A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2006 Hummingbird and Butterfly flowers

I am interested in flowers that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies that can be grown in containers.
This is a list of the flowers I am interested in:
Butterfly weed
Cosmos
Foxglove
Hollyhock
Dahlia
Columbine
Fuchsia
Violets
Chrysanthemums
Would any of these florish in large containers?

The only plant I am unsure of would be the Dahlias. The rest should flourish in containers as long as they get enough water!
I like to grow hanging Fuchsias in 10 inch hanging baskets, but don't forget the uprights for growing in tubs (with good drainage).
Keep in mind that perennials will require a larger container than the annual plants.

Thank you Bill!
Actually, after you mentioned fuchsias, I remembered my aunt used to hang some for the hummers. They were so beautiful. I'm going to look for some tomorrow.

My dahlias do awesome in containers every year, surrounded by annuals, because I have to dig the tubers every fall and store them for the winter. Just keep an eye out for slugs and snails...dahlias seem to be on their favorites list.

My Dahlias do fabulous in containers too. And I don't have to dig them for winter. But find them easier to handle in containers.

Are Fuchsias aka Bleeding Hearts?
Also, can either be started from seed somewhat easily?

Bleeding Heart is Dicentra spectabilis.
Sow the seeds outdoors in late fall or early winter, or indoors, you have to put the seeds in soil and freeze them for 6 weeks. Germination takes 30 days at 60*.

Bill, You take the most beautiful pics!


Would I be able to grow them in smaller pots to bring indoors when it gets colder?

wow bill! that is a GREAT pic! I have never seen them that close up before and didn't know they resembled a heart so much!

i dont think fusschias are the same as bleeding hearts. ive planted 2 bleeding hearts last fall
and am looking forward to seeing them this year on the shady side of my house. they had a growth spurt with much leafing out but a hard freeze came along and knocked em back down. hope it didnt wreck em for this year