Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds play a crucial role in our ecosystem by helping plants reproduce. Without them, many of the foods we enjoy wouldn’t exist. However, the number of pollinators has been declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other factors. One way to support these vital creatures is to create a garden that attracts and nurtures them. By selecting the right plants, you can turn your garden into a pollinator-friendly haven filled with beautiful blooms. Here are some of the best plants to attract pollinators and create a thriving garden ecosystem.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender is one of the best plants for attracting pollinators, particularly bees. Its fragrant purple flowers are rich in nectar, making it a favorite among both honeybees and bumblebees. Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it’s relatively low maintenance, making it an excellent addition to any garden. Beyond its attractiveness to pollinators, lavender also adds beauty and fragrance to your garden, and its flowers can be used for a variety of culinary and craft purposes.
Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
Bee balm, also known as Monarda or bergamot, is a favorite among bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its vibrant red, pink, purple, or white flowers bloom throughout the summer, providing a long-lasting source of nectar. Bee balm thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Its fragrant foliage and showy blooms make it an eye-catching addition to any pollinator garden. Bee balm can also help improve the health of your garden by attracting beneficial insects that keep pests in check.
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Milkweed is essential for attracting monarch butterflies, as it’s the only plant on which monarchs lay their eggs. The plant also provides nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees and other butterflies. Milkweed is available in several varieties, including common milkweed, swamp milkweed, and butterfly weed. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, and it’s relatively drought-tolerant once established. By planting milkweed, you can support the monarch butterfly population and create a beautiful display of pink, orange, or white flowers.
Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
Coneflowers are a favorite among bees and butterflies due to their large, daisy-like blooms that provide ample nectar. Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, comes in a range of colors, including pink, purple, yellow, and orange. Coneflowers are easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. In addition to attracting pollinators, coneflowers produce seeds that are a food source for birds, making them a great choice for creating a wildlife-friendly garden.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja spp.)
As its name suggests, butterfly bush is a magnet for butterflies. This shrub produces large clusters of flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow, and it blooms from summer to fall. Butterfly bush is also attractive to bees and hummingbirds, providing a rich source of nectar throughout the growing season. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and can grow quite large, making it a striking focal point in the garden. Be aware that some varieties of butterfly bush can be invasive in certain regions, so choose a non-invasive or sterile cultivar if needed.
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia, also known as sage, is a versatile plant that attracts a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The tall spikes of tubular flowers come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and red, providing a burst of color to the garden. Salvia prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. The long blooming season of salvia makes it an excellent choice for providing a consistent source of nectar throughout the summer.
Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)
Zinnias are bright, colorful flowers that attract a range of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. They come in a wide variety of colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, and white, and their long blooming season ensures a steady supply of nectar. Zinnias are easy to grow from seed, thrive in full sun, and tolerate a range of soil types. They are perfect for adding a splash of color to your garden while supporting pollinators. Plant zinnias in clusters to create a more attractive display for butterflies and other pollinators.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.)
Black-eyed Susans are bright, cheerful flowers that are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Their yellow petals and dark centers create a striking contrast, making them a standout addition to any garden. Black-eyed Susans are easy to grow and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are also drought-tolerant and low maintenance, making them an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels. In addition to attracting pollinators, the seeds of black-eyed Susans are a food source for birds.
Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
Lupines are tall, spiky flowers that produce clusters of blooms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. They are particularly attractive to bumblebees, which are drawn to their abundant nectar. Lupines prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and they can tolerate poor soil conditions, as they are nitrogen-fixing plants. Lupines add a vertical element to the garden, making them a great choice for creating visual interest and attracting pollinators.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers are not only beautiful but also incredibly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Their large, open flowers provide an easy landing spot for bees, and the abundant pollen and nectar make them a favorite among pollinators. Sunflowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they are relatively easy to grow from seed. In addition to attracting pollinators, sunflowers produce seeds that are a valuable food source for birds, making them a great addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Borage is an herb with beautiful blue, star-shaped flowers that are highly attractive to bees. It blooms continuously throughout the growing season, providing a consistent source of nectar. Borage is easy to grow, prefers full sun, and can tolerate a range of soil conditions. In addition to attracting pollinators, borage is also a great companion plant for vegetables, as it can help repel certain pests and improve soil health. The flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish in salads or drinks.
Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
Catmint is a hardy perennial that produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers, which are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. It is easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Catmint’s long blooming season, which lasts from late spring to early fall, ensures a consistent supply of nectar for pollinators. In addition to attracting pollinators, catmint has fragrant foliage that can deter certain pests, making it a valuable addition to any garden.
Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Garden
To create a garden that attracts and supports pollinators, it’s important to provide a diverse range of flowering plants that bloom at different times throughout the year. This ensures that pollinators have a consistent source of nectar and pollen from early spring to late fall. Aim to include a mix of flower shapes, colors, and sizes to attract a variety of pollinators, as different species are drawn to different types of flowers.
Avoid using chemical pesticides, as these can be harmful to pollinators. Instead, focus on creating a healthy garden ecosystem by planting native species, providing habitats such as bee hotels, and using natural pest control methods. Providing a water source, such as a shallow dish with pebbles for bees to land on, can also help support pollinators in your garden.
By choosing the right plants and creating a welcoming environment, you can attract a wide range of pollinators to your garden. Not only will you be supporting these essential creatures, but you’ll also enjoy the beauty and vibrancy that comes from having a garden filled with flowers and wildlife.
