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Plants that Attract Butterflies and Hummingbirds for Containers and Hanging Baskets

When it comes to creating a vibrant and lively garden, incorporating plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds is a fantastic idea. Not only do these plants add beauty and color to your outdoor space, but they also provide a valuable food source and habitat for these delightful creatures.

Butterfly-Attracting Plants

Butterflies are attracted to plants that provide nectar, as well as those that serve as host plants for their caterpillars. Here are some excellent choices for attracting butterflies to your containers and hanging baskets:

• Buddleia (Butterfly Bush): Known for its vibrant flowers and sweet fragrance, butterfly bushes are a magnet for various butterfly species.
• Lantana: With its colorful clusters of flowers, lantana is a favorite among butterflies. It comes in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and purple.
• Zinnia: Zinnias are not only easy to grow but also attract butterflies with their bright, daisy-like blooms.
• Milkweed: As the host plant for monarch butterflies, milkweed is an essential addition to any butterfly garden. It provides a food source for caterpillars and nectar for adult butterflies.

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Hummingbird-Attracting Plants

Hummingbirds are drawn to plants with tubular flowers that contain nectar. These tiny birds have a high metabolism and need to feed frequently, making them a joy to watch. Here are some plants that will entice hummingbirds to your containers and hanging baskets:

• Fuchsia: With its pendulous, bell-shaped flowers, fuchsia is a favorite among hummingbirds. Opt for varieties with bright red or pink blooms.
• Salvia: Hummingbirds are particularly fond of salvias, which produce tall spikes of tubular flowers in various colors, including red, purple, and blue.
• Petunia: These popular annuals come in a wide range of colors and attract hummingbirds with their trumpet-shaped flowers.
• Bee Balm: Also known as Monarda, bee balm produces vibrant, nectar-rich flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible.

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By incorporating these plants into your containers and hanging baskets, you can create a haven for both butterflies and hummingbirds. Remember to provide a water source, such as a shallow dish with pebbles, to attract these beautiful creatures even more.

Keywords: plants, butterflies, hummingbirds, flowers, attract, butterfly, containers, hanging, baskets