Question
QUESTION: I would like to know if crepe myrtle attract any kind of birds or butterflies.

ANSWER: Hello Mary Ann

There are many varieties of Crepe Myrtle from miniatures to some that grow into well sized trees.  All bear blooms and these will always attract pollinating insects, so you should see plenty of butterflies, along with bees and other insects.

I have not doubt that birds will make nests in the taller growing shrubs and tree-like plants, as long as they feel safe and are undisturbed.  I can't tell you which birds you will see as much depends on the area in which you live and what birds are normally seen there, and, of course, available food sources.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Mr. Borchardt,

Thank you for your prompt reply. I live in Athens, GA USA. We are about 60 miles NE of Atlanta, GA. Outside of my classroom I have a five to six foot diameter circle of dirt surrounded by concrete. This is what my students and I look at every day. I wanted to plant a crepe myrtle because they are extremely hardy here in the south. However, I am trying to get some grant money from our local government and I need for whatever I plant there to be a great choice for MANY reasons. That is why I was wondering about butterflies and birds(maybe hummingbirds?). All we seem to attract now are crows which are still fascinating to my five year olds. So I want beauty, versatility, and a sturdy small tree. We will plant around the perimeter for our plants unit instead of growing seeds in Styrofoam cups. If you have any other ideas or can provide any further information it will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much, Mary Ann

Answer
Hello again Mary Ann

I've come up  with four plants (besides the Crepe Myrtle) which I think may appeal to you:

1.  Buddleia davidii (Butterfly Bush).  As it's name suggests, this bush is particularly attractive to butterflies, but is also known to attract hummingbirds.  The davidii varieties bear long cone shaped blooms of white, purple-red or deep purple, which are carried on graceful, arching stems.  The blooms have an intense sweet honey scent and if they are clipped off as they fade the plant will readily provide more all summer long. Unfortunately it is not evergreen.  It can grow to 10-15 feet if left to itself, but if a smaller plant is preferred it can be cut back to within an inch of old wood in April/May and will quickly put out fresh new growth.

2.  Lantana camara (Shrub Verbena).  This plant will grow to about 8 feet high and can be trimmed back occasionally to keep it neat.  It comes in a variety of colors and, as it is evergreen, will provide all year round interest.  Contact with the foliage can irritate sensitive skin (a point to bear in kind if children as involved?)

3.  Justicia brandegeeana (Shrimp Plant).  Grows to about 3 feet and can be clipped back to keep a neat rounded shape. Again there are many varieties of this plant and therefore many colors.  The blooms, at first glance, have the appearance of a shrimp's back - thus the common name!  The plant is also evergreen and over time can form a large mass.

Hibiscus (Rose of Sharon).  A well loved plant the world over.  A medium plant will grow 6 feet to 8 feet (this plant can grow up to 20 feet, so you would have to choose you variety carefully!)
Blooms are red, blue, pink, white, yellow or purple, often with contrasting markings).  Plants can be deciduous or evergreen.

All these plants are fragrant and all are unfussy about soil type, but must have a well-drained, sunny site to give of their best.  Water well in the first summer if it is particularly dry.

For added interest if you choose a deciduous type, can I suggest that you plant some spring flowering bulbs - narcissus or crocus?  I think the children would love watching them develop and then flower when there is little else of interest out there!

Good luck with your project - I hope you and your class have a lot of fun with the plants and their visitors!

Gill