Fast Growing Annuals that Attract Butterflies and Hummingbirds

Annual plants are good to fill in around bare spots in the garden or to make a theme garden that changes year to year. Whatever the reason for planting annuals, picking fast growing ones can help you get the most bang for your buck. I like having annuals peppered in my perennial and wildflower gardens so that it is good and full. Having annuals that attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the landscape is an added bonus. These selections, according to Floridata, are all fast growing annuals that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Calliopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)

From the aster/daisy family of plants, the calliopsis can also be known as plains coreopsis, annual coreopsis, or golden coreopsis. It grows two to four feet high with stiff stems and long opposite leaves. Flowers are showy and yellow with purple disks. There can be different colors and forms, depending on cultivars. Calliopsis prefers to grow in well-drained soil and full sun. Propagate by seed, but it will need light to grow. It may self-sow.

Orange Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus)

This drought tolerant easy to grow annual is from the aster/daisy family of plants. It grows from one to seven feet high, with rich green leaves and yellow or orange solitary blooms. It is frost-tender, and will die at the first signs of a frosty morning. Orange cosmos prefers to grow in full sun with a well-drained soil. Propagate by seed. It may self-sow.

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)

This easy to grow annual grows up to five feet high, depending on the cultivar. Pale green leaves have wavy margins and are round or kidney-shaped. Flowers are various colors depending on cultivar. The plant has a pepper-like taste to it. Nasturtium prefers to grow in full sun or light shade with a light sandy soil. Propagate by seed. It doesn't tolerate a hard freeze or a severe drought.

Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundiflora)

This annual grows five to six feet high and three to four feet wide. It is a stout plant, with coarse leaves and fuzzy stems. Foliage has three lobes. Flowers are very red-orange and look like daisies. Blooms are about three inches wide. There are smaller cultivars. Mexican sunflower prefers to grow in full sun but can grow in partial shade as well. Soil should be well-drained. Propagate by seed. Mexican sunflower may reseed. It is heat and drought tolerant. It is not frost tolerant, and will die as soon as it gets frosty.

Related Content:

Butterfly Garden Native Flower Choices

Annual Flowers Great for Container Gardening

Self-Seeding Annuals

Sources:

Floridata: Calliopsis

Floridata: Orange Cosmos

Floridata: Nasturtiums

Floridata: Mexican Sunflower