6. Butterfly bush

True to its name, this flowering shrub is like a magnet that attracts butterflies, but hummingbirds are also especially fond of it. The thick, elongated clusters of flowers bloom repeatedly from mid-summer through the fall.

The butterfly bush requires little attention, so you don’t need a green thumb to enjoy its beautiful blooms and resident butterflies. However, some caution is required, as this plant self-seeds so easily that it’s considered an invasive weed in some regions.

The good news is that these nectar-rich plants thrive in harsh environments, like polluted urban settings. They are also resistant to drought, stress, and insect pests.