Good Weekend Flutter Friend,
Milkweed Madness is just around the corner, but before we do our deep dive in March, have you started thinking about other plant options for your butterfly and pollinator garden this upcoming season?
After spring planting season ends each June, I immediately start compiling a list of new plant ideas to improve the garden for next year.
Ideas are compiled from what I see in local gardens, and talking to other butterfly gardeners across the country to see whatâs working for themâĶof course, not every plant option will be suitable for your region, but itâs always fun to research and learn about amazing plants that attract and support butterflies and their pollinator friends.
Last week, we talked about hummingbirds, so here are 3 plants weâre adding that they will âsalviateâ overâĶ
3 Salvia Plants for Hummingbirds
These salvia spp. are 4 ft. annuals in our northern garden and annuals for everyone below hardiness zone 8, and absolutely worth the yearly plant investment if you love hyper-winged hummingbirds:
Salvia guaranitica âBlack and Bloomâ ⎠ïļ an improved version of black and blue: larger flowers, sturdier stems, earlier bloom time, hummingbird magnet.
Salvia guaranitica âAmanteâ ⎠ïļ similar height and growth habit to black and bloom with bright fuchsia flowers for hummers.
Salvia subrotunda âHummingbird Sageâ- This is not widely available but itâs a fast growing annual with vibrant red-orange flowers.
Salvia subrotunda is the only variety I would consider starting from seed, because the others grow too slowly. If you try seeds, start them inside ⎠ïļ to get a head start on the growing season. If you want an even bigger head start for seedlings, you could also consider a grow tent ⎠ïļ
For plant options outside the realm of salvia, check out our butterfly plants page linked belowâĶ
Butterfly Plants for 2026 ðŋðŧðš
Over the past decade we've compiled this list of proven butterfly plants that attract monarchs and a bounty of other butterflies. This list includes suggested vendors that you can purchase both seeds and plants from.
what will you plant to support monarchs and other precious pollinators this season? Check out this list for some ideas:
Butterfly Plant List Ideas ⎠ïļ
Coming Up NEXT?
Caterpillar instars (stages of growth) has been pushed back a week, but more on these curious crawling critters in your Final February NewsletterâĶ
Until Next Time, Tony your Butterfly Guide
