Hummingbird and butterfly mixes typically contain a variety of brightly colored, tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds as well as flat, daisy-like flowers that appeal to butterflies. Some common flowers found in these mixes include:
Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds
- Bee balm
- Cardinal flower
- Columbine
- Foxglove
- Impatiens
- Lobelia
- Penstemon
- Petunia
- Salvia
- Trumpet vine
- Verbena
- Zinnia
Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers with long, tubular shapes which allow them to easily access the nectar inside. Bright red, orange, and pink flowers tend to be hummingbird favorites. Having a mix of early, mid, and late blooming flowers will provide nectar sources from spring through fall.
Flowers That Attract Butterflies
- Aster
- Black-eyed Susan
- Butterfly bush
- Butterfly weed
- Coneflower
- Cosmos
- Lantana
- Lavender
- Marigold
- Milkweed
- Verbena
- Zinnia
Butterflies prefer clusters of small, flat flowers that provide a landing platform while feeding. Brightly colored red, yellow, orange, pink and purple blooms attract the most butterflies. Having flowers of different heights will attract more species of butterflies.
Other Beneficial Flowers
In addition to flowers that directly attract hummingbirds and butterflies, consider adding some of these other beneficial blooms to your mix:
- Nectar Plants – Extra nectar sources like bee balm, phlox, and sage provide food for hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Host Plants – Milkweed, dill, and fennel are host plants for butterfly larvae.
- Herbs – Herbs like mint, oregano, thyme attract pollinators and can be used for cooking.
- Native Plants – Native wildflowers support local pollinators best as they’ve adapted to your climate.
When to Plant
Most flowering plants will perform best if sown directly in the garden after the last frost date for your area. For areas with longer growing seasons, hummingbird and butterfly mixes can be planted in fall for earlier spring blooms. Follow seed packet instructions for proper planting times.
Where to Plant
Choose a site with these conditions for optimal growth:
- Full to part sun exposure
- Well-draining soil
- Shelter from strong winds
Groupings of flowers create a target-rich environment. Plant in rows, blocks, or clusters for best effect. Avoid spreading mix thinly as some seeds may not germinate.
Caring for Your Flowers
Here are some tips for caring for hummingbird and butterfly flower mixes:
- Water regularly during the first few weeks after sprouting and during droughts. Most varieties thrive with 1-2″ of water per week.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flowers.
- Stake tall flowers like delphinium and larkspur to prevent toppling.
- Control weeds which compete for space, water, and nutrients.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize a few times during the growing season using a balanced flower fertilizer.
- In cold climates, add a layer of mulch in fall for insulation and to prevent frost heaving.
Combination Planting Ideas
Here are some ideas for combining hummingbird and butterfly flowers with other plants in potted arrangements or garden beds:
Location | Plant Combinations |
---|---|
Containers | Marigolds, petunias, fuchsia, Million Bells, and verbena |
Borders | Zinnias, daisies, salvias, and asters with ornamental grasses |
Cutting Garden | Sunflowers, lavender, coneflowers, statice, and snapdragons |
Rock Garden | Dwarf zinnias, verbena, thyme, sedum, and dianthus |
Shade Gardens | Impatiens, begonias, fuchsia, and lobelia |
Get creative combining heights, colors, and bloom seasons. Don’t forget to include host and nectar plants as well.
Overwintering Tender Plants
Non-hardy plants like lantana, verbena, and butterfly bush may need overwintering indoors in cold climates. Here are a few tips to successfully overwinter them:
- Take cuttings in late summer and root them in pots. Pinch back tips to encourage bushy growth.
- Move potted plants indoors before first frost. Prune back by 1/3 to 1/2.
- Place in a sunny window and water sparingly over winter. Aim for minimum temps around 50°F.
- In spring, repot and move back outside after danger of frost has passed.
Conclusion
Creating a haven for hummingbirds and butterflies is easy with the right selection of food sources. Look for a mix that contains bright, tubular flowers like zinnias and trumpet vine for hummingbirds along with flat, clustered blooms like coneflowers and lantana for butterflies. Combine early, mid, and late season bloomers for months of color. With a little planning, any garden can be filled with the wonder of these beautiful pollinators fluttering among the flowers.