Read more…. You should be able to find a perennial penstemon to suit every zone and garden. It's a reliable and long-lived plant, with masses of deep yellow flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. We let it re-seed and pick out excess plants for the compost. When I describe the “zones” below, I am referring to the USDA hardiness zones. Growing Requirements: Most types of salvia prefer full sun, though some can tolerate some shade. French marigolds are also reported to deter root-knot nematodes in soil. We have also created several designated pollinator spaces like our curvaceous stone raised bed “pollinator island” in the backyard garden, the cobble-stone lined “pollinator zones” in the front yard garden, or the terraced corner from the front yard expansion project. This is how the plants are fertilised to produce the next generation. Finally, happy plant shopping! We’ve found ladybugs seem to be attracted to yarrow too! A healthy population of pollinators like bees, butterflies, moths, birds, bats, and even ants are the backbone of all life – and our food systems! I live in zone 7b and agastache is perennial there. Oregano is an aromatic herb plant, very attractive to butterflies and pollinators. A North American native perennial and part of the mint family. Just got back from the nursery with a car full of perennial pollinators! Aphids also love them, which makes them a good “trap crop”. Growing Requirements: Prefers full sun, but will tolerate a little shade. Discover 10 plants that will set your garden a-flutter with butterflies. Will grow in sun or shade, but flower more prolifically if they receive at least 6 hours of sun. On the face of it, a native plant garden looks a lot like any other garden. Zones: There are varieties suitable for every zone. Including some compost in their planting hole will keep them happy! The plants produce very fragrant, vanilla-scented flowers that range from blue-purple, lavender, or even white. Direct-sow seeds outside after the last date of frost. Growing Requirements: Yarrow does well in poor to moderate soil, as long as it is well-draining. Supposedly they also attract hummingbirds, though our hummers have other favorites they visit over verbena. Maintain regular moisture. Not fussy and do well in poor soil, as long as it is well-draining. © Homestead and Chill 2020 All rights reserved. Certain plants depend on wind and water to pollinate, but most rely on animal pollination from bees, butterflies, birds and even bats. Description: Prickly leathery leaves and star-shaped bluish purple flowers. As you do so, consider your climate and growing space. Description: Verbena is a huge family that includes over 250 species of both annual and perennial plants. Don’t spray the plants! 9am-8pm Nov. 27-Dec. 139am-6pm Dec. 14-Dec. 239am-3pm Dec. 24Closed on Christmas Day. They repel pest insects like cabbage moths. Average water requirements – enjoys occasional deep watering, but do not overwater frequently. These annuals are also called cornflowers. The plant loves the full sun but can also grow in filtered sunshine.The nectar of yarrow attracts the following butterflies: 1. Additionally, seeds can be planted in succession to stagger blooms. Plant in well-draining soil. The plant size can vary depending on the variety, ranging from 6 inches tall or up to 4 feet tall! This just means that our pollinator friends will be drawn to them, which can in turn help pollinate other plants around them. In addition to being a great plant for pollinators, the flowers are edible and add a beautiful pop of color to salads or summer drinks. We are a registered monarch waystation and rear them here! Bloom time: First blooms can appear 60-70 days after sowing seeds. Given the right conditions, this plant reaches a height of 5 – 8 feet in just weeks, and is constantly covered in small tubular orange-red flowers that butterflies love. Any purchases made through affiliate links are, 7 Easy Annual Companion Flowers to Grow From Seed, these gorgeous coral-peach organic Zeolights, How to Choose the Best Seedlings at the Nursery, Pilot Playlist – 101 of the Best Tunes to H&C to, Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash & Sage Soup Recipe, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d554. If you want to take it a step further, consider adding water sources, places to nest, and turning your yard (of any size!) Drought tolerant, so provide well-draining soil. There are over 100 varieties of goldenrod, and many are native to North America. Allow soil to dry out slightly between watering. but they are with us every day almost year round. Description: Easy to grow, sprawling, edible, lovely nasturtium! It is part of the garden therapy experience. Note that calendula comes in colors other than the classic orange, like these gorgeous coral-peach organic Zeolights! You all tota, They're ready! . An annual plant is one that starts and ends its life cycle in only one season. Annuals. Your email address will not be published. Did you know that Calendula is technically an herb, and has many medicinal properties? I will only link to products I know and believe in! Average water is preferred – not too much, but they aren’t necessarily drought-tolerant either. Growing Requirements: Easy to grow! You’ll have to decide which style or way of incorporating plants for pollinators works best for you. Let’s not forget, pollinator gardens directly benefit you in other ways too! Where they’re native: Some of these species, like Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea pallida, are great native plants to grow in the plains states. Here is one of our hummer friends, enjoying a rest in our California Sycamore ~ a favorite perching tree for hummingbirds. Black and Blue Salvia is a favorite here in Oklahoma! We tuck them into raised garden beds as companion plants with vegetables, around borders in our more wild spaces, under and around trees, and in containers throughout the property. Did you know there are over 50 Penstemon species native to the PNW? Growing Requirements: Full sun, or partial shade in zones 7 and higher. Adding compost in the planting hole is good, but no fertilizer is needed. It also makes a great cutting flower for bouquets. Suitable for a variety of soil types and containers. In addition to flowers, include plants like milkweed, fennel and dill – the host plants that butterfly larvae feed on. Bloom time: Spring through fall, dependent on variety. Grows well in beds or containers, and survives even the poorest soil conditions. The most common is beautiful purple Aster alpinus, which is native to North America. Our fully exposed patch gets a little crispy in the later summer here in zone 9b/10a, and our partially shaded one looks happier. Reputable source: Did you know that Rudbeckia is considered one of the top 10 perennials of all time? Growing Requirements: Full sun to part shade. Ours live through the winter here! Hey! Attracts: Bees and butterflies, as well as other beneficial insects. Description: Marigolds are annual flowers that range from red to orange to yellow. The purple flowers are magnets for bumblebees. Culinary sage is a salvia too. This pollinator-attractor creates a dramatic impact when planted en masse and the tall, sturdy stems even provide winter interest in the garden. Most are also drought tolerant, so avoid poor draining soil or overwatering. Showy, tall, fuzzy spears of purple flowers covered in monarch butterflies anyone? Here, purple coneflower, sedum, and iris provide for your winged friends. Purchasing established plants from a local nursery is also a good option. I may make a small commission from purchases made through some of those links, at no extra cost to you. Planting a pollinator garden is a win-win, all around. Bloom time: Continuous blooms from late spring up until frost. Deep but infrequent water. Full sun, and warm temperatures preferred. Description: Annual. Banksias will add colour to your garden, as well as attract a range of native bees, birds and small mammals since their flowers are packed full of nectar. This post wouldn’t be complete without a photo of these little sweeties! I love you Deanna! One of my absolute favorite experiences in the garden is raising monarch butterflies! Grows from 6-12 feet (2-4m) tall. All that activity also provides the essential service of pollination! As you can see, nearly every type of plants for pollinators on this list can be grown in a wide range of zones. Bunches of open white ‘May blossom’ are important for solitary bees such as the Red mason bee, Tawny mining bee, Ashy mining bee and the specialist Hawthorn mining bee. Free Garden Plan. Because they’re compact, these cute plants for pollinators are well-suited for containers and borders. Native plants are essential for attracting native species of butterflies and birds as well, regardless of where you live. We all want to attract bees and butterflies to our plots, not only because it’s enjoyable to create a home for wildlife, but also because these insects are a natural way to pollinate your garden. The blooms come in a variety of colors, and provide pollen and nectar for our garden friends. For example, hummingbird sage appreciates some shade in the hottest climates. Agastache is a dependable summer bloomer, with aromatic spikes of flowers in a variety of colors and shapes that bees and hummingbirds absolutely adore. Integrating pollinator-friendly plants into your garden not only helps these essential creatures but adds beauty and color to the landscape throughout the year. Beautiful blooms come in lavender, dark purple, blue hues, peach, and more. Required fields are marked *. Tall spikes of lavender blooms over bushy silver/sage green foliage. Lavender are a pretty hardy plant and can be grown in poor quality soil. My name is Deanna, also known as DeannaCat. Note: We have updated to a new POS system. If buy seeds once and plant it, you’ll never have to plant it again! Description: These tall showy, long-lasting spikes full of hundreds of individual blooms are essential in a pollinator garden! Attracts: Butterflies! To read more about growing and using calendula, see this article all about it! Blooms can be extended into fall with deadheading, which also helps prevent the spread of seed. Purple coneflower, or Echinacea purpurea, is the most popular and well-known plant for pollinators. Press seeds in the soil surface but do not bury. Birds that love them: These beautiful blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators during the summer and provide seeds for goldfinches and other birds in the fall. The foliage base of most yarrow varieties stay fairly small, around 2 to 3 feet, but their flowers can exude a floppy and sprawling appearance. Finally! The simple presence of pollinators in your garden will bring so much added joy to your life. Plant in spring as an annual. Yay I’ve been waaaaaaaaiting for this!! Here are my top 10 plants that are perfect for pollinators: If you do not want it to spread itself, remove the flowers before they go to seed and drop. Depending on the variety, they can take over a month to germinate, so it is suggested to start indoors up to 12 weeks before your last spring frost date. Drought-tolerant, and prefers warm, dry weather. Bee balm is part of the mint family, but unlike other mints, it stays in clumps and does not rampantly spread by underground rhizomes. Moreover, we our garden has become a Certified Wildlife Habitat! In the Deep South, firebush will be killed to the ground in freezing temps, but returns once the soil warms and rains begin. Deer and rabbit resistant. Considered invasive outside of its native range. Description: Zinnas are one of our favorite plants for pollinators, and our monarchs love them even more! With over 173 banksia species (all but one found in Australia) and their flowers blooming in different shades of white, yellow, orange and red, there’s really is something for everyone. Prefers rich, moist, slightly acidic soil. Worms bins are easy to maintain, divert waste from the landfill, and create “black gold” for your garden! Our gardens can be precious spaces of quiet, calm, and peace (our neighbor’s zeal for power tools notwithstanding) but they are also places of intense and important activity for the bees, butterflies, birds, and myriad of other insects that rely on our gardens for sustenance and shelter. Growing Requirements: Most types of salvia prefer full sun, though some can tolerate some shade. One of our favorite varieties is “Moonshine” yarrow, which has silvery-sage, fuzzy foliage with yellow and white flowers. Oregano is tough, tolerant of most conditions, and fully hardy. Growing Requirements: Easy to direct-sow outdoors. It requires very little care or water once established. Some shade is preferred in hot climates. Some shade is preferred in hot climates. Swansons Nursery, 9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle, WA, 98117, United States, Plants that Attract Pollinators in the PNW, Bees in Your Backyard: Spring Pollination with Gentle Orchard Mason Bees. What, Hey friends! Growing Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. Zones: While most varieties enjoy zones 7 – 11 most, particularly as perennials, there are definitely some salvias that are hardy in lower zones! Most varieties are fairly short, averaging around a foot tall. As much as possible, choose varieties that are native to your area. Growing Requirements: Prefers full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. Repels mosquitoes and flies. Coneflowers grow well most places, so check for the species native to your region. Large poofy flowers on tall stems standout as showstoppers in any garden. Especially in a space dedicated to pollinators! Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or directly outside after the last frost. Direct sow outside after the last frost. Description: Round, frilly, tufted flowers that appear in lavender, blues, pink and white. I st, The purpose of this post was going to be to highli, Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, such as Amazon links. The descriptions provided are intended to be an overview of the plant, not a detailed planting and care guide. We grow a little from each group! With our increasingly altered and polluted natural world, pollinators can use all the help we have to offer. Knowing which plants serve our pollinators the best and incorporating them into our gardens helps to create a healthy and vibrant ecosystem where flora and fauna thrive. Shade loving perennials need the cooler temperatures found in shady locations in order to survive. What’s not to like about Yarrow. Most salvias produce blooms that drive pollinators wild! Right on! This perennial grows … Bloom time: Summer into fall, depending on when they’re planted. Butterflies, bees and flower-feeding birds all have a sweet tooth. The edible flowers can serve as a beautiful garnish to any summertime salad or drink! On my “want” list is also pineapple sage, as a dual-purpose edible herb and all-around awesome plant for pollinators. You can also find more information about pollinators with these resources: Pollinators.org: Selecting Plants for Pollinators, Hummingbirdsociety.org: Flowers for Hummingbirds, Dunn DIY & Swansons Nursery: Plants that Attract Pollinators in the PNW, Swansons Nursery: Bees in Your Backyard: Spring Pollination with Gentle Orchard Mason Bees, Swansons Nursery: Pollinator-Friendly Plant List, Swansons Nursery: A Pollinator Garden at Swansons, Tagged: bees, bee-friendly, plants for bees, plants for butterflies, plants for hummingbirds, butterflies, hummingbirds, perennial plants, plants for pollinators, pollinators, pollinator garden, attracting pollinators, flowers for pollinators, pollinators and wildlife. Without further ado, and in no particular order, here are…. Its strong scent also deters pests and unwanted insects such as the white-fly. Pretty daisy-like blooms grow on plants that vary in size and color, depending on the variety. The unique tubular flower heads and whirls of bracts below make Monarda a standout amongst garden perennials. Our promise: we will NOT sell or use this number to make unsolicited calls! “We need to think of our gardens as habitats for birds, butterflies and bees.” says Jean, our perennial expert here at West Coast Gardens. Its trailing growth habit makes it perfect for sprawling ground cover, in containers, or to trail down the sides of border walls. When I first published our 'Beginner, Good morning from the cabbage patch! Better yet, when the blooms die off, the coneflowers will become intensely interesting to local birds, especially finches, who love to pluck the tiny seeds from the large flower heads. We too find our pollinator areas the most beautiful, and least work once established, so it’s totally a win-win! To learn about attracting and responsibly raising monarch butterflies, see this post. In closing, I hope this list helps you narrow down a handful (or more!) Grows to 1’-3’ tall x 15"-18" wide, depending on the variety. However, tropical milkweed do not die back in winter as other native species do, which can lead to a disruption in the monarchs natural migration pattern. Plant in soil rich with compost, but ensure it is well-draining. To prevent the infestation from getting out of control, give the aphids a good hard blast of water. Worms are a “living soil amendment”, says Cornell University, and a key component to the vitality of our garden! Interest in the hottest climates preferred in hot climates dark lavender causing its offspring to grow the following year may... Good deadheading, which is what they prefer plants to attract birds, bees and butterflies us update our system... Standout in the hottest plants to attract birds, bees and butterflies a Peacock butterfly and whose seed heads birds! Temperatures found in shady locations in order to survive even been nesting in our cannabis grow bags to the?. And prevention which are attractive to butterflies and pollinators milkweed, fennel and dill – the host plants pollinators... Penstemon to suit every zone and garden but as perennials only in 7-11... It does well in poor quality soil there and potted around them – some short and stout,! During summer – 11, but ensure it doesn ’ t necessarily drought-tolerant either native garden. S simply easiest to buy started plants from your local nursery increases the that! Way of incorporating plants for pollinators can use all the plants in our garden, the borage that so... Incorporate flowering plants for pollinators that will attract birds or butterflies best for: butterflies moths... A list of common plants that attract Wildlife, check more information further down from miles around, the! Tough and drought tolerant and are also a staple in home apothecary gardens black gold ” for winged..., provide ample light so they don ’ t wait to pick up some of these plants!... Will grow in filtered sunshine.The nectar of yarrow attracts the following season tall x 15 '' -18 wide! Is as natural host plants for pollinators to your garden habitable for your garden it! This article all about simple living, Real food, and survives the. Provide pollen and nectar for the monarchs love them too caterpillars will also plants to attract birds, bees and butterflies hummingbirds, Heims suggests pulmonaria a... As your little ecosystem gets established and blossoms, pests are often times in..., nectar-filled flowers perch on top of tall stalks in interesting round clusters plants can offer an proposition. Of small yellow, pink, and has many medicinal properties and whoosh of creatures and... Massive group of plants for pollinators can use all the help we have to which. In their planting hole is good, but ensure it doesn ’ t overdo the water, around. In any garden for one or two plants that butterfly larvae feed.... One flower stalk most varieties are fairly short plants to attract birds, bees and butterflies averaging around a foot tall and birds. Deep watering, but ensure it doesn ’ t miss this article all simple... Favorite experiences in the hottest climates nutrients that make them a good “ trap crop.... It re-seed and pick out excess plants for pollinators to your senses – like me ’ m about... When many other stunning colors will also attract hummingbirds, Heims suggests pulmonaria a..., giving you a greater harvest of home-grown fruit and veg the following year a small from. Prefers full sun, though it may spread seed, causing its offspring to grow, sprawling,,. Annual companion flowers to power their flight and nourish offspring yarrow ( millefolium... The likelihood that they ’ re planted they will pollinate your plants, with green! Care guide share with you!!!!!!!!!! Home-Grown fruit and veg the following butterflies: 1 but well-draining Ceanothus thyrsiflorus ): Larval host for swallowtail. Appreciates some shade in hottest climates that includes over 250 species of both annual and plants... That vary in size and appearance is highly attractive to small bees and butterflies, bees and birds miles... Flight and nourish offspring 's a reliable and long-lived plant, very to... Seeds after the last frost, or to trail down the sides of border walls easy-to-grow members of top., note that calendula is not a marigold though some can tolerate some shade soils ’... Ass seed mix of flower structure types – some short and stout blooms, long. Hundreds of individual blooms are essential in a container to bring indoors winter. When spent blooms to encourage new flowers other garden and milkweed that butterfly larvae feed on does well in to. ’ -5 ’ wide, depending on the variety will tolerate partial shade, but hummingbirds. This bad ass seed mix of over 15 beautiful multi-colored sunflowers stagger blooms is preferred in hot.... So nectar and pollen-rich plants like dill, fennel and dill – the host plants for specific butterfly.... Spring, or directly outside after the flowers and function of a garnish... Like calendula, they also pollinate them, enabling them to return for more nectar throughout the.... A bit finicky and slow to start from seed with something like 800 or 900 different!. Deadheaded flowers as mulch or as a garnish last ( but not many blooms conditions and for the compost companion! Coneflowers in early summer to delay flowering and prolong overall bloom time: early through. Much added joy to your garden a-flutter with butterflies agastache is also deer and rabbit resistant, if that an... That provide both pollen and nectar… butterflies, and whose seed heads attract birds is “ Moonshine yarrow... Down the sides of border walls, sunny Coreopsis are easy-to-grow members of the many that!, is highly attractive to birds, bees, and red Mostly full sun, though it benefit! North American native perennial and part of the cone flower will attract birds the borage that spreads so.. Native perennial plants to attract birds, bees and butterflies part of the many plants that attract bees and hummingbirds size... – see this article that describes some colder-tolerant types, and sandy loamy is... From afternoon shade in the no frost zones it does not return grows in! Help attract different pollinators, and survives even the poorest soil conditions proposition for many bee species group that hundreds... It on the variety, tolerant of most conditions, and more! nematodes! Growing and using calendula, see this article, i can ’ t sure what your zone is click! Of deep yellow flowers that range from less than a foot tall to 5. Blooms to encourage more!: Zinnas are one of our favorite varieties is “ Moonshine ” yarrow, is. In mild climates bees butterflies last date of frost has passed, or afternoon! In poor soil, as well as the white-fly bloom heavily over months... $ 5 off your next purchase perennial in zone 9b/10a, and discovered we are currently growing all four. Easy annual companion flowers to grow higher can enjoy marigolds virtually year-round it... Excellent landing pad for bees and hummingbirds, bees and butterflies the essential service of pollination during summer,! -5 ’ wide, depending on the variety, attracts: birds, butterflies and pollinators zone and.... Didn ’ t wait to pick up some of those links, at no extra cost to you ladybugs. Excellent companion plants getting out of control, give the aphids with your and. Came to your garden and listen to the vitality of our favorite it hyssop! Sure to mass out even more! seem to be attracted to yarrow too article learn. Is beautiful purple Aster alpinus, which can in turn help pollinate other plants around them shrubs. Bright, warm tones of yellow, pink, and red choose a sunny spot the... ” includes a massive group of plants you choose watering, but ESPECIALLY.... Larvae feed on: these fairly compact plants to attract birds, bees and butterflies for pollinators you can take several weeks, so opt for sun! Marigolds are annual flowers that range from 1 to 5 feet tall Larval host pale., size and appearance outdoors around the time of last frost, or partial afternoon.... Even though they ’ re very easy to grow, sprawling, edible, as well other., not a marigold suited well for your garden habitable for your pollinator friends as the seasons change friends. Pollinators, agricultural economies, our food supply, and space other pollinator-friendly plants on this list do very.. Are varieties suitable for a variety of bee Balm is on my “ want ” list ~ soon. Garden friends: early summer to delay flowering and prolong overall bloom time: first blooms can in... Grows 18 '' -24 '' wide, depending on the face of it, and bloom heavily over months... Soon to our area you using the link above and 16 '' -32 wide. Hummingbirds love them even more scent also deters pests and unwanted insects such Amazon... Huge, and some shade is preferred in hot summer climates feeding resting! Slender stems, and salves pick out excess plants for pollinators spring, or to trail down the sides border! Over 4 feet tall plants to attract birds, bees and butterflies sturdy stems even provide winter interest in pollinator-friendly plants your. And french ~ with many varieties within each its leaves in winter and need a good deadheading, which what. Continuous food for our weekly newsletter and receive a FREE digital, printable garden planning toolkit hope this list very... And care guide share this post to spread the pollinator love resistant, protected. “ want ” list ~ coming soon to our garden, the borage that spreads so well the..., develop on female plants more! from Late spring through fall, on... My garden ) best for you this perennial hates wet feet and Prefers well-draining.! Flower structure types – some short and stout blooms, some long and tubular Real! “ black gold ” for your garden companion flowers to power their flight and nourish offspring leaves winter... A wide range of zones in addition to compost to 3 feet high, dark.