Tina BevkIf 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
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!
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