The Best Pollinator Flowers: How to Attract Bees and Butterflies to Your Garden

Are you looking to create a beautiful garden that also helps support local pollinators? One way to achieve this is by planting flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other important insects. Not only will your garden look stunning, but you'll also be doing your part to support the ecosystem. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best pollinator flowers for your garden.

Why Are Pollinators Important?

Before diving into the best pollinator flowers, let's take a moment to discuss why they're so important. Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, play a critical role in our food system by helping plants reproduce. Without them, many of the fruits and vegetables we enjoy would not exist. Unfortunately, pollinator populations have been declining in recent years due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. By planting pollinator-friendly flowers, we can help support these vital species and ensure a healthy ecosystem.

Top 15 Pollinator Flowers

Here are 15 of the best pollinator flowers to consider for your garden:

1. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are not only gorgeous, but they're also excellent at attracting bees and butterflies. Their large heads provide plenty of nectar and pollen, making them a favorite of many pollinators.

2. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant plant that produces beautiful purple flowers. It's a favorite of bees, especially honeybees, who love its sweet nectar.

3. Coneflowers

Coneflowers, also known as echinacea, are a popular choice for pollinator gardens. Their bright colors and large, cone-shaped centers make them easy for bees and butterflies to spot.

4. Black-Eyed Susans

Black-eyed susans are a type of daisy that produce bright yellow flowers with dark centers. They're a favorite of many pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

5. Bee Balm

As the name suggests, bee balm is a plant that's loved by bees. It produces clusters of colorful flowers that are rich in nectar, making it an excellent choice for any pollinator garden.

6. Milkweed

Milkweed is a must-have for any garden looking to support monarch butterflies. These plants are the sole food source for monarch caterpillars, and their beautiful pink and orange flowers attract adult butterflies as well.

7. Zinnias

Zinnias come in a wide range of colors, from bright pink to deep purple. They produce plenty of nectar, making them a favorite of butterflies and other pollinators.

8. Cosmos

Cosmos are another colorful flower that's great for attracting pollinators. They come in shades of pink, white, and red, and their delicate petals are irresistible to bees and butterflies.

9. Salvia

Salvia produces long spikes of flowers that are rich in nectar. Bees and butterflies love these vibrant blooms, which come in shades of blue, pink, and purple.

10. Marigolds

Marigolds are a hardy plant that produces bright yellow or orange flowers. They're a favorite of many pollinators, including bees and butterflies, and they're also known to repel certain pests.

11. Phlox

Phlox is a fragrant plant that produces clusters of small flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Bees and butterflies love its sweet nectar.

12. Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is a vine that produces tubular flowers in shades of pink, yellow, and white. Its sweet nectar is loved by hummingbirds as well as bees and butterflies.

13. Sage

Sage produces spikes of purple or blue flowers that are irresistible to pollinators. It's also an excellent choice for herb gardens, as it's commonly used in cooking.

14. Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed is another must-have for any garden looking to support monarch butterflies. Its bright orange flowers are a favorite of adult butterflies, and its leaves are the sole food source for monarch caterpillars.

15. Wildflowers

Finally, don't forget about wildflowers! These native plants are great for attracting a wide variety of pollinators. Look for local varieties that are adapted to your region.

Tips for Creating a Pollinator Garden

Now that you know which flowers to choose, here are some tips for creating a successful pollinator garden:

1. Plant in clumps

Pollinators are more likely to visit flowers that are grouped together, rather than scattered throughout the garden. Try planting each type of flower in clumps of at least three.

2. Provide water

Bees and butterflies need access to water, especially on hot days. Consider adding a shallow dish filled with water to your garden.

3. Avoid pesticides

Pesticides can be harmful to pollinators, so try to avoid using them in your garden. Instead, focus on natural pest control methods.

4. Plant for all seasons

Bees and butterflies need food throughout the year, so try to choose flowers that bloom at different times. This will ensure a steady supply of nectar and pollen.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I plant pollinator flowers in containers?

Yes! Many pollinator flowers can be grown in containers, which is great for those with limited space.

2. Are non-native plants still good for pollinators?

While native plants are generally best for supporting local ecosystems, many non-native plants can still provide important resources for pollinators.

3. How do I know if a flower is a good pollinator plant?

Look for flowers that produce plenty of nectar and pollen, and have a shape that's easy for bees and butterflies to access.

4. Will planting pollinator flowers attract bees and wasps?

Yes, planting pollinator flowers will likely attract a variety of insects, including bees and wasps. However, these insects are an important part of the ecosystem and should not be feared.

5. Can I grow pollinator flowers indoors?

Some pollinator flowers can be grown indoors, but they may not attract as many pollinators without access to outdoor air and insects.


By planting pollinator-friendly flowers in your garden, you're not only creating a beautiful space, but you're also doing your part to support local ecosystems. With so many great options to choose from, there's no reason not to add some pollinator flowers to your garden today!