I love when the garden starts buzzing with life early in summer—it means the pollinators have arrived. Over the years, I’ve planted a handful of flowering shrubs that seem to pull them in like magnets.
They’re not just pretty—they help support bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds when food sources are still a bit scarce. I’ve also learned a few simple ways to keep those blooms coming longer.
If you’re looking to create a pollinator-friendly garden with lasting color, these shrubs are a great place to start.
1. Butterfly Bush
Long, cone-shaped flower clusters in purple, pink, or white act like magnets for butterflies. The sweet nectar attracts dozens of pollinator species throughout early summer.
Keep this powerhouse blooming by deadheading spent flowers regularly and applying compost in spring. A light pruning after the first flush encourages a second spectacular show of blooms that will keep pollinators visiting until fall.
2. Bluebeard
Powder-blue flowers emerge in early summer, creating a dreamy cloud of color that bees simply can’t resist. The aromatic foliage adds another dimension of garden interest while repelling unwanted pests.
For continuous blooming, plant in full sun and trim back by one-third in late spring. Water deeply during dry spells rather than frequently with small amounts, and watch as these hardy shrubs reward you with waves of beneficial insect activity.
3. Weigela
Trumpet-shaped blooms in shades from soft pink to deep red burst forth in early summer, attracting hummingbirds and bees alike. Some varieties feature variegated foliage that adds visual interest even when not flowering.
Prune immediately after the first flowering period to stimulate a second round of blooms. Feed with a balanced organic fertilizer in spring, and apply a layer of mulch to maintain soil moisture and temperature for optimal flowering throughout the season.
4. Potentilla
Cheerful yellow, white, or pink flowers cover these compact shrubs from early summer onward. Native bees particularly love these simple, open-faced blooms that provide easy access to pollen and nectar.
These drought-tolerant workhorses keep flowering without much fuss. A light shearing after the first heavy bloom encourages fresh flowers. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure, and you’ll enjoy months of pollinator activity with minimal maintenance.
5. Mock Orange
Intensely fragrant white blossoms appear in early summer, filling your garden with a sweet citrus scent that attracts beneficial insects day and night. The four-petaled flowers create a snow-like effect against the deep green foliage.
Promote reblooming by pruning right after the first flowering period. Remove up to one-third of the older stems at the base to rejuvenate the plant. Consistent moisture during bloom time and a yearly application of compost keeps these nostalgic shrubs performing beautifully.
6. Ninebark
Clusters of white to pink flowers emerge in early summer against dramatic foliage that ranges from deep purple to chartreuse, depending on the variety. Native to North America, this tough shrub supports numerous pollinator species.
The exfoliating bark adds winter interest after the blooming season ends. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Plant in full sun to part shade and provide moderate moisture for best flowering, though established plants tolerate drought surprisingly well.
7. Elderberry
Flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers attract a remarkable diversity of beneficial insects in early summer. Both native and honeybees flock to elderberry, which later produces berries that feed birds and can be harvested for homemade syrups and jams.
Plant in moist, fertile soil for best flowering. Prune in early spring to encourage more blooms, removing older stems completely. Consider planting near vegetable gardens to increase pollination rates of food crops while enjoying this multi-purpose shrub’s ornamental qualities.
8. Spirea
Masses of tiny pink or white flowers cover these versatile shrubs in early summer, creating a haven for small native bees and butterflies. The fine-textured foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for other garden plants.
Shear back by about one-third after the first flowering flush to encourage a second round of blooms. Apply a slow-release organic fertilizer in spring, and mulch to maintain soil moisture. These low-maintenance shrubs continue flowering even during hot, dry periods when other plants struggle.
9. Buttonbush
Unique spherical white flowers resembling pincushions appear in early summer, drawing in a remarkable variety of pollinators with their abundant nectar. This native shrub thrives in wet areas where other plants struggle.
The distinctive round seedheads provide winter interest and food for birds after the blooming period. Prune in early spring to maintain size and shape. Plant near water features or in rain gardens for optimal growth, where it will attract butterflies, bees, and beneficial wasps throughout the season.
10. Summersweet
Fragrant spikes of white or pink flowers bloom even in shady areas, attracting butterflies and bees when many other shrubs have finished flowering. The sweet vanilla-like scent carries throughout the garden, enhancing the outdoor experience.
Provide consistent moisture and rich, acidic soil for best performance. Mulch annually with compost to improve soil conditions. This native shrub requires minimal pruning—simply remove dead or damaged branches in early spring to maintain its naturally beautiful form and ensure abundant summer blooms.
11. Abelia
Delicate tubular flowers in white or pink appear in early summer and continue blooming until frost, making this one of the longest-flowering pollinator shrubs. Hummingbirds particularly favor the nectar-rich blooms, while butterflies visit regularly.
The glossy foliage often takes on bronze or purple tints as temperatures cool. Prune in early spring rather than fall to preserve flower buds. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer after pruning and maintain even soil moisture during the growing season for non-stop flowering performance.
12. Beautyberry
Small, subtle pink flowers emerge along the stems in early summer, attracting native bees and other beneficial insects. While not as showy as some shrubs, the flowers give way to spectacular purple berries that birds adore in fall.
Prune beautyberry hard in early spring to encourage more flowering stems. The more flowers you get, the more stunning the fall berry display will be. Plant in full sun to light shade in average soil, and avoid fertilizing heavily, which can reduce flowering in favor of leafy growth.
13. Viburnum
Large, flat flower clusters ranging from white to pink appear in early summer on these versatile shrubs. Some varieties offer intoxicating fragrance that attracts numerous pollinator species including butterflies, bees, and beneficial flies.
Apply a layer of compost annually to provide nutrients without encouraging excessive growth. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain shape while preserving next year’s flower buds. Select native viburnum species for maximum ecological benefit and resistance to local pest and disease pressures.
14. Bush Honeysuckle
Tubular, fragrant flowers in white, pink, or yellow emerge in early summer, serving as essential nectar sources for hummingbirds and long-tongued bees. Unlike invasive Japanese honeysuckle, native bush honeysuckle species support local ecosystems.
Remove one-third of the oldest stems each spring to encourage vigorous new growth and maximum flowering. Plant in groups for best pollinator attraction. Provide average moisture and mulch to keep roots cool during summer heat for prolonged blooming performance throughout the season.
15. St. John’s Wort
Bright yellow flowers with prominent stamens appear in early summer, creating landing pads perfect for smaller pollinating insects. The star-shaped blooms stand out against the blue-green foliage, adding cheerful color to garden borders.
This drought-tolerant shrub performs beautifully in poor soils where other plants struggle. Prune in early spring to maintain compact form and encourage more blooms. Avoid excessive fertilizing, which can reduce flowering and make plants floppy—these shrubs perform best with minimal intervention.
16. New Jersey Tea
Frothy white flower clusters emerge in early summer on this native North American shrub, attracting an impressive diversity of beneficial insects. Small native bees particularly benefit from the accessible nectar and pollen sources.
Drought-tolerant once established, this compact shrub works well in difficult dry sites. The deep root system helps prevent erosion on slopes. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape, and avoid disturbing the roots. Plant in full sun to light shade for best flowering performance.
17. Fothergilla
Unusual bottlebrush-like white flowers appear in early summer before the leaves fully emerge, creating a striking display that attracts early-season pollinators. The honey-scented blooms provide critical resources when few other plants are flowering.
The blue-green summer foliage transforms to spectacular orange and red in fall. Provide acidic, well-drained soil similar to what blueberries prefer. Apply a layer of organic mulch annually to maintain soil conditions, and water during dry periods to ensure continuous health and vigor.
18. Glossy Abelia
Dainty pink-tinged white flowers appear in early summer and continue into fall, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees for months. The semi-evergreen foliage provides structure in winter when other shrubs go dormant.
Prune selectively rather than shearing to maintain the graceful arching form. Remove older stems at the base to encourage fresh growth. Fertilize lightly in spring with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer, and maintain even soil moisture for best flowering performance throughout the summer months.