Our Favorite Butterfly & Hummingbird Attractors

There are a number of flowers and foliage that are great attractors for butterflies and hummingbirds. Read about some of our favorites.

Angelonia

Despite its delicate appearance, Angelonia is one of the easiest summer annuals to care for! Upright spikes of purple or white blooms reach heights of 18 inches. This is an excellent specimen for adding color near the front of your garden beds. Angelonia blooms continuously all summer long, with no dead-heading or pruning required. Fertilize with Flower-Tone every two weeks to maximize bloom density and promote a dense growth habit.

Coleus

Flowers aren’t the only way to add color! While Coleus does produce pretty blooms, these attractors are best known for its bright, beautiful foliage. Coleus comes in many shades of purple, green, and red. Many varieties feature scalloped leaves which add texture to any garden bed or container. Great in sun or shade, Coleus is very low-maintenance. The occasional pruning and a monthly dose of Plant-Tone will help promote beautiful, bushy growth.

Pentas – Easy Care Attractors

Adorned with hundreds of nectar-rich, star-shaped blooms in a variety of brilliant hues, Pentas is a feast for the eyes as well as the local wildlife. These bright, tubular blooms are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies alike. Pentas well-mannered growth habit and ease-of-care make it a great option for novices and experts alike. Fertilize with Flower-Tone every two weeks for best results.

Vinca – The Best Annual for Summer Heat

If you have a particularly hot and dry location which you’d like to brighten up, try Vinca! Versatile Vinca is the most drought-tolerant annual in the nursery. A tolerance of heat and bright sun makes this the perfect low-growing tropical flower for summer containers. Vinca reaches a height of about 15 inches and comes in several beautiful colors. These attractors require no pruning or deadheading; however, you should fertilize with Flower-Tone every two weeks to maximize bloom potential.

Agapanthus – Our Most Drought-tolerant Summer Flower

A common sight within the medians along California’s arid roadways, Agapanthus is as drought tolerant as they come. Agapanthus requires virtually no supplemental water after the first year, is hardy to 10 degrees F., and carries no major pests or diseases. The only way you can go wrong is by planting your Agapanthus in poorly drained soil or by over-watering. Agapanthus is not a fan of soggy roots. Every 3 to 4 years, you may dig up and divide Agapanthus clusters in mid-October. After dividing, cut the foliage back by half, replant, and water as needed until established.

Hibiscus

The tropical tree grows in full sun or partial shade and does best in moist, well-drained soil. With over 200 species and many more cultivars in the genus, hibiscus flowers can reach nearly 10 inches in diameter at maturity and come in a wide range of colors from white to red, pink, yellow, and orange. Regardless of variety, hibiscus flowers are great attractors to butterflies and hummingbirds.