Creating a pollinator garden is a rewarding way to support biodiversity and enjoy a vibrant landscape. By planting a variety of flowers, you provide essential resources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.
This guide showcases 32 flowers that will transform your garden into a thriving oasis for pollinators, offering beauty and ecological benefits in equal measure.
1. Lavender
With its enchanting fragrance and beautiful purple blooms, this plant is a favorite among pollinators. It thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soil, making it an ideal choice for garden borders. Plant it along pathways or in containers to enjoy its aromatic scent.
Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and prolongs flowering. This resilient flower is drought-tolerant once established, reducing the need for frequent watering. Its long-lasting blooms attract bees and butterflies, ensuring your garden is abuzz with activity.
Whether used in culinary dishes or dried for sachets, it’s a versatile addition to any garden.
2. Sunflower
Famous for their towering height and bright yellow petals, these flowers are a staple in any pollinator garden. They provide ample nectar and pollen for bees and other insects. Plant in a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil to see them reach their full potential.
These cheerful blooms also produce seeds that attract birds, adding another layer of biodiversity to your garden. Regular deadheading can extend their blooming period, giving pollinators an extended feast.
Their striking appearance makes them perfect for garden backdrops or as a focal point in flower beds.
3. Echinacea
Known for its robust, daisy-like flowers with a central cone, this hardy perennial is a magnet for pollinators. It thrives in full sun and tolerates a variety of soil conditions, making it easy to grow in different garden settings.
Regular watering during dry spells will keep it blooming throughout the summer. Its flowers provide nectar for butterflies and bees, while its seed heads offer food for birds in the fall.
Deadheading can promote additional blooms, ensuring a colorful and lively garden environment.
4. Bee Balm
With its vibrant red and pink blooms, this flower is a showstopper in any garden. It attracts bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds with its rich nectar. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and a sunny or partially shaded spot.
Pruning after the first bloom can encourage a second flowering phase, extending the season of interest. Its aromatic leaves can be used to make teas, adding another dimension to your garden’s offerings.
By providing a splash of color and a bounty of nectar, this flower plays a vital role in supporting pollinator populations.
5. Zinnia
These cheerful, daisy-like blooms come in a wide range of colors, from reds and oranges to yellows and pinks. They thrive in sunny locations and well-drained soil, making them easy to grow from seeds or transplants.
Deadheading will encourage continuous blooming, providing a long season of nectar for pollinators like butterflies and bees. Their bright colors add visual interest to any garden, making them a popular choice for borders and cut flower arrangements.
Easy to grow and maintain, these plants are perfect for gardeners of all skill levels.
6. Milkweed
This plant is essential for monarch butterflies, serving as both a nectar source and a host for caterpillars. Its clusters of pink or orange flowers add beauty to any garden. Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil to provide the best conditions for growth.
By planting this flower, you contribute to the conservation of monarchs, offering a crucial habitat for their lifecycle. Its blooms attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to a diverse ecosystem in your garden.
A resilient perennial, it requires minimal maintenance once established.
7. Black-Eyed Susan
These bright, cheerful blooms are a must-have for any pollinator garden. Their sunny yellow petals and dark centers attract a variety of insects, including bees and butterflies. They thrive in full sun and can tolerate poor soil conditions, making them versatile and easy to grow.
These flowers bloom from mid-summer to fall, providing a long-lasting display that pollinators love. They are drought-tolerant once established, reducing watering needs.
With minimal maintenance required, they are perfect for gardeners seeking low-effort, high-impact plants.
8. Cosmos
Known for their delicate, airy blooms, these flowers add a touch of elegance to any garden. Available in pink, white, and purple, they thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Easily grown from seed, they are perfect for borders or mass plantings.
Deadheading encourages continuous blooms, providing a steady source of nectar for pollinators. Their long stems make them ideal for cut flower arrangements, adding beauty indoors as well as outdoors.
These low-maintenance flowers are a favorite among gardeners looking to support pollinators with minimal effort.
9. Marigold
These bright, cheerful blooms are not only a joy to behold but also attract a multitude of pollinators. Their vibrant colors range from orange to yellow, providing a striking contrast in any garden. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them easy to care for.
In addition to attracting bees and butterflies, these flowers are known for their pest-repelling properties, making them a valuable companion plant. Regular deadheading encourages more blooms, ensuring a long flowering season.
Their versatility and ease of growth make them a staple in both novice and experienced gardens.
10. Salvia
These spiky blooms are a magnet for bees and hummingbirds, providing rich nectar throughout the growing season. They come in a variety of colors, including purple, red, and blue, adding vertical interest to garden beds.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, they are drought-tolerant once established, making them a low-maintenance choice. Regular deadheading can encourage additional blooms.
These flowers are perfect for adding height and texture to your garden while supporting a diverse range of pollinators, making them a valuable addition to any landscape.
11. Borage
This herb is not only a culinary delight but also a favorite among pollinators. Its star-shaped blue flowers are rich in nectar, attracting bees in droves. This plant prefers sunny locations with well-drained soil and can be grown from seeds or transplants.
In addition to its pollinator-friendly traits, its leaves and flowers are edible, adding a cucumber-like flavor to salads and drinks. Regular deadheading encourages new blooms, ensuring a continuous supply of nectar.
With its charming appearance and multiple uses, it is a valuable asset to any pollinator-friendly garden.
12. Aster
These late-season bloomers provide a crucial nectar source for pollinators preparing for winter. With their star-shaped blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white, they add color to the autumn garden. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Plant these flowers in borders or containers to enjoy their vibrant display. Regular watering during dry spells will keep them blooming profusely. In addition to attracting bees and butterflies, their seed heads provide food for birds.
These resilient perennials require minimal care, making them a practical choice for busy gardeners.
13. Lupine
These tall, spiky blooms are a striking addition to any garden, providing vertical interest and rich nectar for pollinators. They come in various colors, including blue, purple, and pink. Best grown in sunny or partially shaded locations with well-drained soil, they are relatively easy to care for.
In addition to their beauty, these flowers can improve soil quality by fixing nitrogen, making them beneficial for your garden’s health. Regular deadheading can prolong the blooming season, offering extended feeding opportunities for pollinators.
These plants are a valuable asset for gardeners seeking both beauty and ecological benefits.
14. Clover
Often overlooked, this humble plant is a powerhouse for pollinators. Its low-growing habit and dense clusters of pink or white flowers provide ample nectar for bees. It thrives in sunny or partially shaded areas and can tolerate poor soil conditions.
Beyond its pollinator-friendly traits, it serves as a natural ground cover, reducing the need for mowing and suppressing weeds. Its ability to fix nitrogen improves soil health, benefiting surrounding plants.
This low-maintenance flower is perfect for gardeners seeking an eco-friendly and functional addition to their landscape.
15. Coreopsis
These cheerful, daisy-like blooms bring a splash of color to any garden, attracting a variety of pollinators. Their bright yellow flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them easy to grow. Deadheading encourages prolonged blooming, providing a steady source of nectar.
These drought-tolerant plants require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for busy gardeners. Their long-lasting blooms add visual interest to borders and containers.
In addition to their beauty, they attract beneficial insects, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem. These plants are a valuable addition for those looking to create a vibrant, pollinator-friendly space.
16. Verbena
These long-blooming flowers are a favorite for pollinator gardens, providing nectar from spring to fall. With their clusters of purple, pink, or white blooms, they add color and texture to any landscape. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them easy to care for.
Their low-growing habit makes them perfect for borders, containers, or ground cover. Regular deadheading can prolong the blooming season, ensuring a continuous supply of nectar.
These plants are not only attractive to bees and butterflies but also add beauty and interest to your garden space.
17. Buddleia
Commonly known as the butterfly bush, this plant is a magnet for pollinators, particularly butterflies. Its long, arching spikes of purple, pink, or white flowers provide abundant nectar. It thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage more blooms. This low-maintenance plant is drought-tolerant once established, reducing the need for watering.
Its vibrant blooms and ability to attract a wide range of pollinators make it an essential addition to any garden focused on supporting biodiversity. Enjoy watching butterflies flock to this beautiful shrub.
18. Hollyhock
These tall, stately plants add drama to any garden, with their towering spikes of colorful flowers. They are perfect for planting along fences or walls, providing vertical interest and rich nectar for pollinators.
These plants prefer sunny locations and well-drained soil, and regular watering will keep them blooming throughout the season. Their large, showy flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
As biennials or short-lived perennials, they may require replanting every few years, but their beauty and ecological benefits make them worth the effort.
19. Yarrow
This hardy perennial is known for its feathery foliage and clusters of small, flat-topped flowers. Its blooms range from yellow to pink and white, providing a steady supply of nectar for pollinators.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it requires minimal care and is drought-tolerant once established. Its flowers are long-lasting, making them perfect for fresh or dried arrangements.
In addition to attracting bees and butterflies, its foliage is aromatic and can be used in herbal remedies. This versatile plant is a valuable addition to any pollinator-friendly garden.
20. Snapdragon
These charming flowers are known for their unique, tubular blooms that come in a wide range of colors. They thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil and are perfect for adding height and color to garden beds.
Regular deadheading encourages more blooms, providing a continuous source of nectar for pollinators. They are particularly attractive to bees and hummingbirds, adding life to your garden.
Their striking appearance and ease of growth make them a favorite among gardeners. Whether used in borders or containers, these plants add beauty and ecological benefits to any landscape.
21. Foxglove
These tall, elegant plants are known for their bell-shaped flowers that come in shades of purple, pink, and white. They are perfect for adding height to garden beds and thrive in partially shaded locations with well-drained soil.
While beautiful, they are toxic if ingested, so caution should be taken when planting around pets or children. Despite this, they are a valuable addition to pollinator gardens, attracting bees and butterflies with their nectar-rich blooms.
These biennials may require replanting every few years, but their striking appearance and ecological benefits make them worth the effort.
22. Catmint
This aromatic herb is not only a favorite among cats but also a magnet for pollinators. Its purple-blue flowers bloom profusely, providing a rich source of nectar throughout the growing season.
Thriving in sunny locations with well-drained soil, it is drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice. Regular trimming can encourage bushier growth and prolong blooming.
In addition to attracting bees and butterflies, it adds a pleasant fragrance to the garden and can be used in teas and culinary dishes. This versatile plant is a valuable addition to any pollinator-friendly landscape.
23. Phlox
These lush, fragrant flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white. They thrive in sunny or partially shaded locations with well-drained soil, adding color and fragrance to any garden.
Their compact growth habit makes them perfect for borders or mass plantings. Regular deadheading can prolong their blooming season, providing a continuous source of nectar for pollinators.
In addition to attracting bees and butterflies, their sweet fragrance adds an extra sensory element to your garden. These easy-to-grow perennials are a favorite among gardeners looking to support pollinators.
24. Gaillardia
Also known as the blanket flower, this plant boasts bright red and yellow blooms that attract a variety of pollinators. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it easy to grow. Its long blooming period provides a consistent source of nectar throughout the growing season.
These drought-tolerant plants require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for busy gardeners. Deadheading can encourage additional blooms, extending the flowering season.
Their vibrant colors add visual interest to borders and containers, making them a valuable addition to any pollinator-friendly garden.
25. Liatris
These tall, spiky blooms add vertical interest and a pop of color to any garden. They are perfect for attracting pollinators, with their rich nectar and long-lasting flowers. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, they are drought-tolerant once established.
Their unique appearance makes them a standout choice for garden beds or borders. In addition to their beauty, they attract beneficial insects, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem.
These perennials require minimal maintenance, making them a practical choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and ecological benefits.
26. Rudbeckia
These bright, cheerful blooms are a staple in any pollinator garden. Their golden yellow petals and dark centers attract a variety of insects, including bees and butterflies. They thrive in full sun and can tolerate poor soil conditions, making them versatile and easy to grow.
These flowers bloom from mid-summer to fall, providing a long-lasting display that pollinators love. They are drought-tolerant once established, reducing watering needs.
With minimal maintenance required, they are perfect for gardeners seeking low-effort, high-impact plants to support pollinators and add beauty to their landscape.
27. Penstemon
These tubular blooms are a favorite among hummingbirds and bees, providing rich nectar throughout the growing season. Available in shades of pink, red, and purple, they add color and texture to any garden.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, they are drought-tolerant once established, making them a low-maintenance choice. Regular deadheading can encourage additional blooms.
Their striking appearance and ability to attract pollinators make them a valuable addition to any garden focused on supporting biodiversity. Their long-lasting blooms ensure a vibrant and lively garden environment.
28. Sedum
This succulent plant is a favorite among pollinators, with its clusters of small, star-shaped flowers. It thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil and requires minimal watering once established.
Their fleshy leaves add texture and interest to garden beds or containers. These hardy perennials are drought-tolerant, making them perfect for low-maintenance landscapes.
In addition to attracting bees and butterflies, their flowers provide a late-season nectar source, supporting pollinators as they prepare for winter. These plants are a practical choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and functionality.
29. Clematis
These climbing vines are known for their stunning, large flowers that come in a range of colors, including purple, pink, and white. They are perfect for adding vertical interest to garden structures like trellises and arbors.
Thriving in sunny or partially shaded locations with well-drained soil, they require support to reach their full potential. Regular pruning can encourage more blooms and maintain their shape.
In addition to attracting bees and butterflies, these plants add elegance and beauty to any garden. Their long blooming season ensures continuous interest and support for pollinators.
30. Scabiosa
These delicate flowers are known for their unique, pincushion-like blooms that attract a variety of pollinators. Available in shades of blue, pink, and white, they add color and texture to any garden.
Thriving in sunny locations with well-drained soil, they are easy to grow and maintain. Regular deadheading can encourage additional blooms, providing a steady source of nectar.
Their compact growth habit makes them perfect for borders or containers. In addition to attracting bees and butterflies, they add beauty and interest to your garden space, making them a valuable addition to any pollinator-friendly landscape.
31. Verbascum
These tall, majestic plants are known for their towering spikes of flowers that come in yellow, purple, and white. They thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil, making them easy to care for.
Their long-lasting blooms provide a rich source of nectar for pollinators throughout the growing season. Regular deadheading can prolong their flowering period, offering extended feeding opportunities for bees and butterflies.
In addition to their beauty, these plants are drought-tolerant once established, making them a practical choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options that support biodiversity.
32. Hyssop
This aromatic herb is not only a favorite among pollinators but also adds fragrance and beauty to the garden. Its clusters of purple-blue flowers provide nectar throughout the growing season.
Thriving in sunny locations with well-drained soil, it is drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice. Regular pruning can encourage bushier growth and prolong blooming.
In addition to attracting bees and butterflies, it can be used in teas and herbal remedies, adding to its versatility. This plant is a valuable addition to any garden focused on supporting pollinators and enhancing biodiversity.