Butterfly Nectar Sources

Large, full, rounded clusters of soft pink, fragrant flowers are borne in late spring on this deciduous hybrid azalea. Spring Sensation was bred and selected for heat and humidity tolerance for southern gardens by Dr. Eugene Aromi of Mobile, Alabama as well as for its ability to load up with exceptionally large flower clusters.In the garden, Aromi Hybrid Deciduous Azaleas have the look, feel, and fragrance of many of our US native deciduous azaleas, sometimes called Bush Honeysuckles, and yet are easy enough for the average gardener to be successful with.Item# 10150.

Large, full, rounded clusters of soft pink, fragrant flowers are borne in late spring on this deciduous hybrid azalea. Spring Sensation was bred and selected for heat and humidity tolerance for southern gardens by Dr. Eugene Aromi of Mobile, Alabama as well as for its ability to load up with exceptionally large flower clusters. In the garden, Aromi Hybrid Deciduous Azaleas have the look, feel, and fragrance of many of our US native deciduous azaleas, sometimes called Bush Honeysuckles, and yet are easy enough for the average gardener to be successful with.Item# 10150.

Large clusters of white late spring flowers produce green berries that ripen to a blue-black. The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators and the edible fruits attract a variety of wildlife, especially birds. Arrowwood Viburnum is a vigorous growing, naturally rounded, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with rich green foliage and is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions. Fall color includes yellows, orange, reds, and near purple. Arrowwood Viburnum makes an easy hedge, background specimen, or screen. Easy and reliable. Item# 10922

The out of this world very large, up to 5" across, funnel shaped flowers can range from solid salmon, to randomly flecked and streaked with salmon and pink, to white with randomly flecked with pink and are produced in late spring. Astronaut Azalea, a.k.a. Holly Springs Astronaut, is a Satsuki hybrid developing into a 3' high mound of deep green, medium textured, evergreen foliage. It lends itself to bonsai culture but is sure to be a low-maintenance conversation piece in the garden and landscape. Azaleas do best in average moist, acidic soils that are rich in organic matter but have good to excellent drainage and should be top dressed with an organic mulch such as pine straw and pine bark. We recommend using a slow-release, non-burning fertilizer that is labeled for acidic loving plants. Azalea flowers attract a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Item# 12796

The clusters of fragrant starry white flowers with a touch of contrasting red to burgundy at the base of the corona may be produced throughout the year under warm tropical conditions. The sweet and almost honey-like, spicily fragrant flowers attract butterflies, hummingbird moths, and other pollinators. The Australian Waxflower, Hoya australis, is an exceptionally vigorous growing, twining, evergreen, tropical vine with glossy rounded ovate foliage and burgundy new growth. It naturally wants to climb and the vines can reach 30' long if offered support but it can also easily be trained to a small 3' high trellis or as a hanging basket specimen. This appears to be one of the easier to grow species and is reported to tolerate some cool sunlight although the leaves may become more olive or yellowish green than the typical deep green coloration under high light conditions. Item# 12343

An unusual bicolored Mexican Petunia, Aztec Pink and White™ Ruellia produces pure white trumpets with contrasting magenta throats that are born freely from late spring or early summer until first frost to year round under warm tropical conditions atop medium-sized sturdy stems. This Mexican Petunia is a relatively new, compact, seed and pollen sterile selection that can spend more energy on flowering instead of adding unwanted seedlings to the garden. It is a naturally evergreen, rhizomatous or spreading, tropical perennial that is grown as a die-back perennial in zones 8-9. It can be grown as a low maintenance container specimen plant, in mixed container gardens, as well as in the garden and landscape. It can also be used as a medium-sized groundcover in difficult sites. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Provide Mexican Petunias with a full to part sun site in an average moist to wet, fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 12599

Medium height and sterile! Aztec Purple™ Ruellia or Mexican Petunia produces purple trumpets that are born freely from late spring or early summer until first frost to year round under warm tropical conditions atop medium-sized sturdy stems. This Mexican Petunia is a relatively new, compact, seed and pollen sterile selection that can spend more energy on flowering instead of adding unwanted seedlings to the garden. It is a naturally evergreen, rhizomatous or spreading, tropical perennial that is grown as a die-back perennial in zones 8-9. It can be grown as a low maintenance container specimen plant, in mixed container gardens, as well as in the garden and landscape. It can also be used as a medium-sized groundcover in difficult sites. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Provide Mexican Petunias with a full to part sun site in an average moist to wet, fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 12780

Large spikes of deep blue, tubular flowers are born in summer, late summer, and sometimes into fall on this clump forming native perennial wildflower. Under natural conditions Azure Blue Sage produces tall arching stems that terminate into large, often branching, spikes of flowers that are quite suited to use by Hummingbirds and butterflies. Great at the back of the garden or in natural settings. Item# 10460.

4-5" wide flowers with white petals and sepals are topped by a crown of white filaments with a light purple halo surrounding the central portion of these exotic looking flowers. Bahama Blue Passion Flower is a beautiful and vigorous free flowering selection of the Blue Crown Passion Flower, Passiflora caerulea, with all its hardiness and reliability. The nectar rich flowers are adored by larger bees and the foliage is a host to a variety of butterflies. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in a moderately fertile, average moist, well-drained soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Click on "More Details and Growing Info" or the image to learn more about growing Passionvines as perennials in containers or in the garden and landscape. Item# 11222

Large clusters of deep reddish pink, nectar and pollen laden flowers are produced from summer nearly to frost attracting loads of bees who are constantly working the flowers along with butterflies and hummingbirds. The Baja Red Rose of Montana, the deepest red selection of Antigonon leptopus selected from seed that originated in Baja California, is a vigorous, heat and sunloving, root hardy, tropical vine that can reach heights to 30'H or more if provided with a support. It can easily be enjoyed on arbors, medium and large trellises, along fences, and we have often seen it being allowed to grow up the bare trunks of palms in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. The plants produce potato-like tubers from which they return each spring. Provide the Rose of Montana or Coral Vine with a full sun to part shade site in a fertile soil with average or better drainage for optimum vigor and flowering. A favorite for bee keepers! Item# 9027

Large clusters of rich purple to red-purple flowers sit atop the sturdy 3-4' stems of this medium sized Ironweed in summer and potentially into fall. Baldwin's or Western Ironweed, Vernonia baldwinii, is an excellent source of midsummer pollen and nectar for long-tongued bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. This species is more drought resistant than many Ironweeds once well-established and it is important to note that this species can colonize an area via long rhizomes. Its ability to colonize an area may make it a better choice for naturalistic areas like meadows, prairies, and roadsides than in more formal garden settings. Provide good drainage and a full sun to mostly sunny site with average moisture. Deadhead once flowering is complete to prevent unwanted seedlings. Item# 12356

An unusual conversation starting Milkweed that is eagerly consumed by caterpillars of Monarchs, Queens, and possibly Soldier butterflies. Balloon Milkweed is a vigorous heat and sun loving tropical African shrub that is grown as a dieback perennial except in areas with mild winter climates. It produces clusters of 1/2" wide cream to white star shaped flowers with a purplish 'eye' and the flowers attract butterflies along with a variety of other pollinators. Balloon Milkweed is adaptable to a wind range of soil types as long as they are well-drained and is moderately drought resistant once well established. Item# 10974.

The dense whorled, almost ball-like clusters of 2" long tubular, rich purple flowers are subtended by darker fuchsia and purple bracts. The flowers are short sturdy stems to about 10-12" high beginning in late spring to early summer and attracting hummingbirds, larger butterflies, hummingbird moths, and bees. Balmy™ Purple Beebalm, a hybrid developed from US native species, was selected for its compact habit and rich flower color. Beebalm or Monarda are slowly spreading hardy perennials that generally prefer a moist to average moist, fertile soil, optimally in full sun with good air circulation. The seeds may also enjoyed by songbirds and smaller mammals. Images courtesy of Darwin Perennials®, all rights reserved. Item# 13130

Blanketed from spring to fall in clusters of flowers that open a creamy yellow and fade into shades of pastel pink reminiscent of the old Ham and Eggs. Bandana® Pink Lantana makes a wonderful addition to the landscape or is compact enough to use in containers. The Bandana® series of Lantana are compact mounding plants growing to 18-24"H x 18-24"W with excellent flower power producing a heavy display of nectar rich flowers from spring until frost. The Bandana® Lantanas are a 2013 Louisiana Super Plant selection and have received high marks in trials across much of the US. Item# 11459

The rounded flower clusters open a sunny yellow eventually fading into golds at maturity all the while attracting bees, butterflies, and low flying hummingbirds. Bandolero® Pineapple Lantana, new in 2020, boasts bigger bolder flowers, larger growing more vigorous, mound-forming plants that grow to about 1/3 larger than the Bandana® Lantanas making them a better choice in cooler summer climates. Utilize the Bandolero Lantana's flower power in larger containers as low-maintenance specimen plants or in mixed company as well as for reliable spring to fall color in the garden and landscape. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in average moist, fertile, average to well-drained soils. Images courtesy of Syngenta Flowers, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 12569

Fiery rounded flower clusters open a deep golden orange darkening into intense red at maturity all the while attracting bees, butterflies, and low flying hummingbirds. Bandolero® Red Lantana, new in 2020, boasts bigger bolder flowers, larger growing more vigorous, mound-forming plants that grow to about 1/3 larger than the Bandana® Lantanas making them a better choice in cooler summer climates. Utilize the Bandolero Lantana's flower power in larger containers as low-maintenance specimen plants or in mixed company as well as for reliable spring to fall color in the garden and landscape. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in average moist, fertile, average to well-drained soils. Images courtesy of Syngenta Flowers, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 12567

The rounded flower clusters open a soft lemony yellow and quickly fading into clean bright white at maturity all the while attracting bees, butterflies, and low flying hummingbirds. Bandolero® White Lantana, new in 2020, boasts bigger bolder flowers, larger growing more vigorous, mound-forming plants that grow to about 1/3 larger than the Bandana® Lantanas making them a better choice in cooler summer climates. Utilize the Bandolero Lantana's flower power in larger containers as low-maintenance specimen plants or in mixed company as well as for reliable spring to fall color in the garden and landscape. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in average moist, fertile, average to well-drained soils. Images courtesy of Syngenta Flowers, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 12568

Perfect for hanging baskets! The large rounded clusters of flowers open a deep orangey yellow and mature through orange tones and finally to deep fiery red all on a mounding to semi-trailing plant. Bandolista™ Red Chili Lantana was developed with container culture in mind, specifically hanging baskets, with its naturally spreading to semi-weeping and mounding habit it is sure to provide spring to frost color with minimal fuss. The flowers of this cultivar are sterile meaning the plants can spend more time and energy developing new flower buds instead of ripening fruit. Utilize Bandolista™ Red Chili Lantana as a spiller or filler in mixed container gardens, use it as a colorful, pollinator attracting groundcover in the garden and landscape, and as specimen container plants. Excellent for attracting a variety of pollinators including butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other garden beneficials. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in well-draining, average moist, fertile soils for optimum vigor and flowering. Images courtesy of Syngenta Flowers, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 13086

A succession of red tubular blooms that end in a purple bat-like 'face' are topped by a pair of glowing red 'ears' creating the interesting 'bat face' look. Batface Cuphea, or Georgia Scarlet Batface Cuphea, is a tough and reliable low mounding perennial which blooms from late spring to frost. Provide a well-drained soil with full to mostly sun for the best results. An excellent choice for hummingbirds, mixed containers, hanging baskets, and in mass plantings. Item# 1220

Round clusters of lavender to white tubular flowers are born in summer on this durable native perennial. Wild Bergamot is a clump forming native perennial with good deer resistance. Excellent for hummingbirds and butterflies. This tough little native is drought tolerant and prefers to be on the dry side of moist and is resistant to drought once well-established. The fragrant foliage has been used in teas, perfumes, potpourri, and more. Item# 10484.

Highly mildew resistant and a dwarf compact habit! The dense whorled clusters of 2" long, deep violet, pollinator attracting, tubular flowers are held atop sturdy 12-18" high stems against the foil of purple-tinged, medium to deep green fragrant foliage. Bee-You® Bee Pretty™ Beebalm is a compact selection of this US native, clump-forming, slowly spreading perennial. Its small stature lends it to use as a container plant as well as a useful component of the garden and landscape. Provide ample sunlight in a moist but well-drained, fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Flowering begins earlier in the warmer portions of its range and later in cooler regions. The flowers of Monarda are excellent for attracting hummingbirds and larger butterflies. Photos courtesy of Plants Nouveau, all rights reserved. Item# 12863

Spikes of fuzzy, glowing red tubular blooms are borne from summer to frost attracting hummingbirds for the duration of the flowering period. Where protected from frosts and freezes Belize Sage can flower continuously throughout the year. Smooth glossy green foliage and a compact habit set this Salvia apart as well as its preference for partial shade conditions. An excellent choice for containers or in the ground anywhere it is hardy, or it is vigorous enough to grow as an annual in cooler climates. Item# 10118

Belle Starr Gold Lantana produces a endless display of deep golden yellow, nectar rich, rounded flower clusters on a vigorous mounding to trailing plant with deep dark green glossy foliage acting as a backdrop. A 2015 LSU Agcenter Plant with Potential, this hardy Lantana attracts loads of butterflies, bees, smaller pollinators, and other garden beneficials and flowers from spring to frost. Use Belle Starr Gold Lantana as filler/spiller for medium to large containers or as a groundcovering perennial in the garden or landscape. It was named for the famous outlaw queen associated with James - Younger gang. Item# 11146

The spike-like clusters (racemes) of tiny fragrant white flowers of Berlandier's Fiddlewood attract a whole host of pollinators including butterflies large and small, bees, and many other beneficials. Pollinated flowers are followed by long clusters of attractive orange berries that mature to black and are utilized by a variety of birds and mammals. This is an adaptable South Texas native that develops into a medium to large deciduous shrub to small tree. Item# 11368