Plants that Invite Butterflies & Birds to Your Landscape

     We have a wide variety of butterflies and birds throughout our area of Florida that are attracted to specific plants for food and shelter.  Florida is home to roughly 200 species of butterflies with some migrating but most staying with us year-round.  Florida has some rare butterflies that are not found in any other state and boasts the most butterflies east of the Mississippi.   We are also home to over 500 species of birds that are attracted to our gorgeous wildflowers and native vegetation.  Our warm temperatures throughout the year make Florida a perfect place to create an inviting landscape for butterflies and birds.  Check out some of the plants below for inspiration on attracting more birds and butterflies to your outdoor spaces.

Native Milkweed
There are over 20 species of milkweed that are native to Florida.  This plant is specifically favored by the Monarch butterfly which feeds on the plant as a caterpillar and the flower nectar later as an adult.  Some of the native milkweed choices you may find available at a nursery are Pink Swamp Milkweed, White Swamp Milkweed and Butterfly weed.  By utilizing these plants, you will see an increase in Monarch traffic through your garden.

Lantana
This drought-tolerant plant is sure to attract the pollinators with its bright bouquets of flower clusters.  This heat tolerant plant is low-maintenance and enjoyed by hummingbirds, bees, and several species of butterflies.  This plant can manage a full sun location and is sure to bring a wide range of pollinators to your landscape.

Coral Honeysuckle
Butterflies and hummingbirds are both attracted to the colorful, tubular flowers while cardinals and other birds will enjoy the bright red berries that appear during fall.  This plant can grow up to 15 ft tall and does best when it can climb a structure or trellis, however, can also be used as a ground cover in areas that do not have foot traffic. 

Zinnia
One of my personal favorites to attract butterflies is Zinnia, which comes in all kinds of vivid colors and sizes.  Choosing a taller flower species will help attract more pollinators.  These low-maintenance flowers will also encourage more visits from hummingbirds.  These flowers are best planted in spring, can handle a full sun location and will bloom longer if you remove the dead blooms. 

Tropical Sage
Attract warblers, nut-hatchers, and hummingbirds with these gorgeous plumes of red or pink flowers.  This plant can grow 2-6 ft tall with 1-2 ft spread and is popular among the butterflies as well as other pollinators.  This plant can bloom all year long and can be placed in a full sun to partial shade location.

Purple Coneflower
Brighten your landscape with this daisy-like flower that blooms throughout the spring and fall.  This whimsical plant, also known as echinacea, comes in a variety of colors, but the light purple is the Florida native option.  This adaptive plant will grow 3-4 ft tall with a 2-3 ft spread and does well in a full sun location.  A great option for attracting an array of butterflies and pollinators. 

     If you are looking for ways to increase the butterfly and bird sightings in your yard, research the best plants for your exact location.  Many of the plants have a selection of specimens that may be better suited to a full sun location versus a shady spot.  Find specimens that are not considered invasive and try to utilize native plants when available, as they will last longer, are better for the natural ecosystem, and attract more local wildlife.  Give us a call or text if you would like to schedule a free, onsite consultation to discuss the best plants available for your exact location and preferences.  We can help you design an inviting space for butterflies, birds and other pollinators that will be easy-to-maintain and look fantastic throughout the year.