Best Annuals for Pollinators: A Guide to Attracting Bees, Butterflies, and More

The Importance of Pollinators in Our Ecosystem

Pollinators play a crucial role in our ecosystem by helping plants reproduce. They transfer pollen from the male parts of a flower to the female parts, allowing the plant to produce seeds and fruit. Without pollinators, many of the foods we eat would not exist.

Unfortunately, pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are facing numerous challenges, including habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. That's why it's more important than ever to plant flowers that attract pollinators.

In this guide, we'll take a look at some of the best annuals for pollinators. Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle within one growing season, making them a great choice for gardeners who want to attract pollinators quickly.

The Top 15 Best Annuals for Pollinators

Zinnias

Zinnias are a classic garden favorite that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with their brightly colored blooms. They come in a variety of colors, from bright reds and oranges to pastel pinks and yellows. Zinnias are easy to grow from seed and will bloom throughout the summer.

Marigolds

Marigolds are another popular annual that attracts pollinators. They have bright, sunny blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Marigolds are easy to grow and will bloom all summer long. They also have a strong scent that helps repel pests like aphids and mosquitoes.

Cosmos

Cosmos are a beautiful annual with delicate, daisy-like flowers. They come in shades of pink, purple, and white and are often used in wildflower meadows. Cosmos attract bees and butterflies and will bloom from midsummer until the first frost.

Asters

Asters are a late-season bloomer that attracts bees and butterflies when many other plants have stopped blooming. They have daisy-like flowers in shades of blue, pink, and purple. Asters are easy to grow and will bloom from late summer into fall.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a colorful annual with edible flowers and leaves. They come in shades of red, orange, and yellow and have a peppery flavor. Nasturtiums attract bees and butterflies and are easy to grow from seed.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a classic garden favorite that attracts bees and butterflies with their large, sunny blooms. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, from small yellow flowers to giant red ones. Sunflowers are easy to grow and will bloom throughout the summer.

Salvia

Salvia is an easy-to-grow annual that attracts bees and butterflies with its vibrant blue or purple blooms. It's a great choice for hot, dry areas and will bloom from early summer until the first frost.

Lantana

Lantana is a heat-tolerant annual that attracts butterflies with its brightly colored blooms. It comes in shades of pink, orange, and yellow and will bloom all summer long. Lantana is drought-tolerant and easy to care for.

Petunias

Petunias are a popular annual that attract bees and butterflies with their bright, trumpet-shaped blooms. They come in a variety of colors, from pastel pinks to deep purples. Petunias are easy to grow and will bloom all summer long.

Calendula

Calendula is an edible annual that attracts bees and butterflies with its bright orange or yellow flowers. It has a slightly spicy flavor and can be used in salads, soups, and other dishes. Calendula is easy to grow from seed and will bloom throughout the summer.

Cleome

Cleome is a unique-looking annual that attracts bees and butterflies with its spiky pink or white blooms. It's also known as spider flower because of its long, skinny petals. Cleome is easy to grow and will bloom from midsummer until the first frost.

Pansies

Pansies are a cool-season annual that attracts bees and butterflies with their cheerful, heart-shaped blooms. They come in a variety of colors, from deep purples to bright yellows. Pansies are easy to grow and will bloom in the spring and fall.

Bachelor's Buttons

Bachelor's buttons, also known as cornflowers, are a charming annual that attracts bees and butterflies with their bright blue or purple flowers. They're easy to grow and will bloom from early summer until the first frost.

Nicotiana

Nicotiana is an easy-to-grow annual that attracts moths with its fragrant, tubular flowers. It comes in shades of pink, white, and yellow and will bloom all summer long. Nicotiana is drought-tolerant and easy to care for.

Alyssum

Alyssum is a low-growing annual that attracts bees and butterflies with its sweet-smelling, tiny white or purple flowers. It's a great choice for borders and edging and will bloom all summer long.

FAQs about Annuals for Pollinators

1. What are the best colors to attract pollinators?

Bright colors like red, orange, and yellow are most attractive to pollinators. Bees and butterflies can see these colors from far away and are more likely to visit flowers that are brightly colored.

2. How do I care for annuals for pollinators?

Most annuals for pollinators are easy to care for and require little maintenance. They need regular watering and occasional fertilization to keep them healthy.

3. Can I grow annuals for pollinators in containers?

Yes! Many annuals for pollinators, like petunias and marigolds, can be grown in containers. Just make sure they have enough room to spread out and get plenty of sunlight.

4. Do I need to deadhead annuals for pollinators?

Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, can help prolong the blooming period of your annuals for pollinators. However, it's not necessary and some pollinators may actually prefer the faded blooms.

5. What other plants attract pollinators besides annuals?

Perennials like coneflowers, bee balm, and butterfly weed are also great choices for attracting pollinators. Herbs like lavender, thyme, and rosemary are also attractive to bees and butterflies.