Do you love pollinators and want to attract more to your garden?
As you probably know, a pollinator is any animal or insect that helps transfer pollen from the male part of a flower (the stamen) to the female part (the pistil), which is necessary for the plant to produce fruit and seeds.
The most common pollinators are bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and other birds, but bats, beetles, flies, and even small mammals can be pollinators.
Pollinators play a vital role in many ecosystems, as they help maintain plant diversity and ensure the reproductive success of many plant species.
Without pollinators, many plants would not be able to produce fruit or seeds, which would have a ripple effect on the entire food chain.
In addition, many crops that humans rely on for food, such as almonds, apples, and blueberries, depend on pollinators for their production.
Pollinators face several threats, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and disease. Creating pollinator-friendly gardens and landscapes is one way to help support the health and well-being of these important creatures.
By choosing plants that are attractive to pollinators and avoiding pesticides and other chemicals, gardeners can help create a welcoming environment for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in their communities.
Using Perrenials to Attract Pollinators
Selecting the appropriate perennials can provide a consistent, dependable supply of nectar and pollen season after season, which can help guarantee the survival of essential pollinators.
In addition, perennials have the added advantage of growing year after year, making them a smart choice for saving time and money.
Attracting pollinators is fun! Few things bring a smile faster than welcoming hummingbirds and butterflies into your garden.
So, here you go: We’ve chosen 25 fabulous perennials that are particularly attractive to pollinators.
When planning your pollinator garden, select various plants that bloom throughout the season and are well-suited to your specific growing conditions.
1. Agastache (hummingbirds, bees, butterflies)
This fragrant perennial, also known as hyssop or hummingbird mint, produces spikes of flowers in shades of pink, purple, and orange. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Zones 5-9.
2. Anise hyssop (bees, hummingbirds, butterflies)
This member of the mint family produces spikes of purple-blue flowers attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Zones 4-9.
3. Bee balm (bees, hummingbirds, butterflies)
This showy plant produces brightly colored flowers in shades of pink, red, and purple. It prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade. Zones 4-9.
4. Black-eyed Susan (bees, butterflies)
This classic garden flower produces daisy-like blooms in shades of yellow and orange. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Zones 3-9.
5. Butterfly weed (bees, hummingbirds, butterflies)
This member of the milkweed family produces clusters of bright orange flowers that are attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Zones 3-9.
6. Coneflower (bees, butterflies)
Also known as echinacea, this plant produces showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Zones 3-9.
7. Culver's root (bees, hummingbirds)
This tall plant produces spikes of white flowers that are a favorite of bees and hummingbirds. It prefers moist soil and partial shade to full sun. Zones 3-8.
8. Daylily (bees, hummingbirds, butterflies)
This popular garden plant produces trumpet-shaped blooms in various colors. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Zones 3-9.
9. Foxglove (bees, hummingbirds, butterflies)
This tall plant produces spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. Zones 4-10.
10. Goldenrod (bees, butterflies)
This plant produces clusters of yellow flowers that are a favorite of bees and butterflies. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Zones 3-9.
11. Honeysuckle (bees, hummingbirds, butterflies)
This fragrant plant produces clusters of tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, and orange. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Zones 4-9.
12. Lavender (bees, butterflies)
This fragrant plant produces spikes of purple flowers attractive to bees and butterflies. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Zones 5-9.
13. Liatris (bees, butterflies)
Also known as the blazing star, this plant produces tall spikes of purple flowers that are a favorite of bees and butterflies. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Zones 3-8.
14. Lupine (bees, butterflies)
This tall plant produces spikes of colorful flowers in shades of blue, purple, and pink. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Zones 4-8.
15. Milkweed (bees, butterflies)
This plant is a must-have for any pollinator garden, producing clusters of fragrant flowers that are a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Zones 3-9.
16. Penstemon (bees, hummingbirds, butterflies)
This tall plant produces spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Zones 4-9.
17. Phlox (bees, butterflies)
This plant produces clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Zones 4-8.
18. Purple coneflower (bees, butterflies)
Also known as echinacea, this plant produces showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Zones 3-9.
19. Russian sage (bees, butterflies)
This fragrant plant produces spikes of blue-purple flowers. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Zones 5-9.
20. Salvia (bees, hummingbirds, butterflies)
This plant produces spikes of tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, and pink. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Zones 5-9.
21. Sedum (bees, butterflies)
This plant produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Zones 3-9.
22. Shasta daisy (bees, butterflies)
This plant produces large, white blooms with yellow centers that are a favorite of bees and butterflies. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Zones 4-9.
23. Stokesia (bees, butterflies)
Also known as Stokes' aster, this plant produces showy blue, purple, and white flowers. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Zones 5-9.
24. Sunflower (bees, butterflies)
This plant produces large, cheerful blooms in shades of yellow and orange. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Zones 4-10.
25. Yarrow (bees, butterflies)
This plant produces clusters of small, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, yellow, and white. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Zones 3-9.
Wrapping Up
By incorporating perennials into your garden, you can provide a reliable source of nectar and pollen for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies throughout the growing season.
With a little planning and care, you can create a beautiful and sustainable garden that supports the health and well-being of these important pollinators.
In other words, if you love Mother Nature, attracting pollinators is the perfect way to have Mother Nature love you back.
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