In order to create a beautiful garden, the most important plant you should include is a nectar plant. Not only will they attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies but they also sweet scent will lure other beneficial insects that help maintain living systems in plants.

When there are more pollinating animals in your garden, these creatures will find the flowering plants and fruit-bearing plants needed for their survival.

Pollinator-friendly gardens will not only keep our environment flourishing, but their flowers are also a delight. One of the most common flower types attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators is the nectar plant.

What Is a Nectar Plant?

Butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinating insects such as bees gather around plants and sip up the delicious nectar they produce to get their nutrients and energy. Plants produce nectar as a source of food for these animals, containing antioxidants, water, minerals like calcium, and vitamin B12 that are crucial in growing healthy bones and advancing eye-sight; 15% sugar provides an instant burst of energy to these creatures. Hummingbirds are amongst the most pleasant creatures in this world with their sweet tooths.

Hummingbirds enjoy the nectar produced by flowers but the type of plant you have matters when it comes to attracting these birds. Some plants, like zinnia and milkweed, will attract hummingbirds more than others. Monarchs prefer these plants more than others.

7 Nectar Plants that are especially attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators:

Bee Balm

The bee balm is a perennial nectar plant that attracts many pollinators, including bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Its creamy white petals can accommodate these beaks when the flower sips from its sweet little drops. Additionally, bee balms have medicinal purposes like easing stomach pain or constipation when brewed in tea form. Nonetheless, you don’t need to keep planting this every year because it will come up again on its own without any help (you just planted once). If your bee balm starts to wither for any reason, you should divide it every three to four years then pick the flowers frequently to encourage growth of a new crop of blooms!

Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa makes an easy to grow, fast-growing plant and is a beautiful addition to outdoor containers. These plants need organic fertilizer but can be trimmed back should they start looking droopy or dying off for fresh new growth.

Cleome 

The cleome plant is a great choice for attracting bees and other pollinators. The plant blooms for months on end and can also be deadheaded to promote continuous flowering. However, if the plant has been not eaten away or if it flowers in high traffic areas with thorns, it could reseed itself from one season to another.

Columbines

This perennial is easy to grow, and will attract hummingbirds with its sweet-scented flowers. You can start it from seeds, which are easily found at your local nursery or garden center. Once the plant has been established, it will reproduce on its own – you’ll be able to enjoy these colorful blooms year after year without having to buy more seedlings each time new ones become available! This perennial only needs deadheading throughout the growing season; as long as you make sure not too many of its delicate petals go unnoticed by birds and other pollinators then it should keep going strong until winter arrives again next fall.

Day Lilies

Daylilies are a beautiful flower that can last up to 24 hours. The flowers need only be planted after which they will self-sustain without much attention, meaning they can be placed near taller flowers to make the daylilies stand out.

Fuchsia

Fuchsia is a delicate, exotic flower. It grows anywhere as long as it gets shelter from cold northern winds. Fuchias are often seen at nurseries or hanging baskets, but it makes for a great display when planted with other flowers. As long as its provided fertile and well-drained soil that’s moist enough to keep them happy, fuchiases will blossom continuously if deadheading of old blooms is done regularly.

Hollyhocks

Hollyhocks are part of the mallow family and grow into plants. Their flowers bloom after their first year, and they store energy to grow better in the next year. It has seeds on top while growing taller and turning into beautiful flowers.

Final Words

If you want your backyard to be lively, consider adding plants that attract pollinators such as hummingbirds or bees. Plants that are attractive to all types of pollinators will also produce a bountiful harvest at the end of the season. However, there are some differences in what different pollinators want so it’s important to research the type of plants they like before planning your garden.