is one the best hummingbird attracting perennials. Hummingbirds will drink the nectar and pollinate the flowers. For non-stop color, plant early, mid, and late season blooming monarda varieties.
Penstemon
Also known as beardtongue, penstemon produces abundant tubular flowers perfectly suited for hummingbirds. The tall flower spikes come in attractive colors including pink, purple, white, and red. Penstemon thrives in sunny, well-drained sites.
When and where to see hummingbirds on butterfly plants
The best time to observe hummingbirds feeding on butterfly plants is in mid to late summer when both adult and juvenile birds are busy feeding. This is when energy needs are highest as the birds prepare for migration. Plant butterfly plants where they can be easily viewed from a porch, patio or window so you can observe hummingbird activity:
- Near a garden seating area
- Along borders or beds visible from inside the home
- Adjacent to frequently used outdoor living spaces
- Around deck or patio containers
- Near windows that allow hummingbird watching
Positioning the plants where you spend time and adding feeders will give the best chance to see hummingbirds. Keeping the plants well watered and deadheading faded blooms will extend the period of flowering and nectar availability.
How to design a hummingbird and butterfly flower garden
Follow these tips to create a garden that will attract both butterflies and hummingbirds:
- Select a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Butterflies and hummingbirds are most active in bright light.
- Prepare the planting beds well by mixing in compost to improve drainage and nutrition. Most butterfly and hummingbird plants thrive in lightly moist, but well-draining soil.
- Plant brightly colored, tubular flowers in drifts and clusters. Avoid small groupings of different plants – mass plantings of the same flower type are more attractive.
- Include early, mid, and late season bloomers for continuous color and nectar throughout the seasons. Plan sequential bloom periods.
- Include herbaceous perennials and shrubs for structure and vertical interest. Provide sturdy plants like lavender, sage, lantana and butterfly bush.
- Include annuals and fillers around the perennials and shrubs for quick, seasonal color. Zinnias, verbena, petunias and cosmos are good choices.
- Set up feeders with fresh sugar-water for the hummingbirds. Place near flowers and with clear approach paths so birds feel safe. Maintain feeders regularly.
- Add sheltered perches like trellises, arbors or dead trees/branches. Hummingbirds rest frequently between feeding sessions.
- Provide water sources such as a bird bath, fountain or garden pond. Hummingbirds bathe and drink while feeding.
- Avoid pesticides which can be toxic to hummingbirds. Practice organic gardening techniques instead.
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote new blooms and provide continuous nectar sources.
Following these guidelines will help establish a vibrant garden habitat that attracts both beautiful butterflies and buzzing hummingbirds!
Conclusion
Butterfly plants are excellent choices for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Flowers like lantana, fuchsia, salvia, and coral honeysuckle produce abundant nectar inside the types of tubular blooms hummingbirds love. Plant these and other butterfly plants in masses, choose a variety of bloom times for continuous color, and supplement with feeders to bring in more hummingbirds. With some planning, you can have a garden filled with the fluttering and buzzing of both butterflies and hummingbirds visiting flower after beautiful flower.
