Attracting Hummingbirds & Butterflies Naturally

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. Look close at some of your outdoor flower heads and herbs — you may discover elusive butterflies that you’ve never noticed before.

Did you know that butterflies love many herb flowers? They love Coneflowers (echinacea), as well as basil and parsley. Parsley can be a host plant for butterflies. Depending on where you live, parsley stands a good chance of being around in time to garnish the holiday turkey and maybe even make it through winter! You and the butterflies can benefit from this versatile herb.

Do you have flowers on your fennel and dill plants? Check them out to see if Swallowtail butterflies are checking in! Fennel and dill grow well side by side plus these herbs can add zing to many home cooked meals.

Balms are another butterfly favorite. Monarchs and hummingbirds are particularly fond of Bee Balm (shown in photo).  Bee Balm is tall (3 ft.) and bushy with deep pink or red flowers that emerge in late summer/fall. Bee Balm is a perennial and will add a pop of color to your garden when most flowers are winding down. Different balms will attract different types of butterflies, so planting a variety of balms will provide you with a parade of butterflies.

BOTH hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to Zinnias.  These annuals are also one of the EASIEST flowers to grow from seed. Now is the perfect time to plant some Zinnia seeds in your flower bed or container garden. There’s a wide variety to choose from, so read the seed packet carefully. Giants of California Zinnias and Giant Cactus Zinnias grow up to 3 feet tall, others like the “dwarf” varieties are shorter and more compact.

Joe Pye Weed is another favorite of BOTH hummers and butterflies. It is a tall perennial that grows up to 7 feet and has medium pink blooms with a faint scent of vanilla. It likes full sun and having a fence or wall to lean on for support and protection.

Another favorite for attracting BOTH to your garden: drought tolerant Black-Eyed Susan (perennial). Hummingbirds and butterflies love the nectar in these flowers. Bonus: the birds love their seeds!

Be sure to plant your flowers and herbs near your patio, outdoor sitting area or near your windows so you can keep a watchful eye out for hummingbirds and butterflies.

Some of the best things in life are truly free – like butterflies and hummingbirds. Enjoy the view!