The Best Pollinator Plants: Attracting and Supporting Bees, Butterflies, and More

Why Pollinators Matter

Pollinators are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring food security for humans. These small creatures, including bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and moths, play a crucial role in pollinating plants that produce fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables. Without them, our food supply would be severely impacted, and many plant species could face extinction.

However, pollinator populations have been declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and disease. To help support these critical creatures, we can create pollinator-friendly gardens by planting flowers that provide nectar, pollen, and shelter. In this article, we'll explore some of the best pollinator plants to attract and support bees, butterflies, and more.

1. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee balm is a beautiful perennial herb that produces vibrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red. This plant is a favorite among bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, who are drawn to its sweet nectar. Bee balm prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's also drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for dry climates.

How to Grow Bee Balm

To grow bee balm, plant seeds or transplants in early spring or fall. This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering once established. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming.

Benefits of Bee Balm

Bee balm is a rich source of nectar and pollen, making it an important food source for bees and butterflies. It also has antimicrobial properties and can be used to make tea or infused oil.

2. Milkweed (Asclepias)

Milkweed is a key plant for monarch butterflies, whose larvae feed exclusively on this plant. Milkweed produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, orange, and yellow. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Milkweed

To grow milkweed, plant seeds or transplants in early spring. This plant prefers slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering once established. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming.

Benefits of Milkweed

Milkweed is a vital host plant for monarch butterflies, and its nectar also attracts other pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. It's also a great addition to garden borders, meadows, and naturalized areas.

3. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Purple coneflower is a hardy perennial that produces striking pinkish-purple flowers with raised, cone-shaped centers. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.

How to Grow Purple Coneflower

To grow purple coneflower, plant seeds or transplants in early spring. This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering once established. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming.

Benefits of Purple Coneflower

Purple coneflower is a great source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It's also used in herbal medicine to boost the immune system and relieve colds and flu.

4. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflowers are an iconic summer flower that produces large, bright yellow blooms with dark centers. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's also drought-tolerant and can grow up to 10 feet tall.

How to Grow Sunflowers

To grow sunflowers, plant seeds directly in the ground after the last frost date. This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering once established. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming.

Benefits of Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a rich source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. They're also a great addition to cut flower arrangements and can be used to make birdseed or roasted seeds for snacking.

5. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susan is a cheerful perennial that produces bright yellow flowers with dark centers. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.

How to Grow Black-Eyed Susan

To grow black-eyed Susan, plant seeds or transplants in early spring. This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering once established. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming.

Benefits of Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan is a great source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its seeds are also a favorite food of songbirds.

6. Liatris (Blazing Star)

Liatris is a tall, spiky perennial with purple or pinkish flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.

How to Grow Liatris

To grow liatris, plant bulbs or transplants in the spring or fall. This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering once established. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming.

Benefits of Liatris

Liatris produces a high amount of nectar and is a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its tall spikes also add vertical interest to garden borders and meadows.

7. Salvia (Sage)

Salvia is a versatile herb that comes in many varieties, including blue, purple, and red flowers. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.

How to Grow Salvia

To grow salvia, plant seeds or transplants in early spring or fall. This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering once established. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming.

Benefits of Salvia

Salvia produces a high amount of nectar and is a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its leaves are also used in cooking and herbal medicine.

8. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium)

Joe-Pye weed is a tall, native perennial with clusters of pink or purple flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

How to Grow Joe-Pye Weed

To grow Joe-Pye weed, plant seeds or transplants in early spring. This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering once established.

Benefits of Joe-Pye Weed

Joe-Pye weed produces a high amount of nectar and is a favorite of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It's also used in herbal medicine to treat urinary tract infections and fever.

9. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)

Butterfly bush is a fast-growing shrub that produces large spikes of fragrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Butterfly Bush

To grow butterfly bush, plant seeds or transplants in early spring. This plant prefers slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering once established. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming.

Benefits of Butterfly Bush

Butterfly bush is a major attractor of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. It's also a great addition to borders, hedges, and naturalized areas.

10. Marigold (Tagetes)

Marigold is a popular annual that produces brightly colored flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Marigold

To grow marigold, plant seeds directly in the ground after the last frost date. This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering once established.

Benefits of Marigold

Marigold produces a high amount of nectar and is a favorite of bees and butterflies. It's also used in companion planting to repel pests like aphids and nematodes.

11. Aster (Asteraceae)

Aster is a late-blooming perennial that produces daisy-like flowers in shades of blue, pink, and purple. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Aster

To grow aster, plant seeds or transplants in early spring. This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering once established. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming.

Benefits of Aster

Aster produces a high amount of nectar and pollen and is a favorite of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It's also used in herbal medicine to treat coughs and colds.

12. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnia is a popular summer annual that produces colorful, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, and yellow. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Zinnia

To grow zinnia, plant seeds directly in the ground after the last frost date. This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering once established. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming.

Benefits of Zinnia

Zinnia produces a high amount of nectar and pollen and is a favorite of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It's also a great addition to cut flower arrangements.

13. Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

Phlox is a fragrant perennial that produces clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers in midsummer. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Phlox

To grow phlox, plant seeds or transplants in early spring. This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering once established. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming.

Benefits of Phlox

Phlox produces a high amount of nectar and is a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its fragrant blooms also make it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements.

14. Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)

Verbena is a tall, airy perennial that produces clusters of small, purple flowers from midsummer to fall. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Verbena

To grow verbena, plant seeds or transplants in early spring. This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering once established.

Benefits of Verbena

Verbena produces a high amount of nectar and is a favorite of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its tall, slender stems also add vertical interest to garden borders.

15. Goldenrod (Solidago)

Goldenrod is a native perennial that produces clusters of bright yellow flowers in late summer and fall. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Goldenrod

To grow goldenrod, plant seeds or transplants in early spring. This plant prefers slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering once established.

Benefits of Goldenrod

Goldenrod produces a high amount of nectar and pollen and is a favorite of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It's also used in herbal medicine to treat respiratory infections and inflammation.

Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Garden

By planting a diverse selection of pollinator plants in your garden, you can help support bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators. These plants provide food and shelter for these small creatures and help maintain healthy ecosystems. Whether you have a large backyard or a small balcony, there are many options for creating a pollinator-friendly garden.

FAQs

1. How do I attract more bees to my garden?

To attract more bees to your garden, plant a variety of flowers that produce nectar and pollen. Choose plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season to provide a continuous food source. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides that can harm bees and other pollinators.

2. Can I grow pollinator plants in containers?

Yes, many pollinator plants can be grown in containers, including herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano. Choose a large pot with good drainage and use high-quality potting soil. Water regularly and fertilize as needed.

3. How can I help support monarch butterflies?

Monarch butterflies rely on milkweed plants for their survival, so planting milkweed is essential for supporting these beautiful creatures. You can also avoid using pesticides and herbicides that can harm monarchs and their larvae.

4. What are some other ways to support pollinators besides planting flowers?

You can also support pollinators by providing nesting habitats, such as bee hotels or butterfly houses. Avoid mowing your lawn too frequently to allow clover and other wildflowers to grow. And consider reducing your use of pesticides and herbicides to create a more natural environment for pollinators.

5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when planting a pollinator garden?

Some common mistakes to avoid include choosing plants that are not native to your area, planting too close together or too far apart, and not providing enough water or sunlight. It's also important to deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming and to avoid using pesticides and herbicides that can harm pollinators.