Plants to attract bees, birds, and butterflies

The presence of bees, birds, and butterflies can provide an additional dimension of excitement to your garden. These creatures and animals are usually drawn to plants that release pollen, nectar, or seeds, so planting pollinator plants with these factors in mind will attract them to pay visits. There's nothing more satisfying than witnessing a beautiful butterfly land on a blossom to taste the sweet nectar. In addition to bees and wasps, butterflies are essential in pollinating various plants across the landscape.

Five plants to attract more flying animals to your backyard:

Red Cardinal Flower

Cardinal Flower - TN Nursery

This plant is excellent for moist soil conditions and will thrive in ordinary soil. It also attracts those adorable hummingbirds that you can take pleasure in watching them. This Red Cardinal flower will give bright red blooms that you can delight in. They'll brighten any natural or flowering zone and thrive in shaded and light areas.

Each flower is composed of three upper and two lower petals that join into the shape of a tube. Lance-shaped, dark green leaves are found along the bottom of the stem. They then curve upwards from their central veins.
For many centuries, the Cardinal flower has commanded admiration from everyone who has been able to see it. The first North American settlers immediately recognized its beauty, and the first time it was shipped into France through the French colonists to be planted at botanical gardens.

Due to its beauty, overharvesting has made this delicate plant rare in nature. Planting these Cardinal flowers in gardens helps preserve their history and fills an ecological need.

  • It can reach at least four feet tall. It is usually spread between 10 to 14 inches. The bright purple flowers are tubular, with the top lip having two lobes and the bottom lip has three.
  • Contrary to its name, the plant is not that appealing to cardinals. It is named after the red robes Roman Catholic cardinals wear.
  • The flowers are expected to appear in the early summer and continue until early fall.
  • The tall green stems of the plant are often in groups and are adorned with racemes of flowers that look like burning red spires.

The red cardinal flowers are gorgeous bright colors for any floral or landscape garden. The cardinal blooms that are developing appear during summer, and in some instances, even into the fall.

Many insects have difficulty following the trumpet-shaped flowers' long necks, which is why cardinal flowers rely on hummingbirds as their primary preparation source. Additionally, they need moist, well-drained soil to thrive because organic matter is integrated into the soil before planting.

These plants add beauty to any landscape

Bearded Iris

Bearded Iris, or the Iris germanica, is a perennial flower grown across the northern regions of Europe, Asia, and the Americas. It is found in the U.S., and its hardiness zones range from 3 to 10. The bulb's name is derived because of its distinctive appearance, caused by its fuzzy, downward-facing petals resembling beards.


The flower is available in various colors, ranging from light white, purple, and deep purple to blue and all colors except some of the most intense reds. The flower has six petals, three pointing upwards and three downwards.
The longer blades can be positioned on their own but lowered. The color of the leaves ranges from blue-green to green.


It is known as the Bearded Iris and thrives in zones 3 to 9. They greatly benefit from being dormant during the cold winter temperatures of regions where winter is long and hard. They will get sunlight for six hours per day.

They also require air to circulate effectively around them, so they must be planted at a minimum of 16-18 inches apart. The soil should have a pH of seven or lower and be neutral, meaning water is available when the soil is dry. A lot of water can cause the rhizomes in its rhizomes and roots to turn brown. The bearded Iris will be best split through propagation.

Milkweed Plant

The most fragrant milkweed blooms in late June and lasts into August. Spending time protecting the plant is more difficult because its root structure extends underneath the surface so new pods can reach the top.
When leaves and stems are cut, white sap flows out. Flowers are typically pink and purple; however, they may differ by species.
Plant them at an 18-inch spacing to avoid crowding, and look for plants that are not needed to trim. The removal of seed pods can also reduce their spread. The application of fertilizer and water is not required.


It is a simple plant that is suitable for numerous butterfly gardens. A few characteristics that attract butterflies and gardeners are their size, flowering duration, robustness, and attraction to butterflies.
The plant is usually located in zones 3-9. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate shading here and there. The perennial is typically seen in clumps of vigorous green stems, which can get as tall as 5 feet but are usually between 2 and 4 feet tall.


In addition, this plant needs no fertilizers and thrives even in soil that isn't perfect. The milkweed flower pods originate at the very top. They usually occur in small groups, producing various flowers in one go.


Milkweed is a magnet for native bees, honey bees, and a variety of hummingbirds, butterflies, and butterflies. The vibrant Monarch butterfly larvae feed off leaves. Each one develops into a stunning Chrysalis. You can watch them transform into beautiful monarch butterflies.


There is no doubt that milkweed is a beautiful attraction to honeybees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plants can expand to the ground via rhizomes, quickly taking over other plants if one cuts the stem and releases an ethereal sap. This perennial could be a beautiful addition to any garden. The seeds will grow through the wind, catching and carrying them away.

Annual Phlox

An annual Drummond Phlox and its Pink, white, blue, and purple varieties may also be multicolored after they bloom in the middle of the summer. They have a pleasant fragrance and a lengthy blooming time with different sizes ranging between two to four feet(few get higher or shorter)with moderate growth and ease of maintenance; the flowers that require little maintenance have huge popularity across the U.S.


Certain kinds of Phlox must be planted according to how many flowers you want, while others can expand when they expand. They require at least an hour of sun daily; however, they can be shaded in hot climates.
Others look lovely in an arrangement or as a centerpiece in your yard. Phlox is a modern method of adding aesthetics and ambiance to your garden or home by attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. And bumblebees might dance and form a hive in the vicinity. Tiny spiders might be a part of Phlox which act as a natural pest control keeping spiders and insects away from one's house.


These plants are best in locations with well-drained soil and are regularly watered. It is preferential to soak your soil surrounding Tall Phlox instead of it. It helps prevent diseases. Fertilizers are recommended in the spring when new growth begins to emerge.


These stunning flowers are adored by butterflies and hummingbirds alike

Add this beautiful flower to your garden to lure the birds to your yard. The bulbs come in shades like bubbly Pink, deep red hot pink, peach orange light lavender, royal purple, and bright white.


The fragrance of the flowers can be sweet or spicy, depending on the type of flower you select. You can also deadhead flowers to stimulate more blooms to emerge from the plant. They germinate when you allow the blossoms to be pollinated by butterflies, bees, or Hummingbirds.

Black-Eyed Susan

Black Eyed Susan - TN Nursery

Hardy and drought resistant, the black-eyed Susan will be visited repeatedly and repeatedly by bees and butterflies when their gorgeous blooms begin to open all through the summer. Then, when the heads of seeds start to turn, like coneflowers, it will draw all kinds of birds too.


The coneflower and the black-eyed Susan are popular with bees, birds, and butterflies. These drought-resistant plants are vibrant and bloom for several weeks. After their seed heads have dried, they are also food for birds.
The black-eyed Susan is a plant that grows between three and four feet tall, depending on the area's growing zone.


Each green, tall stem is adorned with one single yellow flower. The blooms typically measure around three inches in diameter and have up to twenty yellow disc-shaped flowers arranged around the black pom at the center.


Green leaves that are lush feature sharp edges and an oval-shaped shape with the tip being pronounced.


Cardinal Flower - TN Nursery

Cardinal Flower

The Red Cardinal Flower has vibrant red blooms and tall, erect stalks. It adds color and elegance to gardens, parks, and various outdoor spaces. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it offers several advantages, making it a popular choice for landscapers and gardeners. The scarlet-hued Lobelia cardinalis is a perennial in the bellflower family. Its tall, nectar-filled bloom spikes attract hummingbirds and create a beautiful display in your garden. The plant's common name refers to the red robes a Roman Catholic cardinal wears.     Red Lobelia, Cardinal Flowers is a Powerful Pollinator Perennial Lobelia is native to the North and South American continents and blooms from July through September. This moisture-loving plant grows on stream banks and in low woods, marshes, and meadows across the United States. If you want to create a handsome show in your garden, Lobelia will surely delight. The plant's fiery spires yield brilliant red blooms that open gradually from the bottom to the top of their racemes. Each long, narrow, tube-shaped blossom has two flat upper petals and three lower petals at the tips. The delicate plant crown leafy 2’-4' stems, covered with shiny, lance-shaped, bright green leaves that sometimes have a bronze or reddish tint. The leaves alternate as they climb the stems, enhancing the blooms to create a lively riot of color. Cardinal Flower is a favorite of gardeners who love adding bold splashes of crimson. This plant is perfect for shady woodland plots, wet meadow plantings, water gardens, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens. Its long stems can add height to borders and create depth when placed in the back sections of your landscape. The blossoms are most spectacular from midsummer into fall and make excellent cut blooms. Ecology Of The Cardinal Flower Some people say Lobelia will bring hummingbirds in from the sky. The plant's blooming period coincides with the late-summer migration of ruby-throated hummingbirds traveling south to Mexico. The birds pollinate the plant by dipping their beaks into the plants' long, red tubes. The blossoms are also beautiful to swallowtail butterflies and bees, making them a wonderful centerpiece in a pollinator garden. Cardinal Flower Is A Bold Statement In Any Garden  When you want to make a bold, beautiful statement in your garden, include the Cardinal Flower in your plan and celebrate the summer season.

Milkweed Plant - TN Nursery

Milkweed Plant

The milkweed plant is known for attracting monarchs. It is a native perennial with clusters of showy, pink to mauve flowers and lance-shaped leaves. The plant attracts pollinators while thriving in moist, wetland habitats. It boasts numerous benefits when incorporated into landscaping designs. Its unique features contribute to outdoor spaces' aesthetic appeal and ecological value. With clusters of vibrant and captivating flowers, it adds a burst of color and charm to gardens while also serving as a vital component in supporting local ecosystems. Milkweed Plant - Asclepias Incarnata  The Asclepias Incarnata variety of Milkweed is a flowering perennial that, in addition to its ornate floral growths, is highly beneficial for local ecosystems. Today, we will examine this truly stunning and unique plant. The Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed can grow to about 59 inches tall and is known for the vibrant, clustering flowers at the top of the narrow stem. The flowers have a purplish-pink hue and pink shafts reaching the main plant stem. The plant's leaves have a sword-like shape and a deep green hue that remains for most of the year.  When the flowers are in full bloom, they create a stunning contrast against the natural earth colors of the leaves, making them stand out in any garden or landscape. The Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed has opposite leaves that grow in pairs on either side of the stem. Thus, the plant alone has an elegant, tidy, and elegant air. The green leaves work well in drab areas of your garden that could use some brightening. Aside from the innate beauty of Asclepias Incarnata, with its green foliage and glowing pink flowers, this plant also attracts a different kind of beauty-monarch butterflies.  The nectar of the Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed is the only known food source for the larvae of monarch butterflies - That's a Primary Reason Monarch are now going extinct  The monarchs will frequently visit these flowers to nourish themselves with their nectar and lay their eggs in them so the larvae can thrive. As a perennial with rich, nectar-filled flowers, the Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed attracts beautiful hummingbirds. The shifting colors of the hummingbird breast will also contribute to the palette of your outdoor areas. The length of the Asclepias Incarnata leaves varies from 2 ½ inches to 6 inches. They are narrow and have light green veins running through them. They don't grow densely, leaving the flowers to take center stage in their bouquet. The near-neon hue of this Milkweed's flowers makes them great companion pieces for other bright-blooming flowers. Gardeners and landscapers like to plant this variety of Milkweed to add a splash of unique color that instantly breathes new life into dull spaces. Benefits of Milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata) Yes, the Asclepias Incarnata looks stunning in full bloom. However, there are perhaps even more important reasons you should consider adding this perennial to your garden. It's A Native Plant - The Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed grows natively in North America. They have been observed to grow wild from Texas to Nova Scotia. This means they will be easy for you to plant, cultivate, and maintain even if you don't have much gardening experience. Asclepias Tuberosa Plant Supports the Local Honey Bee Population  Honeybees are vital to your local ecosystem as they are natural pollinators. In fact, according to Farmers.gov, honey bees are responsible for the pollination of nearly 80% of our flowering plants. Keeping Milkweed can attract bees that pollinate your garden's flowers and other plants. The honey bee population is dramatically declining, and providing sanctuaries for these critical links in the ecosystem has never been more important.  Keeps Pests Away Asclepias Incarnata contains a natural latex that repels invasive insects and animals that would otherwise feast on the plant. This Milkweed in your garden can, therefore, repel these pests and keep your other plants healthier. Ornamental Value - If you look closely at the flowers, you will see they are made of smaller, intricate flowers. This gives them a stunning appearance, while the purple-pink coloration adds ornamental value to many landscapes. Plus, the flowers have a fragrant aroma that some have said is reminiscent of cinnamon. T Monarch Butterfly Population-Like honey bees, the monarch butterfly population is in decline. Some leading conservation groups have even classified them as endangered. You can do your part to support the migration patterns of the Monarch butterfly by keeping the Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed in your garden.  Milkweed F.A.Q.s If you still have questions about the Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed, please look at the following answers to some of the most common questions:  Is Asclepias Incarnata Sun or Shade?  The Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed does well in full sun or partially shaded areas. However, the seeds germinate quickly with heat, so these plants need at least some direct sunlight. When do you Plant Asclepias Incarnata? The best time to plant this Milkweed is in the fall when the soil is likely wet. The Asclepias Incarnata prefers wet and moist soil, so if your area receives a good amount of rain in the Spring, you can also plant it in early Spring. How Tall are Asclepias Incarnata Milkweeds During Maturity? The Asclepias Incarnata Milkweed can grow to about five feet tall depending on how it is maintained and how much room the root system has to grow. When Should I Prune Asclepias Incarnata? The best time to prune this plant is in the Spring before it sprouts new growths. Pruning helps make the plant look more attractive and encourages the development of new leaves. However, it may not be necessary if the plant is already healthy. Do Monarchs Like Asclepias Incarnata? Absolutely. The females lay their eggs on them as they provide a food source for Monarch butterfly larvae. Adult monarch butterflies are also attracted to the nectar of the Milkweed flowers. Your Milkweeds Are Here. No matter what type of Milkweed plant you want, we have them available here at TN Nursery. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, making us a perfect choice for experienced and new gardening enthusiasts. Order now to paint your outdoor spaces with vibrant colors. It is a tall plant noted for its pink to purple flowers. It is one of 115 plants in the Asclepiadaceae family, named after Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. This is appropriate because it is known for containing high levels of cardiac glycosides, which are used in some treatments for heart disease. This same substance also serves as the only source for Monarch butterfly larvae. Where Does Milkweed Grow It is native to the midwestern and eastern regions of the United States and Canada, but it can also be found further west. It is most commonly found in more open habitats, such as pastures, prairies, fields, and roadsides. It needs total sun to grow but can tolerate light shade as well. You’ll typically find it commonly clustered together into large patches, which are called colonies.  It can grow to be over five feet tall. The foliage can grow up to 8 inches, elongated nearly four inches wide, and is somewhat thick. The upper part of the oval-shaped leaves is usually darker greenish, while the underside is much lighter green and sometimes even white. When cut, both the leaves and the stems reveal a milky latex. The flowers can grow nearly an inch long and half an inch wide with a midrib that runs beneath them. They have a pink to purple coloring over them with a greenish tint and are very sweetly scented. Milkweed Plant Has Striking Pink-Purple Blooms The pink-to-purple colors contrast nicely against lush green fields and dry yellow prairies. Gardeners like it for its distinctive appearance and sweet, fragrant aromas. Find Milkweed and more at TN Nursery. Another reason why gardeners often like it is that it serves as the host plant for the beautiful monarch butterfly. These butterflies will lay their eggs on it, and as mentioned previously, the nectar also serves as the only food source for the Monarch larvae. Gardeners who like monarch butterflies or are otherwise concerned about their declining population can grow it to provide these butterflies with a natural habitat. The flowering perennial is named for its cardenolide-bearing latex, which benefits butterflies and insects. Monarch butterflies use and require specific species, including Asclepias syriaca and Asclepias incarnata, as host plants: their genus name, Asclepias, honors Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine.  Asclepias contains hundreds of species native to Africa, North America, and South America. Asclepias syriaca and Asclepias incarnata are native to the American continents and standard across the central and eastern United States. The sun-loving Asclepias syriaca grows naturally in fields, prairies, and pastures, while Asclepias incarnata grows along creeks, ponds, and bogs. Their flowers typically bloom from June through August. Asclepias produces complex blossoms that have similarities to orchids. Their large, spherical clusters of five-petaled blossoms are at the top of their thick stems. Each Asclepias growth usually carries two to five clusters of flowers. The individual blossoms are about three-quarters of an inch long and emit a strong, sweet fragrance. Asclepias syriaca has greenish-pink to rosy pink blooms, while Asclepias incarnata's flowers tend toward a brighter purplish-pink hue. It can grow up to five feet tall. Their thick, bright green leaves are six to eight inches long and two to three-and-one-half inches wide. The leaves' upper surfaces are darker than their whitish undersides. Asclepias plants form colonies in nature and landscapes and need room to spread out. Asclepias incarnata is highly ornamental and fairly quickly contained, making it well-suited to perennial, butterfly, and pollinator gardens. Asclepias syriaca works well in meadow gardens without defined borders. They increase from seed and spread as their rhizomes expand. They can be propagated in the late fall or early spring. Asclepias syriaca and Asclepias incarnata are the food sources for monarch butterflies, beetles, moths, and other insects that evolved to feed on their nectar. In the midwestern and northeastern regions of the United States, their leaves are the most crucial source of nourishment for monarch caterpillars, and their presence helps to fortify and increase monarch populations. Planting Milkweed Will Bring the Butterflies to Your Garden If you want to encourage monarch butterflies and other pollinators to make your garden home, you'll surely want to add Milkweed Plant to your landscape.

Annual Phlox - TN Nursery

Annual Phlox

Annual Phlox blooms in spring, summer, and fall, making this perennial so popular. It also has a long blooming season in the fall and stays blooming for weeks. This delightful flowering plant brings robust color and charm to any landscaping project. As an annual plant, it completes its life cycle within a single growing season, but its attributes make it a popular choice for gardeners year after year. Let's explore why this annual is a fantastic addition to your landscape. Annual Phlox is a long-blooming and easy-to-grow plant known for its diverse and colorful blooms. With cheerful shades of lavender, pink, white, and red, these plants are among the favorites for all types of gardens and landscaping situations. These flowers are native to North America and commonly found in Texas, California, Alabama, Arkansas, and as far north as Minnesota. The Annual Phlox (Phlox drummondii) is a Low Growing Blooming Ground Cover Plant Their blooming season starts in spring and continues until the hot summer; however, they bloom again in fall. If you opt for a pollinator garden, they are ideal companion plantings that attract early pollinators with their sweet scent and vibrant blooms. By choosing them, you can support biodiversity and the local ecosystem. Whether you are an experienced flower farmer or have found a new passion for planting vibrant blooms in your garden, order your annual phlox plants from TN Nursery. Add these plants to your garden to enhance its aesthetic appeal and enjoy the beautiful, sweet scent in the air. Features of Annual Phlox The annual phlox plant has a subtle, sweet scent similar to honey or melon. The fragrance and vibrant blooms attract early pollinators to feed on nectar and collect pollen, ultimately supporting the ecosystem's health. Under ideal conditions, the plant can grow 6 to 18 inches tall. Annual Phlox Loves Well Draining Soil The plants can thrive in most garden soil but bloom best in well-drained soil and full sun with moderate watering required. Make sure to plant it in a large pot with a drainage hole. The plants are known for their reputation for being easy to grow and care for, making them an ideal option for new and experienced gardeners. Add Color To Your Garden With Annual Phlox You can buy starter phlox plants for sale from TN Nursery and plant them in your beautiful garden. The plants also support companion planting, which means you can plant them alongside other sun-loving plants such as Yarrow, Bee Balm, and Orange Daylily to enhance your garden’s appearance.

Best Sellers

Black Eyed Susan - TN Nursery

Black Eyed Susan

Black Eyed Susan has vibrant yellow petals and dark, contrasting centers and is a popular and delightful addition to any landscaping project. This native North American wildflower offers a host of pleasing attributes that make it a sought-after choice for gardens and outdoor spaces. From its adaptability to its visual appeal and ecological benefits, it stands out as a versatile and attractive plant.  Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta) Is A Long-Blooming Perennial  The Black-Eyed Susan or Rudbeckia Hirta is a beautiful and popular flower that blooms each year in North America. With yellow flowers surrounding a dark circular center, this plant serves an aesthetic purpose in any landscape and draws in bees and butterflies. Due to its hardiness and versatility, the plant is suitable for growing in the garden for beginners and professionals.  The Black Eyed Susan is valued for ornamental purposes and its contribution to the maintenance of ecosystems. Moreover, black-eyed susan plants for sale have stunning flowers that can be added to your garden for curb appeal. Features of Black Eyed Susan Plant The Black-Eyed Susan has bright yellow petals with a dark brown or black Eye in the middle, which makes it a vivid plant that would look great in any garden.  This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and many other beneficial insects, so it should be included in any pollinator garden. The black-eyed susan plant is relatively adaptable. It does well in arid conditions and simple soil types, making it a perfect pick for any low-maintenance garden. Black Eyed Susans Are Excellent Pollinator Plants It prefers regions receiving full or partial sun exposure. It has a growth habit of 2 to 3 feet tall with a similar width, enhancing the green appearance of areas where it is grown. This plant does not need much attention once established and usually grows well. It is relatively immune to many garden pests and diseases. Growers of black-eyed susan plants can also contribute to habitat and care for one's patch of land by offering food for pollinators and other more valuable insects. Black Eyed Susan Perennials Returns Every Spring and Summer Season Buy black-eyed susan plants and add these beautiful flowers to your garden, like our other popular ornamental plants, such as echinacea, shasta daisy, or coneflower plants.

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