Garden Friends

How to Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies to Your Garden with These Beautiful Plants

There's nothing quite like the joy of watching hummingbirds zip through your garden or butterflies

gently landing on blossoms. These magical pollinators don't just add beauty - they also help your

plants thrive. If you want to create a garden that invites hummingbirds and butterflies, the key lies in

your plant selection.

Let's explore three stunning and pollinator-friendly plants: swamp milkweed, cardinal flower, and

lantana.

1. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

- Loved by Monarch butterflies, bees, and nectar-

feeding insects.

- Nectar-rich flowers and host plant for Monarch

caterpillars.

- Native and thrives in moist, sunny areas.

2. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

- Loved by hummingbirds.

- Scarlet-red tubular flowers ideal for hummingbird

feeding.

- Blooms in late summer; best in part-shade and moist soils.

3. Lantana (Lantana camara)

- Loved by butterflies and hummingbirds.

- Heat-tolerant with vibrant clusters in many colors.

- Continuous blooms from spring to fall. Design Tips:

- Stagger bloom times and avoid pesticides.

- Use bright red, pink, orange, and purple flowers.

- Plant in clusters for visual impact and better

pollinator visibility.

By planting these flowers, you're creating a welcoming oasis for pollinators and a vibrant sanctuary for your family and yourself!

Good luck and enjoy your garden visitors.

Katherine