Grow This Colorful Flower In Pots & Watch Hummingbirds And Butterflies Flock To Your Yard

What do you think about when you think about a container garden? For many people, the idea of raised beds often comes with thoughts of vegetables and small fruits. However, not only can containers be used for growing your own food, but you can also start your own pollinator garden with potted plants. The key is choosing a plant that does well when grown in pots while also providing bright, nectar-filled blooms, such as this genus of eye-catching flowers that hummingbirds and butterflies flock to.

Also known as the lily-of-the-Incas or the Peruvian lily, Alstroemeria is a genus of vibrant plants that bloom with funnel flowers in a range of colors that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and even bees. As a result, they make the perfect addition for a pollinator garden, especially if your goal is to attract more butterflies or hummingbirds to your yard. However, that's not the only benefit of Peruvian lilies. They also thrive when grown in a container, making them ideal for adding hummingbird and butterfly appeal all while being space-savvy. This means no more choosing between room for foot traffic in your yard or attracting the pollinators that give life to your garden, helping you make the most of a small backyard.

Of course, in order to attract those butterflies and hummingbirds you want, you'll want to ensure that your Peruvian lily is given the right care. After all, optimal blooming gives you the best chance at drawing those colorful pollinators to your garden.

Growing plants in containers can be a bit more difficult than sowing directly in your yard, with more unique challenges. For example, depending on the type of planter you choose for your Peruvian lily, plants may dry out faster than if they were planted in the ground. However, using a container also gives you more control over winter hardiness and soil specifications while making care more accessible.

Peruvian lilies are overall hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10. However, with a container garden, you can easily overwinter indoors. This makes for hummingbird and butterfly appeal that comes back year after year. Peruvian lilies grow best when offered at least six hours of sunlight each day, with the right amount of sun exposure needed to produce those beautiful blooms your favorite pollinators can't resist. Aim for a full sun or partial shade location when choosing the right spot to set up your pots.

As far as soil goes, this is where you'll want to pay attention when growing this colorful flower in pots. Peruvian lilies prefer soil that offers good drainage, all while leaning towards the acidic side.  However, they do need soil that is moist, as they have no notable tolerance for drought. Because containers can dry out faster, you'll want to check the moisture of your Peruvian lily's soil frequently and water when it feels dry to the touch.