How to Attract Butterflies and Hummingbirds to Your Garden

Plan your garden area. Map out your garden space and determine the type of soil and lighting conditions in each area. Most of the plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies require full sun, so pick planting locations that receive at least six hours of sunlight daily.

Choose plants that attract both hummingbirds and butterflies. The Colorado State University Extension suggests planting honeysuckle, coneflower, bee balm, hyssop and butterfly bush. The University at Buffalo recommends lilac shrubs, trumpet creeper vines and zinnias. Choose plant varieties that feature bright reds, pink or orange flowers to increase your chances of attracting these creatures to your garden.

Make your garden a kaleidoscope of color. Attract flying hummingbirds and butterflies by planting large masses of the same color close together. Plant your flowers in groups that vary in blooming time and height to provide these creatures with various foraging opportunities as well as a year-round habitat.

Put up hummingbird feeders. The University of Maryland Extension reports that hummingbirds must eat their body weight in nectar every day. Increase their food sources by placing several nectar feeders in your garden.

Give the butterflies and hummingbirds a water source. Place birdbaths or a small pond in your garden. The creatures can drink the water and it should also attract insects, which will give your hummingbirds an additional food source.

Make your butterflies and hummingbirds comfortable. Plant shrubs to provide shade during hot weather. Bushes also protect these fragile creatures from the wind.