13 Flowering Plants to Attract Pollinators to Your Garden

Author: A brown haired girl. Tina Bevk

If you want a thriving garden, attracting pollinators is key. They help plants produce fruits and seeds, making your garden more productive.

Here are 13 flowering plants that will bring bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden. My kids love watching the bees buzz around our sunflowers and chasing butterflies by the lavender. Planting these flowers not only beautifies our garden but also keeps the kids entertained.

My top picks, and some quick tips to help them thrive:

Sunflowers

a closeup shot of sunflower in a watering can

Photo Credit: Envato Elements

Sunflowers are tall, bright, and cheerful. They are a magnet for bees, with large, open faces that provide easy access to pollen.
Useful Tip: Plant them in full sun and provide support as they grow tall.

Lavender

photo of lavender on a sunny day

Photo Credit: Envato Elements

Lavender has beautiful purple flowers and a lovely fragrance. Bees and butterflies love its nectar-rich blooms.
Useful Tip: Plant lavender in well-drained soil and full sunlight for best results.

Marigolds

yellow and orange marigold flowers

Photo Credit: Envato Elements

Marigolds are bright, easy-to-grow annuals that bloom all summer. Their vibrant colors attract a variety of pollinators.
Useful Tip: Deadhead the flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

Coneflowers

violet purple coneflowers growing in garden

Photo Credit: Envato Elements

Coneflowers, or Echinacea, are sturdy perennials with daisy-like flowers. They are particularly attractive to butterflies.
Useful Tip: They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun.

Zinnias

bouquets of different colors of zinnias flowers on a wooden table

Photo Credit: Envato Elements

Zinnias are colorful, long-lasting annuals that bloom profusely. Their bright colors draw in bees and butterflies.
Useful Tip: Plant in full sun and space them well to prevent powdery mildew.

Bee Balm

close up photo of red bee balm flower

Photo Credit: Envato Elements

Bee Balm, or Monarda, has vibrant red, pink, or purple blooms. It’s a favorite of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
Useful Tip: Plant in moist, well-drained soil and deadhead to promote more blooms.

Cosmos

pink cosmos flowers along the white picket fence

Photo Credit: Envato Elements

Cosmos are airy, delicate flowers that come in a variety of colors. They are easy to grow and attract bees and butterflies.
Useful Tip: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil for a continuous summer bloom.

Black-eyed Susans

a closeup shot of black-eyed susan

Photo Credit: Envato Elements

Black-eyed Susans have bright yellow petals with a dark center. Their easy access to pollen makes them popular with bees.
Useful Tip: They are drought-tolerant and prefer full sun.

Asters

close up photo of purple asters

Photo Credit: Envato Elements

Asters have star-shaped flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. They provide a crucial late-season nectar source for pollinators.
Useful Tip: Plant in full sun to part shade and ensure good air circulation to prevent disease.

Milkweed

bumblebee on milkweed

Photo Credit: Envato Elements

Milkweed is essential for monarch butterflies, providing food for caterpillars. It’s the only plant where monarchs lay their eggs.
Useful Tip: Plant in full sun and be patient; it may take a while to establish.

Salvias

bush of salvias flowers

Photo Credit: Envato Elements

Salvias are colorful, spiky flowers that come in many varieties. They attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Useful Tip: They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, and deadhead for more blooms.

Calendula

orange calendula flowers

Photo Credit: Envato Elements

Calendula, or pot marigold, has bright, daisy-like flowers. Its nectar-rich blooms are loved by bees.
Useful Tip: Plant in full sun or light shade and deadhead to prolong blooming.

Phlox

blooming phlox garden flowers

Photo Credit: Envato Elements

Phlox has clusters of fragrant flowers that come in many colors. They attract a variety of pollinators, especially butterflies.
Useful Tip: Plant in rich, well-drained soil and keep well-watered during dry spells.

These 13 flowering plants will not only beautify your garden but also create a haven for pollinators. By planting these, you’ll enjoy a more productive and vibrant garden!

Author: Tina Bevk

Tina, from the blog “Stretch and Folds,” balances motherhood and a passion for sourdough baking. Based in Slovenia, she offers practical sourdough tips and recipes, bridging European and American baking styles. Her blog simplifies sourdough for busy families, focusing on easy, nutritious sourdough recipes.

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