Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.5 Best Perennial Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds And Butterflie

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This 4-ounce waterproof pouch packs over 120,000 seeds across 26 species, including coreopsis, black-eyed Susan, purple coneflower, and zinnia — all proven nectar sources for hummingbirds and butterflies. The ratio of annuals to perennials is weighted toward quick first-year color while perennials like lupine and blanketflower establish deep root systems for return blooms. Coverage is rated at 300–600 square feet, making it ideal for a dedicated pollinator bed or a meadow border.

Customer reports confirm germination within 36 hours for many varieties, with dense foliage by week three. The resealable mylar bag protects seeds from moisture and rodents during storage, a practical detail when you’re planting over multiple weekends. Non-GMO and USA-grown certification adds confidence for organic-minded gardeners.

The only downside noted in the field is inconsistent fill volume between bags — some buyers reported a half-full pouch. While the seed count is high, the bag-to-bag variance means you may want to order extra if you’re covering the full 600 square feet in one pass. For the species diversity and germination speed, this mix earns the top recommendation for most gardeners.

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Organo Republic’s 4-ounce packet contains 100,000+ non-GMO heirloom seeds from 23 species, with a color palette leaning toward red, orange, and purple — the wavelengths hummingbirds see most readily. The blend is weighted toward annuals for first-season impact, but includes perennials like coreopsis and purple coneflower that return reliably. The resealable packet includes a QR code linking to growing instructions, a helpful touch for first-time wildflower growers.

Multiple customer reports confirm sprouting within 48 hours of planting, and the germination rate is consistently high across reviews. The heirloom classification means the seeds are open-pollinated, so you can collect and save seeds from spent blooms for next year’s planting — a cost-saving advantage for large properties. The mix is designed for outdoor use across spring, summer, fall, and even winter planting in mild climates.

The primary limitation is the absence of very tall species — expected plant height tops out around 15 inches, so this mix won’t produce the dramatic back-of-border spires that some gardeners want. For ground-level color in front of taller perennials or along pathways, it performs well. The blend is also slightly heavier on annuals than some competitors, meaning you’ll need to reseed thin areas after two seasons.

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Liatris spicata, commonly called blazing star or gayfeather, produces velvety purple flower spikes that reach up to 40 inches tall — a preferred perch and nectar source for hummingbirds preparing for fall migration. Unlike seed mixes that require a full season to establish, these bulbs (technically corms) are pre-grown and can produce blooms in their first year when planted in early spring. The package includes 5 large corms (4–5 inches), each capable of sending up multiple flower stalks.

The bloom window runs from summer into early fall, a critical period when many other nectar sources have faded. Deer resistance and tolerance for poor soil make this a low-maintenance choice for borders and naturalized areas. The supplier, Marde Ross & Company, has been operating since 1985 and temperature-controls bulbs to preserve viability — a detail that matters when you’re paying a premium for live plant material.

Quality control is the chief concern here. While most buyers report strong sprouting within 5–7 days, a significant minority received bulbs that had rotted inside non-porous plastic packaging. With only 5 bulbs per order, one or two failures represent a 20–40% loss rate. If you order, inspect bulbs immediately upon arrival and contact the seller for replacements on any that show soft spots. For reliable late-season color, these are worth the risk, but buy from a vendor with a clear return policy.

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Buddleia davidii ‘Nanho’ is a compact butterfly bush that reaches 4–5 feet at maturity, producing fragrant purple flower clusters from spring through frost. This is not a seed mix — it’s a live shrub shipped in a 1-gallon container, already rooted and often bearing buds or blooms on arrival. For gardeners who want an instant pollinator magnet rather than waiting for seeds to germinate, this is the most direct route. The fragrance is a strong draw for both butterflies and hummingbirds, and the bloom period spans months with regular deadheading.

Customer reports from year two are particularly positive, with the shrub returning with vigorous growth and expanded flower production. The drought tolerance is a standout feature once the plant is established — it thrives on moderate watering and full sun. The compact size makes it suitable for patio containers as well as in-ground borders, and the non-invasive ‘Nanho’ cultivar is a better choice for small spaces than full-size buddleia varieties.

The major restriction is shipping — this item cannot be shipped to Washington, California, or Arizona due to state agricultural regulations. If you live in those states, you’ll need to source a local nursery alternative. Additionally, shipping stress can cause wilting or leaf drop in transit. Most plants recover with proper watering and a few days of shade, but a small percentage arrive dead. Order early in the week to minimize time in transit, and inspect immediately upon arrival.

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GevaGrow’s 1-pound jar holds over 300,000 seeds — enough to cover a large meadow or multiple garden beds without buying multiple packets. The mix contains organic, non-GMO seeds of both annuals (cosmos, sunflowers, callistephus) and perennials (black-eyed Susan, daisies, forget-me-nots). The shaker-top jar allows for even broadcast distribution, a practical design when covering large areas by hand. The blend is formulated for full sun with moderate watering, and the species list is heavy on flat-topped and daisy-type blooms that butterflies prefer.

Customer feedback over multiple seasons shows that the mix thrives in varied conditions including clay soil and part shade. Year two results are particularly encouraging — perennials that didn’t bloom in the first season return with robust growth, creating a self-sustaining pollinator patch. The inclusion of both early and late-blooming species extends the nectar window from spring through fall, which is critical for supporting both spring-emerging butterflies and fall-migrating hummingbirds.

The main risk is inconsistent germination. A minority of buyers report that most seeds failed to sprout, resulting in weak patchy coverage. This may be due to soil preparation (seeds need direct soil contact and consistent moisture for the first two weeks) or seed age/variability. Given the large quantity, it’s advisable to do a small test germination indoors before broadcasting the entire jar. The volume-to-price ratio is strong, but only if your soil conditions align with the mix’s requirements.