Native coneflowers and bee balm varieties are like the dream team for pollinators in Orlando yards. These colorful plants not only brighten up your garden but also provide much-needed nectar and habitat for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
I’ve noticed that planting these natives makes a huge difference in attracting buzzing visitors all season long. They’re low-maintenance, beautiful, and great for supporting local wildlife.
Let’s explore some favorite varieties that will bring your yard to life and help pollinators thrive!
1. Purple Coneflower
The iconic purple petals surrounding a spiky orange center make this Florida favorite instantly recognizable. Butterflies can’t resist landing on the sturdy stems that stand tall through summer heat. Orlando gardeners appreciate how drought-tolerant these natives become once established. They’ll bloom from May through September, providing consistent nectar sources when many other plants have wilted.
2. Scarlet Beebalm
Vibrant red tubular flowers cluster together like fireworks, creating an irresistible beacon for hummingbirds zooming through Orlando gardens. The square stems reveal its membership in the mint family. Florida’s humid conditions don’t bother this adaptable native, which releases a refreshing citrusy scent when leaves are crushed. Plant in partial shade for best results in our intense southern sunshine.
3. Yellow Coneflower
Cheerful golden petals droop downward from a prominent chocolate-brown center cone. These sunny bloomers add height and movement to Orlando pollinator gardens through summer and fall. Unlike some fussier plants, these Florida natives thrive in our sandy soils without extra fertilizer. Goldfinches love the seed heads, so leave some standing through winter for these bright yellow visitors.
4. Spotted Beebalm
Delicate lavender blooms topped with purple-spotted “crowns” make this Florida native truly distinctive. The compact growth habit works beautifully in Orlando garden borders or container plantings. Butterflies and small native bees flock to these aromatic flowers throughout summer. Florida gardeners love how this variety tolerates both wet periods and occasional drought without complaint.
5. Tennessee Coneflower
Slender pink petals arch gracefully upward, distinguishing this beauty from its drooping-petal cousins. Once endangered, this resilient plant now thrives in Orlando gardens with well-draining soil. Florida’s beneficial insects particularly love these long-blooming flowers that continue from early summer through fall. Their compact size makes them perfect for smaller yards while still providing substantial nectar resources.
6. Wild Bergamot
Lavender pom-pom blooms sway on tall stems, creating a dreamy effect in Orlando native gardens. The aromatic leaves give off a delightful oregano-mint scent when brushed against. Florida’s native bees practically fight over these nectar-rich flowers during summer months. Despite its delicate appearance, this tough plant handles our challenging climate with remarkable resilience once established.
7. Pale Purple Coneflower
Softer in color than its purple cousin, these elegant flowers feature delicate petal rays that can reach nearly 3 inches long. The slender stems create a graceful presence in Orlando wildflower gardens. Florida pollinators appreciate this early-season bloomer that often starts flowering before other coneflowers. Its deep taproot makes it incredibly drought-resistant once established in our sandy Central Florida soils.
8. Lemon Beebalm
Cheerful yellow whorls of flowers stack along sturdy stems, creating a distinctive architectural presence. The citrusy fragrance explains its common name and makes it a sensory delight in Orlando gardens. Florida’s humidity doesn’t faze this adaptable plant that attracts an impressive diversity of native bees. Unlike some fussier ornamentals, it thrives with minimal care while providing maximum ecological benefits.
9. Wavyleaf Coneflower
Distinctive wavy-edged leaves set this coneflower apart even before its cheery yellow blooms appear. The flowers feature shorter, more compact petals around a prominent dark cone. Orlando gardeners appreciate how this Florida native tolerates poor soil conditions without complaint. Bumblebees show particular preference for these sturdy blooms that hold up well through summer heat and afternoon thunderstorms.
10. Oswego Tea
Brilliant scarlet flowers form shaggy globes that seem to glow in Orlando garden settings. Early American settlers used the aromatic leaves for tea, hence its historical common name. Florida hummingbirds zoom straight to these tubular blooms rich in sweet nectar. Though native to more northern regions, this bee balm adapts well to Central Florida when given afternoon shade and consistent moisture.
11. Prairie Coneflower
Dramatic columnar cones stretch upward surrounded by drooping yellow petals, creating one of the most distinctive flowers in Orlando native gardens. The unusual shape earns it the nickname “Mexican hat.” Florida’s hot summers don’t intimidate this prairie native that blooms prolifically from late spring through fall. Goldfinches and native sparrows feast on the abundant seeds if flower heads are left standing.
12. Eastern Beebalm
Soft pink flower clusters create puffy spheres atop aromatic foliage that smells faintly of bergamot orange. This Florida-friendly variety stays more compact than other bee balms, perfect for smaller Orlando gardens. Swallowtail butterflies frequently visit these nectar-rich blooms throughout the growing season. Florida gardeners appreciate how this adaptable native handles both wet periods and dry spells with remarkable resilience.
13. Narrow-leaf Coneflower
Slender, grass-like foliage creates an elegant base for the bright pink-purple flowers that appear in early summer. The petals remain more horizontal rather than drooping, giving a distinctive star-like appearance. Orlando’s sandy soils suit this adaptable Florida native perfectly. Beneficial insects particularly appreciate these early bloomers that provide nectar when many other plants haven’t yet begun their flowering season.
14. Basil Beebalm
Delicate lavender-white flowers emerge from distinctive purplish bracts, creating an unusual tiered effect. The aromatic foliage has a pleasant basil-mint fragrance when touched or brushed against. Florida’s native bee species show particular preference for these nectar-rich blooms. Orlando gardeners appreciate how this tough plant handles our challenging summer conditions while still looking fresh and attractive.
15. Gray-headed Coneflower
Sunny yellow petals droop dramatically from a prominent gray-green center cone that later turns brownish. The tall, branching stems create a cloud-like effect of floating flowers above Orlando garden beds. Florida butterflies can’t resist these abundant nectar sources that bloom throughout summer. Unlike some fussier plants, these natives thrive in our challenging climate and continue flowering even during dry periods.