Best Flowers to Attract Pollinators

Pollinators are essential for the reproduction of plants and for the production of many fruits and vegetables that we consume. They play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health. However, pollinators are facing numerous threats such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. One way that we can support pollinators is by planting flowers that provide them with food and habitat. In this blog post, we will discuss the best flowers to attract pollinators.

Importance of Pollinators

Pollinators are responsible for pollinating more than 75% of all flowering plants on earth, including crops that make up a significant portion of our diet. Without pollinators, many of these plants would not produce fruit or seeds, which could lead to a decline in biodiversity and ecosystem health. Additionally, pollinators are important for the reproduction of wild plants and the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.

Types of Pollinators

There are many types of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, and hummingbirds. Each of these pollinators has different preferences when it comes to flower shape, color, and scent. For example, bees are attracted to blue, purple, and yellow flowers, while butterflies prefer red, orange, and pink flowers.

Factors that Attract Pollinators

There are several factors that can attract pollinators to your garden, including:

Flower Shape

Flower shape plays an important role in attracting pollinators. Some pollinators, such as bees, prefer flowers with a tubular shape, while others, such as butterflies, prefer flowers with a flat or open shape.

Flower Color

Flower color is also an important factor in attracting pollinators. Bees are attracted to blue, purple, and yellow flowers, while butterflies prefer red, orange, and pink flowers.

Scent

Scent is another factor that can attract pollinators. Flowers with a strong scent, such as lavender and rosemary, can attract bees and butterflies.

Blooming Period

It's important to choose flowers that bloom at different times throughout the growing season to provide food for pollinators from early spring through late fall.

Best Flowers to Attract Pollinators

1. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a great choice for attracting pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. They have large, showy flowers that come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, and red. Sunflowers bloom from mid-summer to fall and provide a good source of nectar and pollen for pollinators.

Planting Tips:

Plant sunflowers in full sun and well-drained soil. They can grow up to six feet tall, so make sure to give them plenty of space. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

2. Coneflowers

Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, are another great choice for attracting pollinators. They have daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white that bloom from early summer to fall. Coneflowers are particularly attractive to butterflies and bees.

Planting Tips:

Plant coneflowers in full sun and well-drained soil. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

3. Milkweed

Milkweed is a must-have plant for anyone looking to attract monarch butterflies. It is the only host plant for monarch caterpillars and provides a good source of nectar for adult butterflies. Milkweed has pink, orange, or white flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall.

Planting Tips:

Plant milkweed in full sun and well-drained soil. It can grow up to six feet tall, so make sure to give it plenty of space. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

4. Black-Eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans are a popular choice for attracting pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. They have yellow, daisy-like flowers with dark centers that bloom from early summer to fall.

Planting Tips:

Plant black-eyed Susans in full sun and well-drained soil. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

5. Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as Monarda, is a favorite of hummingbirds and bees. It has bright red, pink, or purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall and a strong scent that attracts pollinators.

Planting Tips:

Plant bee balm in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

Other Flowers to Consider

1. Zinnias

Zinnias come in a wide range of colors and are easy to grow from seed. They bloom from mid-summer to fall and are attractive to butterflies and bees.

2. Liatris

Liatris, also known as blazing star, has tall spikes of pink or purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. They are particularly attractive to butterflies.

3. Salvia

Salvia has spikes of blue, purple, or red flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. They are attractive to bees and hummingbirds.

4. Phlox

Phlox has clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. They are attractive to butterflies and bees.

5. Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed, also known as Asclepias tuberosa, has bright orange flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. It is a favorite of monarch butterflies.


Planting flowers that attract pollinators is an easy way to support these important creatures and help maintain biodiversity and ecosystem health. By incorporating some of the flowers discussed in this blog post into your garden, you can provide food and habitat for pollinators throughout the growing season.

FAQs

Q1. What are the benefits of attracting pollinators to my garden?

Attracting pollinators to your garden can help maintain biodiversity and ecosystem health. It can also increase fruit and vegetable production and improve the health of your plants.

Q2. How can I attract hummingbirds to my garden?

Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers with a tubular shape and bright colors such as red, orange, and pink. Planting flowers like bee balm, salvia, and butterfly weed can help attract hummingbirds to your garden.

Q3. Can I attract pollinators to my balcony or patio?

Yes, you can attract pollinators to a balcony or patio by planting flowers in containers. Choose flowers that are attractive to pollinators and make sure they receive plenty of sunlight.

Q4. How can I help protect pollinators from pesticides?

Avoid using pesticides on your plants and choose organic pest control methods instead. If you must use pesticides, choose ones that are less harmful to pollinators and apply them in the evening when pollinators are less active.

Q5. What else can I do to support pollinators?

In addition to planting flowers that attract pollinators, you can support pollinators by creating habitat such as nesting sites and providing a source of water for them to drink.