Attract Birds & Butterflies To Your Yard With A Vibrant Perennial That Loves Damp Soil

Among the multitude of reasons to want birds or butterflies around, their value as pollinators that are essential for flower and vegetable gardens is a key benefit of their presence. You may also want to attract birds to your garden if you enjoy bird watching as a hobby. Or perhaps you want to transform your backyard into an enchanting butterfly oasis. Whatever your reason, you can plant certain perennials that are more likely to increase your bird and butterfly population all season long. 

The Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani), also called the max sunflower, is a perennial that is loved by both birds and butterflies. It is a non-invasive species that grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9 and thrives in damp soil but is also heat-tolerant and able to withstand the hottest summer days. While it grows best at temperatures between 41 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, it can withstand temperatures between -13 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Birds love the seeds, and butterflies love both the pollen and nectar.

Of all the perennial plants to add to your yard to attract birds and butterflies, the Maximilian sunflower is one of the most versatile. And, it's easy to take care of! In addition to the temperature conditions that it can grow in, it also can handle dry periods in almost any type of soil, though it prefers wet or damp soil with good drainage.

As you scout out locations to plant your Maximilian sunflowers, be mindful of other plants in the area. Like other sunflowers, the Maximilian sunflower is allelopathic, which means that it interacts chemically with nearby plants to either help or hinder their growth. Their love of sun and damp soil can also impact the photosynthesis and soil nutrients for nearby plants. This can be beneficial for controlling weed growth in certain crops, but it can also have a negative impact on plants such as rhubarb, beans, and potatoes.

To establish the plant, start by planting the seeds in early winter in full sun to prepare for the following season. During the first year, you may need to water it regularly, refer to the instructions on your seed package for more guidance. Once the plant reaches maturity, you most likely won't need to water it anymore. There isn't much to do in the way of ongoing care either. When the growing season is over and the blooms all die, cut the stalks down to the ground. You can also dig up the rhizomes and separate them before replanting for more organized growth.

The Maximilian sunflower is the perfect perennial to attract both birds and butterflies to your yard because it has an exceptionally long blooming season with flowers in both the summer and fall. Plus, in the fall, the leaves may change colors to a beautiful purple, adding a new element of interest to your garden. It also provides shelter and shade for birds that like to nest closer to the ground. Small, non-game birds, like Finches, are known to be particularly attracted to the seeds of the Maximilian sunflower. Early in the season, caterpillars are also known to feed on the foliage of the plant. One butterfly variety, the Silvery Checkerspot, relies on the plant to support larval growth. Later in the season, butterflies love the sweet nectar and rely on it in the fall when other flowering plants have died.