Want a vibrant, buzzing garden full of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds? These 25 pollinator-friendly plants are pro picks for maximum color, minimal maintenance, and nonstop blooms. If you’ve got a wild patch or a cozy yard, these beauties will transform it into a pollinator paradise. They'll draw helpful insects to your space with their extended bloom times and irresistible nectar. A garden filled with these flowers supports biodiversity and adds stunning visual interest.
1. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
This native beauty thrives in full sun and poor soil. Its bold purple petals attract bees, butterflies, and even songbirds in fall with its seed heads. Blooming from midsummer to fall, it's drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Plant it in groups for a bold, meadow-like effect. It pairs well with grasses and other wildflowers. Echinacea also has herbal properties and can be used in teas.
2. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee Balm lives up to its name, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its vibrant blooms come in shades of red, pink, and purple. The minty-scented leaves deter deer and rabbits. It loves moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms. Bee Balm can spread quickly, forming colorful clumps. It's also resistant to powdery mildew when spaced properly for airflow.
3. Milkweed (Asclepias)
Essential for monarch butterflies, milkweed is both a nectar source and a host plant. Its clusters of fragrant flowers come in orange, pink, or white. It thrives in poor soils and sunny spots. Once established, it’s very drought-tolerant. Expect caterpillars, chrysalises, and lots of butterfly activity. Milkweed contains toxins that make monarchs unappetizing to predators. Its long taproot helps it survive harsh droughts and return strong each season.
4. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Cheerful and bright, these daisy-like blooms are bee magnets. They flower from midsummer into fall, with minimal care. Their golden-yellow petals and dark centers add wild charm. Black-eyed Susans are perfect for borders and naturalized areas. They tolerate drought and poor soil. These flowers attract many beneficial insects. They also add a sunny pop of color that brightens any landscape.
5. Lavender (Lavandula)
Loved by bees and gardeners, lavender offers fragrant spikes and silvery foliage. It needs full sun and well-drained soil. Blooming in summer, it attracts all kinds of pollinators. Cut it back after flowering to keep it tidy. It’s ideal for borders, pots, or herb gardens. Lavender is also a natural mosquito repellent. Its soothing scent is often used in aromatherapy and household products.
6. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias bring fireworks of color from summer to frost. They thrive in sunny spots and bloom continuously. Butterflies love them, especially the taller varieties. Easy to grow from seed, they’re great for cutting gardens too. Deadhead for more blooms. Zinnias are available in nearly every color except blue. Their upright stems make them perfect for bouquets and floral displays.
7. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
This tall native plant is a late-summer butterfly favorite. Its dusty pink blooms form large clusters. It prefers moist soils and can grow up to 6 feet tall. Joe-Pye Weed is an excellent choice for rain gardens or near ponds. It creates a dramatic backdrop with little effort. The vanilla-scented blooms attract many types of butterflies and bees. It’s also a larval host plant for several moth species.
8. Borage (Borago officinalis)
With its star-shaped blue flowers, borage is a bee haven. It's easy to grow in sunny beds or containers. The leaves and flowers are edible and cucumber-flavored. It reseeds readily, creating a self-sustaining display. Blooming all summer, it complements herbs and veggies. Borage also improves soil health by adding trace minerals. Its flowers are lovely as edible garnishes in salads or drinks.
9. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Often called “tickseed,” this cheerful flower thrives in poor soil and full sun. Its long bloom period and bright yellow petals are perfect for attracting butterflies. It’s drought-tolerant and easy for beginners. Coreopsis also self-sows, filling garden gaps. Use it in mass plantings for a sunny splash. It resists many pests and diseases. Coreopsis can even bloom into early fall with proper care.
10. Liatris (Liatris spicata)
Also known as blazing star, bees and butterflies adore this tall, spiky flower. Its purple flower spikes rise above grassy foliage. Liatris blooms from mid-to-late summer. It prefers sunny, well-drained spots. It is excellent in prairie-style gardens or sunny borders. Its corms store energy, allowing it to return reliably each year. With its slender form, Liatris adds vertical interest and movement.
11. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
These sunny giants are irresistible to bees and birds. Their big blooms follow the sun and come in many sizes. Sunflowers are easy to grow and love full sun. Pollinators flock to the nectar-rich centers, and birds feast on seeds in the fall. Their deep roots help improve soil structure. Sunflowers also provide shade and support for climbing plants.
12. Goldenrod (Solidago)
The goldenrod is wrongly blamed for allergies; it is a goldmine for pollinators. Its golden plumes bloom late, when bees need a boost. It’s hardy, drought-tolerant, and thrives in poor soil. Goldenrod adds fall color and supports migrating insects. It is excellent to combine it with asters for a fall pollinator feast. It supports over 100 species of butterflies and moths. Goldenrod also makes a lovely addition to dried floral arrangements.
13. Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.)
Asters bloom when most flowers fade, feeding late-season bees and butterflies. Their daisy-like blooms come in blues, purples, and whites. Asters prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Native varieties are exceptionally hardy and reliable. They help support monarch migrations by offering late nectar. Asters also pair well with ornamental grasses and are a great option to extend your garden’s color into fall.
14. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
Gaillardia, known for its hot colors and long-lasting blooms, brings a cheerful touch to any garden. It thrives in poor, sandy soils and full sun, making it a perfect choice for low-maintenance spaces. Butterflies are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers, and regularly deadheading the blooms helps extend its vibrant display. Naturally deer-resistant and easy to care for, Gaillardia fits beautifully into formal designs and wild, naturalistic plantings.
15. Catmint (Nepeta)
This hardy herb boasts purple-blue flowers and silvery leaves. Bees and butterflies flock to its fragrant blooms. Catmint is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and long-blooming. It forms a soft mound perfect for borders. Cut it back after the first bloom for a second flush. It thrives in sunny, dry spots and handles neglect well. Catmint's calming scent makes it a good companion for seating areas.
16. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia is a magnet for hummingbirds and bees. Its tall spikes come in blues, purples, reds, and pinks. It loves the sun and well-drained soil. Deadheading promotes more blooms. Many types are drought-resistant and great in containers. Salvia’s aromatic foliage helps deter deer and pests. It adds long-lasting structure and flair to garden beds.
17. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow’s flat-topped blooms and ferny leaves attract all kinds of pollinators. It’s very hardy and drought-tolerant. The flowers come in many colors, from white to red. Yarrow blooms for months and looks great in bouquets. It spreads easily but is easy to control. Its deep roots help it thrive in harsh conditions. Yarrow also supports beneficial predatory insects.
18. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Cosmos brings airy charm and constant blooms. These daisy-like flowers thrive in poor soil and full sun. Their tall, wispy stems sway gently in the breeze, and bees and butterflies love to visit their blooms. They’re easy from seed and perfect for beginners. Deadhead for nonstop flowers. Cosmos also self-sows readily, returning year after year in many climates.
19. Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)
With tall stems and lavender blooms, verbena adds vertical flair. Butterflies especially love its nectar. It thrives in hot, sunny spots and needs little care. It reseeds, returning yearly in warmer zones. Verbena is excellent for cottage gardens and wild borders. Its flowers seem to float above the rest of the garden. Verbena is also ideal for attracting bees in dry landscapes.
20. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Penstemon produces tubular blooms that are a favorite of hummingbirds.
Its flowers come in various colors, including red, pink, purple, and white. This plant thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil and blooms from late spring to early summer. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and holds up well to wind and rain thanks to its strong stems. Penstemon is a wise choice for rocky gardens and xeriscapes due to its resilience and vibrant display
21. Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
This licorice-scented plant is buzzing with bees all summer. Its purple flower spikes add height and fragrance. Anise hyssop loves sun and dry soil. It’s easy to grow and long-blooming. It is great for herb gardens or pollinator patches. It supports native bees and bumblebees exceptionally well. This plant also deters deer with its strong scent.
22. Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbine’s delicate flowers attract hummingbirds and bees. It blooms in spring and likes part shade. The native varieties of Columbine are especially tough and pretty. The flowers come in many colors and shapes. Columbine reseeds and naturalizes easily. Its nodding blooms charm woodland gardens, and their unique shape makes them stand out in shady beds.
23. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
These colorful classics are pollinator magnets. Their tall spikes bloom from spring to fall. Snapdragons enjoy sun and well-drained soil. Bees squeeze into the dragon-shaped flowers for nectar. They come in endless colors. Snapdragons are often grown as annuals but may overwinter in mild zones. They provide structure and interest in mixed borders.
24. Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro)
Globe thistle stands out with its spiky blue orbs, adding bold textures to borders. It thrives in dry, sunny areas and is loved by bees and butterflies.
This tough, deer-resistant plant performs well in low-maintenance landscapes. Its long-lasting blooms are excellent for dried arrangements.
Globe thistle is also an excellent choice for xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance.
25. Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
These cheerful blooms repel pests and feed pollinators. They bloom from spring to frost with little effort. Marigolds love the sun and poor soil. Butterflies enjoy their nectar, especially single-petaled types. They’re great with veggies and in pots. Their pungent scent deters nematodes in garden beds. Marigolds also add festive color to any growing space.
A Wild Backyard in Bloom
Planting a mix of these pollinator favorites ensures year-round color, motion, and life. Pros love them because they’re easy, beautiful, and effective. Whether you want to help bees, enjoy butterflies, or love a colorful garden, these plants will turn your space into a buzzing, blooming retreat. Choose a few or plant them all to create a layered landscape. You’ll enjoy vibrant flowers and the joyful hum of visiting pollinators.