10 plants that attract birds, bees and butterflies to Indian gardens

Creating a habitat for birds, bees and butterflies can be achieved through planting the right flora in Indian gardens. With urbanisation encroaching on natural habitats, even a modest balcony or backyard can be transformed into a haven for wildlife by incorporating the right plants. Here are ten of the best plants to consider:

1. Lavender - The fragrant purple flowers of lavender are rich in nectar and attract honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies. This plant thrives in sunny, well-drained areas and blooms over an extended period.

2. Sunflower - Sunflowers not only provide nectar for pollinators while in bloom but also offer seeds that become a food source for finches, sparrows, and other seed-eating birds once they mature.

3. Milkweed - Milkweed is well-known for supporting butterflies, particularly monarchs in suitable regions. Its flowers are nectar-rich and draw many native pollinators, including bees and beneficial insects.

4. Native hibiscus - Hibiscus flowers provide nectar for birds and insects, while their dense foliage can offer shelter for small wildlife. Native species are generally more beneficial than ornamental hybrids.

5. Marigold - Easy to grow and brightly coloured, marigolds attract bees and butterflies. Additionally, they help deter certain garden pests naturally.

6. Bottlebrush - Bottlebrush's distinctive red brush-like flowers produce abundant nectar, making it a magnet for nectar-feeding birds and pollinating insects like bees and butterflies.

7. Berry-producing shrubs - Shrubs that bear berries offer an essential food source for birds, particularly during periods when insects may be scarce. They also provide nesting cover.

8. Jasmine - Many jasmine species release a fragrance in the evening, attracting moths and nocturnal pollinators that play a crucial ecological role.

9. Native grasses - Though often overlooked, grasses provide seeds for birds, shelter for insects, and nesting material. They also require minimal maintenance.

10. Basil - If allowed to flower, basil becomes an excellent nectar source. Holy basil (tulsi) and sweet basil both attract numerous pollinating insects, including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.