Georgia gardens can become buzzing havens for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with the right flowers. Growing pollinator-friendly plants from seed not only saves money but also helps these important creatures thrive.
Whether you have a sprawling garden or just a few containers, these easy-to-grow flowers will transform your outdoor space into a pollinator paradise.
1. Zinnia – The Butterfly Magnet
Zinnias burst with vibrant colors that butterflies simply can’t resist. Their flat, daisy-like blooms provide perfect landing pads for pollinators to rest while sipping nectar.
Sow seeds directly in the soil after the last frost, and you’ll enjoy blooms from summer until fall. No green thumb required—just sunshine and occasional watering will reward you with these cheerful flowers that keep on giving.
2. Black-Eyed Susan – Golden Prairie Charm
Golden petals radiating around chocolate centers make Black-Eyed Susans instantly recognizable in Georgia landscapes. Native to North America, these drought-tolerant beauties attract bees, butterflies, and even goldfinches who feast on their seeds.
Scatter seeds in fall or early spring in a sunny spot with average soil. Their wildflower spirit means they’ll thrive with minimal fuss, blooming abundantly from June through September.
3. Cosmos – Airy Meadow Dancers
Dancing on slender stems, cosmos create a dreamy, meadow-like atmosphere while attracting countless butterflies. Their feathery foliage adds texture to gardens, and the pink, white, or magenta blooms stand out beautifully against Georgia’s blue summer skies.
Simply rake seeds into soil after frost danger passes. These drought-resistant flowers actually bloom better in poor soil—fertilizing them produces fewer flowers and more leaves. A true low-maintenance wonder!
4. Sunflower – Pollinator Skyscraper
Towering sunflowers transform any Georgia garden into a pollinator paradise. Bees buzz excitedly around their massive center disks, while goldfinches and chickadees arrive later to feast on the nutritious seeds.
Plant seeds 1 inch deep after the soil warms in spring. These sun-worshippers turn their faces to follow the sun’s journey across the sky. For continuous blooms, stagger your planting every few weeks through early summer.
5. Marigold – Bright Bee Beacons
Marigolds’ spicy scent and golden-orange blooms create a sensory celebration that pollinators adore. Beyond attracting beneficial insects, these hardy flowers naturally repel garden pests like nematodes.
Sprinkle seeds in well-drained soil after frost danger passes. Their adaptability to Georgia’s heat and humidity makes them perfect for beginners. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering from spring until the first frost nips them.
6. Purple Coneflower – Native Nectar Bar
Purple coneflowers create a pollinator buffet with their distinctive raised centers where bees can easily gather pollen. Butterflies perch on the drooping purple petals while sipping nectar, creating postcard-worthy garden moments.
As Georgia natives, they thrive in our clay soils and hot summers. Scatter seeds in fall to give them the cold period they need for germination. Once established, these perennials return year after year, expanding their beauty with minimal care.
7. Mexican Sunflower – Butterfly Vacation Spot
Fiery orange blooms atop velvety stems make Mexican sunflowers irresistible to monarch butterflies. Unlike their taller cousins, these 4-6 foot beauties branch out to create multiple flowers per plant—a true pollinator paradise.
Sow seeds directly after frost danger passes. Their tropical appearance belies their drought tolerance, making them perfect for Georgia’s hot summers. The vibrant color creates stunning garden focal points while providing crucial nectar for migrating monarchs.
8. Milkweed – Monarch Nursery
Milkweed serves as both restaurant and nursery for monarch butterflies, whose caterpillars feed exclusively on its leaves. The star-shaped flower clusters produce abundant nectar that attracts numerous other pollinators too.
Plant seeds in fall or stratify them in your refrigerator before spring planting. Georgia gardeners should choose native varieties like butterfly weed or swamp milkweed. Once established, these perennials return reliably, creating essential habitat for these declining butterfly populations.
9. Borage – The Blue Bee Favorite
Star-shaped blue flowers dangling from fuzzy stems make borage a whimsical addition to Georgia gardens. Honeybees find the nectar particularly irresistible, and you’ll often see them hanging upside-down to reach the downward-facing blooms.
Scatter seeds in spring after frost danger passes. Borage reseeds enthusiastically, so one planting often leads to years of returns. The cucumber-flavored flowers are edible too—try them frozen in ice cubes for a garden-to-glass summer treat!
10. Nasturtium – Edible Pollinator Playground
Round leaves and trumpet-shaped blooms in sunset hues make nasturtiums both ornamental and functional in Georgia gardens. Hummingbirds dip their long beaks into the nectar-filled spurs while bees buzz around these easy-growing flowers.
Nick the large seeds and soak overnight before planting for better germination. The entire plant is edible—add the peppery flowers to salads for a splash of color. Their trailing habit makes them perfect for containers or as colorful ground cover.
11. Bee Balm – Hummingbird Heaven
Shaggy, crown-like flowers in vibrant reds and purples make bee balm a standout in any Georgia garden. Despite its name, this native plant attracts not just bees but also butterflies and hummingbirds with its minty fragrance and nectar-rich blooms.
Sprinkle the tiny seeds on soil surface in fall or early spring. Bee balm tolerates Georgia’s clay soil and partial shade, making it versatile for different garden spots. The dried leaves make a delightful tea, adding another dimension to this pollinator favorite.
12. Calendula – Sunny Healing Blooms
Golden-orange calendula flowers bring sunshine to Georgia gardens even on cloudy days. Bees and butterflies flock to these daisy-like blooms that open with the morning sun and close at dusk.
Sow seeds directly in fall for spring blooms or in early spring after frost danger passes. Their ability to thrive in Georgia’s cool springs and falls makes them perfect bookends to summer flowers. Historically used for healing, these edible petals add color to salads and soothe skin in homemade salves.
13. Sweet Alyssum – Tiny Flower Carpet
Hundreds of tiny blooms create a fragrant carpet that honeybees and tiny beneficial wasps absolutely adore. The honey-sweet scent of alyssum fills the air, especially in the evening when it’s most noticeable.
Simply press seeds into moist soil—they need light to germinate. In Georgia gardens, alyssum thrives in spring and fall, taking a break during the hottest summer weeks. Plant near vegetables to attract pollinators and beneficial insects that help control garden pests naturally.
14. Anise Hyssop – Licorice-Scented Lure
Lavender-blue flower spikes topped with tiny blooms create vertical interest while attracting a diverse range of pollinators. Crush a leaf between your fingers to release the licorice-mint fragrance that makes this plant so distinctive.
Scatter seeds in fall or early spring in well-drained soil. As a member of the mint family, anise hyssop grows vigorously in Georgia gardens without becoming invasive. The edible flowers add a sweet anise flavor to teas and desserts—a treat for humans and pollinators alike!