Landscapes humming with life have a special way of energizing our spirits. They remind us of the awe-inspiring circle of life and the infinite beauty of nature. But you don’t have to go to the Denver Botanic Gardens to experience this. You can enjoy an uplifting landscape every time you step outside your home by incorporating flowers that are known to attract birds, bees and butterflies.
As Colorado State University explains, “Butterflies often appear to be just passing through, occasionally stopping for a drink of nectar. You can prolong the stay of these colorful insects and draw in others by providing the food and shelter they need.”
Here are some drought-tolerant plants that can provide the food and shelter to make birds, bees and butterflies linger in your Colorado garden.
Birds, bees and butterflies love Cleveland sage. The unique, tiered bloom adds incredible interest to gardens, and it’s drought tolerant.
Photo via Houzz
Bursting with fragrance and little white flowers, fernbush is native to the Western region and adds wonderful foliage that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Photo via Houzz
The bright hues of purple prairie clover will have your garden “abuzz with bees and butterflies” according to Houzz editor Annie Thornton.
Photo via Houzz
Believe it or not, butterflies love the tiny yellow flowers that bloom on desert agave. And we love desert agave for loving dry conditions!
Photo via Houzz
Milkweed makes great caterpillar food for beautiful monarch butterflies, says Colorado Master Gardener Judy Sedbrook, and it’s great for xeriscapes as it does not require a lot of water.
Photo via Houzz
Do you plant certain drought-tolerant flowers to attract birds, bees and butterflies to your Colorado garden or landscape? Share which ones are your favorite in the comment section below.
Have you always wanted your own butterfly garden? Or, do you need help designing and developing a dynamic landscape? Contact the gardening and landscaping professionals at Lifescape in Denver.
