Planting native wildflowers in your garden is the perfect way to invite nature’s pollinators. These blossoms not only beautify your outdoor space but also support the local ecosystem by providing essential nectar and pollen.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these easy-to-grow wildflowers will bring life and color to your garden. Dive into this vibrant world and discover 33 native blooms that will attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial creatures to your backyard.
1. Purple Coneflower
If you’re dreaming of a lively garden buzzing with bees and fluttering butterflies, then consider the purple coneflower. This delightful perennial, known for its striking purple petals and a spiky, orange-brown center, is a favorite among pollinators.
To flourish, plant coneflowers in well-draining soil where they can bask in the sun. Once established, they require minimal maintenance, making them a perfect choice for both novice and seasoned gardeners.
2. Black-Eyed Susan
Imagine a meadow dotted with cheerful yellow blooms, and you’ll likely picture the charming black-eyed susan. With its sunny petals and striking brown center, this native flower is irresistible to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Black-eyed susans thrive in full sun and average soil, making them adaptable to various garden settings. Water regularly during dry spells, and deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
3. Milkweed
Your garden can become a sanctuary for monarch butterflies with the addition of milkweed. Known for its pretty clusters of pink and white blooms, milkweed is a vital host plant for monarch caterpillars.
Plant milkweed in a sunny spot with well-draining soil to see it thrive. Be patient, as it may take time to establish, but once it does, it will be a monarch magnet.
4. Bee Balm
For a splash of color that attracts hummingbirds and bees, consider planting bee balm. Its tubular red flowers are not only eye-catching but also a rich source of nectar.
Bee balm thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew, and space plants to ensure good air circulation.
5. Asters
Envision late-season color with asters gracing your garden. These daisy-like blooms in shades of purple and pink are magnets for late-season pollinators.
Plant asters in rich, well-drained soil with access to full sun for best results. Prune back in early summer to maintain a compact shape and encourage more blooms.
6. Wild Bergamot
Add a touch of wild elegance to your garden with wild bergamot, also known as bee balm’s cousin. Its lavender blooms attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds.
Choose a spot with full to partial sun and well-drained soil for wild bergamot. Regular watering during dry periods will keep this fragrant plant happy and thriving.
7. Goldenrod
Imagine golden plumes swaying in the breeze, and you’ll think of goldenrod. This hardy wildflower is beloved by bees and butterflies for its nectar-rich blooms.
Goldenrod thrives in full sun and can adapt to various soil types, making it a versatile garden choice. It’s drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal care.
8. Blazing Star
Infuse your garden with a vertical element by planting blazing star. This native perennial produces tall spikes of purple flowers that butterflies and bees adore.
For best results, plant blazing star in full sun with well-drained soil. It can tolerate drought, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
9. Joe-Pye Weed
Invite a hint of the wild into your garden with joe-pye weed. Towering with clusters of dusty pink flowers, it’s a favorite among butterflies.
Plant joe-pye weed in moist soil with access to full sun or partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist to maintain its lush appearance.
10. Lupine
Transform your garden into a tapestry of colors with the addition of lupines. These spiked blooms in shades of blue and purple are a visual treat for both gardeners and pollinators.
Lupines prefer sandy, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew and enjoy their vibrant display.
11. Butterfly Weed
Bursting with vibrant orange flowers, butterfly weed is an essential plant for attracting monarch butterflies. Its nectar-rich blooms provide sustenance for butterflies and bees alike.
Butterfly weed thrives in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established, making it an easy-care choice for pollinator gardens.
12. New England Aster
Enliven your autumn garden with the vibrant hues of new england asters. Known for their profusion of purple and pink blooms, they attract late-season pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for a spectacular fall display. Cut back after flowering to promote compact growth and prevent self-seeding.
13. Coreopsis
Inject some sunshine into your garden with the cheerful flowers of coreopsis. These bright yellow blooms are a hit with pollinators and bring a sunny disposition to any garden.
Coreopsis thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance option. Regular deadheading will prolong blooming and keep plants looking tidy.
14. Columbine
Grace your garden with the delicate beauty of columbine flowers, known for their unique, intricate blooms. These charming flowers attract hummingbirds and bees with their sweet nectar.
Columbines prefer partial shade and well-drained soil to thrive. Allow plants to self-seed and naturalize for a whimsical woodland garden effect.
15. Wild Indigo
Introduce a touch of the wild to your garden with wild indigo. Its soft blue blooms attract bees and other pollinators, while its hardy nature makes it a valuable addition.
Wild indigo thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, withstanding drought once established. Patience is key, as it takes time to develop its robust root system.
16. Wild Blue Phlox
Bring a splash of color to shady areas with wild blue phlox. Its fragrant purple blooms create a carpet of color that draws in butterflies and hummingbirds.
Wild blue phlox thrives in partial to full shade and well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist to ensure a dramatic spring display of blooms.
17. California Poppy
Add a burst of sunshine to your garden with the iconic california poppy. Known for its vibrant orange petals, this wildflower is a hit with bees and other pollinators.
California poppies thrive in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. They’re drought-tolerant and will self-seed, creating a vibrant display year after year.
18. Penstemon
Invite elegance to your garden with penstemon, whose tubular blooms come in an array of colors. These striking flowers attract hummingbirds and bees to your garden.
Penstemon thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for rock gardens or borders. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering throughout the season.
19. Sunflower
Nothing says summer quite like the cheerful face of a sunflower. These towering giants not only provide food for pollinators but also seeds for birds.
Sunflowers thrive in full sun and average soil, making them easy to grow in most gardens. Plant seeds after the last frost, and watch them grow into the sky!
20. Oxeye Daisy
Transform your garden into a meadow with the addition of oxeye daisies. Their classic white petals and yellow centers are beloved by bees and butterflies alike.
Oxeye daisies thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a versatile garden choice. Allow them to naturalize for a carefree, cottage garden look.
21. Wild Strawberry
Add a delicious twist to your garden with wild strawberries. Their small white flowers attract pollinators, while their red berries offer a sweet treat for both wildlife and humans.
Wild strawberries thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil. Allow them to spread naturally for a lush groundcover that provides both beauty and bounty.
22. Borage
Enhance your garden with the starry allure of borage. Known for its vibrant blue flowers, borage is a favorite among bees and other pollinators.
Borage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an easy addition to vegetable gardens. Its edible blooms add a decorative touch to salads and drinks.
23. Yarrow
Add a touch of elegance to your garden with yarrow’s flat-topped blooms. Bees and butterflies are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers, making it an ideal pollinator plant.
Yarrow thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it’s drought-tolerant once established. Its feathery foliage adds texture to borders and meadow-style plantings.
24. Cardinal Flower
Create a dramatic display with the vivid red spikes of cardinal flower. These stunning blooms attract hummingbirds with their rich nectar supply.
Cardinal flowers thrive in moist soil and partial shade, making them perfect for woodland gardens. Keep the soil consistently moist to ensure a vibrant display.
25. Purple Prairie Clover
Introduce a touch of prairie charm to your garden with purple prairie clover. Its slender spikes of purple flowers are a favorite for bees and butterflies.
Purple prairie clover thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardens.
26. Echinacea
Bring vibrancy to your garden with echinacea’s bright pink blooms. Known for its health benefits, echinacea is also a magnet for pollinators.
Echinacea thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care once established. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering and maintain a tidy appearance.
27. Spiderwort
Add unique charm to your garden with spiderwort’s delicate blue blooms. This native wildflower is adored by pollinators and adds a pop of color to shaded areas.
Spiderwort thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, adapting to various garden conditions. Its sprawling habit makes it an excellent groundcover.
28. Wild Rose
Infuse romance into your garden with the timeless beauty of wild roses. Their fragrant pink blooms attract bees and other pollinators, while their thorny stems provide refuge for birds.
Wild roses thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care once established. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
29. Gaillardia
Brighten your garden with the sunburst appearance of gaillardia blooms. Known as blanket flowers, they attract pollinators with their vibrant red and yellow petals.
Gaillardia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought once established. Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the summer.
30. Wild Geranium
Add a touch of elegance to shaded areas with wild geraniums. Their delicate pink blooms attract bees and provide groundcover with their lush foliage.
Wild geraniums thrive in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Allow them to naturalize for a charming woodland garden effect.
31. Golden Alexanders
Illuminate your garden with the sunny clusters of golden alexanders. These bright yellow blooms attract bees and other beneficial insects to your space.
Golden alexanders thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They add early-season color and are a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.
32. Mountain Mint
Introduce a refreshing aroma to your garden with mountain mint. Its white, clustered flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, creating a buzz of activity.
Mountain mint thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Its fragrant foliage can be used in teas and culinary dishes, adding versatility to its appeal.