How to Start a Garden for Butterflies and Hummingbirds

Courtesy of Ijams Nature Center, Ijams.org

There are many things you can do to create a successful habitat in your own backyard. Remember to start with a small area so you do not become overwhelmed.

To have a successful butterfly and hummingbird garden you need to provide:

Shelter

Anything that will protect from wind and rain.

• Loose bark
• Evergreens
• Shrubs
• Wind breaks
• Dark rocks for warmth

Water

Water needs to be provided in small amounts.

• Puddles
• Mister
• Damp soil
• Fruit or stale beer

Nectar Plants

Nectar plants provide food for the adult butterfly and hummingbirds. It is best to provide flowers that bloom throughout the spring and summer. Mid to late summer is the critical period to provide food.

• Shrubs & trees – Bottlebrush, Red Buckeye, Buttonbush, Redbud, Summersweet, Cranberry Viburnum, Possum Haw, Viburnum, Butterfly Bush, Birch
• Annuals & Herbs – Cosmos, Lantana, Lavendar, Marigolds, Mexican Sunflower, Pentas, Salvia, Zinnias, Fuchsia
• Wildflowers – Butterfly Weed, Coneflower, Ironweed, Milkweeds, New England Aster, Verbena (Homestead), Thistle, Bee Balm, Black-eyed Susan, Passionflower, Coreopsis, Sedum Yarrow, Joe-pye Weed, Goldenrod, Trumpet Vine, Honeysuckle Vine, Cardinal Flower

When selecting plant species, focus on native species. Native plant species require minimal fertilizer and water, thus contributing to overall environmental health.

Host Plants

Host plants provide a place for adult butterflies to lay their eggs and food for emerging caterpillars. Be prepared for the destruction of these plants. It is a sign of success. Different butterfly species prefer specific plants to lay their eggs on. Below is a list of butterfly species and their host plants.