Landscaping Design Ideas to Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies

A beautiful addition to any landscape design are plants and other components that are designed to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. These visually stunning animals add to the natural beauty of any garden. They are also a nice contrast to each other with the speed of the hummingbird and the slow hypnotic movements of the butterfly.

Obviously, hummingbird feeders are one way to bring these little guys into your garden. These feeders can be hung on tree limbs or on a cane shaped stake in the middle of the garden. Another way that is more natural is to choose flowers for your garden that will attract them. This is more pleasing to the birds and leaves your garden looking more natural.

Depending on your zone, there are usually several options. The Red Columbine will do well in zones 2-8, and is great for attracting hummingbirds. They bloom early, and their color will quickly attract the first hummingbirds that return after the Winter.

Delphiniums will grow well in zones 2-9, and will also attract hummers. These are a nice choice for the back end of a garden, as they can reach up to five feet tall. This will allow you to have an unobstructed view of these little birds without disturbing their natural activity. These plants are also quite beautiful.

Often, you will find butterflies and hummers sharing the same area. A verbena bush, or a hanging fuchsia will be a great addition if you plan to attract butterflies. Another good choice is a butterfly bush, which is perfect for attracting swallowtails.

Another flower that is quite lovely and also produces butterfly nectar is the marigold. Sunflowers will also do the trick, and their seeds will allow you to feed other types of wildlife, including birds and squirrels.

Different types of flowers will attract different types of butterflies. Be sure you know which species are indigenous to your area. Rabbitbrush and Canada Thistle will attract Monarchs, whereas geraniums and lilacs will bring in swallowtails. Daisies are a favorite of Queen butterflies and gray hairstreak is enjoyed by many types.

You will want to be cautious when using insecticides if you want the butterflies to keep coming in. Many of the more common brands will kill them right along with the other bugs.

Dandelions and some other wildflowers are also very attractive to butterflies. These flowers are quite lovely, but obviously they are hard to control when the flowers turn to seeds and blow all over. Although you probably do not want them as part of your garden, some types of weeds, such as milkweed and thistle are a favorite of butterflies as well. These are not usually a welcome sight in most landscape designs.

Butterflies and hummingbirds will bring a life to your garden that only nature can provide. Inviting these creatures into your landscape will give you hours of entertainment.

         

More Landscaping Supplies and Management Articles