Bees and butterflies are nature’s busiest garden helpers, bringing life, movement, and pollination to every yard they visit. One of the easiest ways to welcome them is by planting flowers rich in nectar and easy to access. This list features 30 beautiful plants that are essential for creating a buzzing and fluttering pollinator paradise.
1. Bee Balm (Monarda)
This fragrant flower bursts with color and is a favorite for bees and butterflies. The tubular blooms make it easy for pollinators to reach the nectar, while the plant’s long blooming period ensures a steady food source. Bee balm thrives in full sun and adds a splash of red, pink, or purple to the garden. It also helps repel deer and attracts hummingbirds. Choose native varieties for the best pollinator support.
2. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
This bright orange native is a must for butterfly lovers. It serves as both a nectar and a host plant for monarch caterpillars. Butterfly weed is drought-tolerant and grows well in poor soils, making it a rugged yet beautiful addition. Its clusters of vibrant blooms attract all kinds of bees, and the plant's structure allows multiple pollinators to feed at once.
3. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
With its big purple petals and central cone, this classic wildflower is loved by pollinators. Bees crawl all over the cone to gather pollen, while butterflies perch easily to sip nectar. It is hardy and easy to grow and blooms for weeks in mid- to late summer. Coneflowers are also seed-rich, feeding birds later in the season. Plant them in groups for maximum impact.
4. Lavender (Lavandula)
This fragrant herb attracts bees with its strong scent and spiky purple flowers. Butterflies flutter from bloom to bloom on sunny afternoons. Lavender is drought-resistant and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its soothing fragrance makes it a favorite for gardeners, too. Prune it after flowering to keep it healthy and blooming year after year.
5. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Tall and stately, Joe-Pye weed produces large clusters of pinkish-purple flowers that are irresistible to butterflies. Bees swarm the blooms during late summer when many other flowers fade. It prefers moist soil and partial sun but can adapt to other conditions. The plant’s height makes it a perfect backdrop in pollinator gardens. Birds also enjoy the seed heads in fall.
6. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Cheerful yellow petals with dark centers make this plant a visual favorite and a pollinator magnet. Bees are drawn to its easy-to-access pollen, while butterflies visit for nectar. It blooms through summer and into fall, offering long-lasting color. This hardy native thrives in many soil types. It also reseeds readily, creating new plants each year.
7. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana’s small, clustered flowers offer a sweet treat to butterflies and bees. The blooms come in various colors that change as they age, keeping gardens lively. Lantana is heat-tolerant and blooms nonstop in warm weather. It works well in containers or garden beds. Choose non-invasive varieties to avoid spreading.
8. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Bright and cheerful, zinnias are butterfly favorites and attract many bees. Their flat flower heads make it easy for pollinators to land and feed. These annuals are easy to grow from seed and come in many colors and sizes. Deadhead regularly to extend blooming. They thrive in sunny spots and provide months of beauty.
9. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
A vital host plant for monarchs, milkweed is essential in any butterfly-friendly garden. It also provides nectar for a range of bee species. The fragrant pink blooms are a midsummer treat. It spreads by rhizomes, so give it room to grow. Milkweed plays a critical role in supporting declining monarch populations.
10. Goldenrod (Solidago)
Goldenrod’s golden-yellow plumes are full of late-season nectar. It is often wrongly blamed for allergies, but that honor goes to ragweed. Bees and butterflies flock to its blooms as summer winds down. It’s hardy and adapts to many conditions, from meadows to garden borders. Some varieties stay compact and well-behaved.
11. Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.)
Asters offer vital nectar in late summer and fall when few other plants do. Their daisy-like flowers attract bees and migrating butterflies. They come in shades of purple, pink, and white. Asters prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They pair beautifully with goldenrod for fall color.
12. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
These airy annuals feature delicate petals and swaying stems that bees and butterflies adore. Cosmos bloom continuously from summer to frost. They grow easily from seed and do well in sunny, dry spots. The flowers come in soft pastels and vibrant pinks. Pinching back young plants encourages fuller growth.
13. Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)
With its spiky blooms and aromatic foliage, salvia is a pollinator powerhouse. Bees zoom in for nectar, and butterflies rest on the tall stalks. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in heat. Salvia reblooms if trimmed after flowering. Plant in groups for strong visual and pollinator appeal.
14. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow’s flat clusters of tiny flowers attract small native bees and butterflies. It is low-maintenance and does well in poor soil. Available in various colors, yarrow adds interest to borders and wild gardens. Its fern-like foliage adds texture even when not in bloom. Avoid overwatering to keep plants healthy.
15. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Towering and cheerful, sunflowers offer pollen and nectar to a host of bees and butterflies. Later, their seeds feed birds. They are easy to grow and come in a variety of sizes. Full sun is best, and staking may be needed for taller types. Sunflowers add a bold presence to any pollinator patch.
16. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Borage has star-shaped blue flowers that bees and butterflies find irresistible. Its blooms produce nectar throughout the day, keeping pollinators coming back. The plant self-seeds easily and thrives in average soil. Borage also improves soil quality and can be used as a companion plant. Its edible flowers add a pop of color to salads.
17. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
This drought-tolerant native features bright red and yellow blooms that bees and butterflies love. It thrives in hot, sunny areas and poor soil. Blanket flower blooms all summer, offering continuous nectar. The daisy-like flowers add vibrant color to borders. It is also deer-resistant and low-maintenance.
18. Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint’s gray-green leaves and lavender-blue flowers attract bees and butterflies from spring through fall. It grows in tidy mounds and tolerates heat and drought. The flowers bloom in long spikes that pollinators find easy to access. Catmint is a great edging plant for sunny borders. Trim it back after blooming to encourage new flowers.
19. Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)
This tall, airy plant offers clusters of purple blooms on slender stems. Butterflies love to perch on its flowers, while bees enjoy the nectar. Verbena blooms from summer into fall and thrives in sunny spots. It reseeds readily, filling gardens with color year after year. Its vertical shape adds height without crowding other plants.
20. Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata)
Also called tickseed, coreopsis is a cheerful bloomer that thrives in harsh conditions. Bees and butterflies feed on its sunny yellow flowers. It blooms for months and is nearly carefree. Deadheading helps extend the flowering season. Use it in mass plantings or mixed borders.
21. Marigold (Tagetes)
Marigolds are known for their bright colors and ability to repel pests, but they also attract butterflies. Bees may visit less often due to the scent, but some still stop by. These annuals can easily grow in the full sun. Their long blooming season makes them great for garden beds and containers. Choose single-flower varieties for better nectar access.
22. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives bloom with round, purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies alike. They are edible, easy to grow, and valuable in the kitchen and flower gardens. The flowers appear in late spring and provide early-season nectar. Divide clumps every few years to keep them vigorous. Let some plants go to flower while harvesting others.
23. Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia)
This heat-loving annual produces bold orange blooms that butterflies flock to. It grows tall and full, making it a standout in sunny gardens. Bees also enjoy the plentiful nectar. Mexican sunflower is deer-resistant and tolerates drought. Cut it back to encourage branching and more blooms.
24. Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Phlox has fragrant, clustered blooms in shades of pink, white, and purple. Bees and butterflies both love visiting these flower heads. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Deadheading encourages more blooms through summer. Mildew-resistant varieties are best for humid climates.
25. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragons’ tubular blooms attract bumblebees and other strong bees that can open the flowers. Butterflies visit for nectar, too. They are cool-season annuals that bloom in spring and fall. Snapdragons come in many colors and sizes. Pinch young plants to promote bushier growth.
26. Sedum (Sedum spectabile)
Also called stonecrop, sedum produces clusters of star-shaped flowers in late summer and fall. Bees and butterflies feed on its nectar-rich blooms. Sedum is a succulent that prefers dry, sunny spots. It is easy to grow and deer-resistant. The flowers often last well into autumn.
27. Scabiosa (Scabiosa columbaria)
Known as the pincushion flower, scabiosa offers a constant supply of nectar. Butterflies and bees enjoy its delicate blooms. It flowers from spring into fall and thrives in full sun. Regular deadheading keeps it blooming. Scabiosa pairs well with other low-growing perennials.
28. Helenium (Helenium autumnale)
This late bloomer adds color and nectar to the garden just as summer fades. Bees and butterflies visit its yellow, red, and orange flowers. It prefers moist soil and full sun. Helenium can be divided every few years to maintain vigor. Support may be needed for taller varieties.
29. Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
When cilantro bolts and flowers, it becomes a magnet for pollinators. Its small white blooms attract a variety of bees and butterflies. Letting it go to seed helps support pollinator populations. Cilantro grows best in cool weather. Harvest leaves early, then enjoy the flowers later in the season.
30. Penstemon (Penstemon digitalis)
Penstemon offers tubular white or pink flowers that bees and butterflies love. It blooms in early summer and prefers full sun. The plant is drought-tolerant and grows well in poor soil. Its upright shape adds structure to flower beds. Deadhead to encourage a second round of blooms.
Plant Once, Welcome Pollinators Forever
Adding just a few of these plants to your yard can transform it into a haven for buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies. Each one brings color, texture, and movement, while supporting nature’s most essential garden guests. Whether you are working with a sunny border, raised bed, or even a container, there is a perfect plant on this list to get you started.
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