When it comes to creating beautiful outdoor spaces, Long Island homeowners have no shortage of landscaping companies to choose from. But when you want a landscape that blends artistry, sustainability, and functionality, it’s worth choosing a company recognized at the local, state, and national level.At Louis Contino Landscaping, we’re proud to be one of the most awarded landscaping companies on Long Island with recognition from some of the most respected associations in the industry.This is not just a story about trophies and plaques. It’s about passion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that has shaped our journey and continues to define the work we do today.

Why Plant for Butterflies and Hummingbirds?

Before diving into plant lists, let’s talk about why these creatures matter:

Pollination Powerhouses – Butterflies and hummingbirds transfer pollen as they feed, helping plants reproduce.

Biodiversity Boost – Supporting pollinators strengthens local ecosystems.

Low Maintenance Wildlife – Unlike pets, they come and go naturally, requiring no upkeep.

Seasonal Joy – Watching them interact with blooms is a daily delight.

Eco-Friendly Gardening – Native pollinator gardens reduce reliance on pesticides and chemicals.

What Butterflies and Hummingbirds Look For

To attract them, it’s important to understand their preferences:

Color: Bright reds, oranges, pinks, and purples attract both.

Nectar-rich Flowers: Tubular blooms are perfect for hummingbirds’ long beaks.

Fragrance: Many butterfly-attracting flowers are lightly scented.

Continuous Blooms: They need food from spring to fall, so stagger bloom times.

Safe Habitat: Provide shelter and avoid pesticides.

Best Plants for Attracting Butterflies

1. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

Why they love it: Cone-shaped flowers full of nectar.

Colors: Purple, pink, white.

Design tip: Plant as a hedge or centerpiece in sunny spots.

2. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Why they love it: Nectar-rich daisy-like blooms that last all summer.

Design tip: Perfect in perennial borders; pairs well with grasses.

3. Milkweed (Asclepias)

Why they love it: Essential for monarch butterflies larvae feed on leaves, adults sip nectar.

Design tip: Include multiple varieties for continuous blooms.

4. Lantana (Lantana camara)

Why they love it: Vibrant clusters of blooms in rainbow shades.

Design tip: Great for containers or edging walkways.

5. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

Why they love it: Bright yellow petals provide nectar and landing pads.

Design tip: Naturalizes easily for a wildflower look.

6. Zinnias

Why they love it: Long-lasting blooms in every color but blue.

Design tip: Easy to grow from seed, making them budget friendly.

7. Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

Why they love it: Sweet fragrance and abundant blooms.

Design tip: Plant in clusters for maximum impact.

Best Plants for Attracting Hummingbirds

1. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Why they love it: Bright red tubular flowers are hummingbird magnets.

Design tip: Plant in sunny spots; deer resistant.

2. Salvia (Salvia)

Why they love it: Continuous blooms in vibrant red and purple.

Design tip: Works well in both beds and containers.

3. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

Why they love it: Large trumpet-shaped flowers perfect for hummingbirds.

Design tip: Use on trellises or fences vigorous grower.

4. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Why they love it: Intense red blooms in late summer.

Design tip: Plant in moist soil near water features.

5. Columbine (Aquilegia)

Why they love it: Unique spurred blooms in spring.

Design tip: Ideal for woodland or shaded gardens.

6. Fuchsia

Why they love it: Dangling tubular flowers in bold colors.

Design tip: Perfect for hanging baskets.

7. Honeysuckle (Lonicera)

Why they love it: Sweet-scented nectar in tubular flowers.

Design tip: Train along arbors or fences.

Plants That Attract Both Butterflies and Hummingbirds

Some plants are irresistible to both:

Lavender – Fragrant purple blooms.

Verbena – Clusters of nectar-rich flowers.

Coreopsis – Sunny yellow daisy-like blooms.

Petunias – Great for window boxes and baskets.

Hibiscus – Large tropical flowers.

Design Ideas for a Pollinator-Friendly Garden

Create Bloom Succession – Mix early, mid, and late bloomers so food is always available.

Plant in Clusters – Butterflies and hummingbirds are more attracted to mass plantings than single flowers.

Layer Heights – Tall plants in the back, shorter ones up front.

Add Water Sources – Shallow birdbaths or misters help hummingbirds and butterflies.

Include Host Plants – Butterflies need plants for larvae (like milkweed for monarchs).

Avoid Chemicals – Pesticides can harm pollinators use organic alternatives.

Native Plants: The Best Choice

In Long Island and the Northeast, native plants are especially valuable:

Butterfly favorites: goldenrod, asters, joe-pie weed.

Hummingbird favorites: columbine, bee balm, native honeysuckle.

Native plants require less water, resist pests, and provide the right nutrients for local species.

Inspiration from Our Projects

In our Long Island landscapes, pollinator gardens are some of the most rewarding:

A backyard butterfly meadow with coneflowers, milkweed, and black-eyed Susans.

A patio hummingbird garden with salvias, fuchsias, and hanging baskets of petunias.

A native woodland garden featuring columbines and joe-pye weed buzzing with life.

The Bigger Picture: Why Pollinator Gardens Matter

Creating gardens for butterflies and hummingbirds isn’t just about beauty, it’s about sustainability. Pollinator populations are under pressure due to habitat loss and pesticide use. By planting the right flowers, you’re helping protect biodiversity and ensuring future generations enjoy thriving ecosystems.Butterflies and hummingbirds aren’t just visitors they’re partners in keeping gardens alive. By planting a thoughtful mix of nectar-rich, colorful, and native plants, you can turn your yard into a pollinator paradise.

At Louis Contino Landscaping, we specialize in creating award-winning landscapes that combine beauty with ecological purpose. Whether you want a vibrant butterfly garden, a hummingbird haven, or a year-round pollinator-friendly yard, we’ll design a space that brings life, color, and joy to your home.

Ready to create your own pollinator-friendly garden? Call us today at 631-351-5409 or schedule a consultation online. Let’s design a landscape where butterflies and hummingbirds thrive.