Butterfly Bush
Bloom time: Mid-summer to fall
As the name suggests, butterflies love this plant. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies are drawn to its tall, fragrant flower spikes.
These flowers for pollinators bloom from summer to fall. They come in purple, pink, white, and blue hues and provide rich nectar.
Salvia
Bloom time: Late spring to fall
Hummingbirds and bees love these tubular, nectar-filled blossoms. Salvias’ upright spikes and vivid red, purple, and blue blooms make any garden stunning.
They require little care because they can withstand drought and grow well in sunny areas.
Bee Balm
Bloom time: Mid-summer
Those bright spiky blossoms of bee balm attract many hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. They come in red, pink, purple, and white, giving your yard a wild, organic beauty. Plus, it is a natural cure for mild sniffles and aches
Yarrow
Bloom time: Late spring to summer
Bees and butterflies are drawn to yarrow’s flat clusters of tiny yellow, pink, or white blooms. Blooming from spring to fall, it is a hardy plant that can withstand drought.
Yarrow is a garden versatile plant that also provides cover for little insects.
Quick Look
Bees Sunflower, lavender, allium, catmint, tickseed, milkweed, coneflower, panicle hydrangea, zinnias, butterfly bush, bee balm, yarrow
Butterflies Sunflower, allium, catmint, tickseed, milkweed, coneflower, panicle hydrangea, zinnias, butterfly bush, salvia, bee balm, yarrow
Hummingbirds Allium, zinnias, butterfly bush, salvia, bee balm
Worst Flowers That Pollinators Don’t Like
Not all flowers are good for pollinators. They can even do more harm, and you need to avoid:
. Double-flowered blooms: They look pretty, for sure. But since they have too many petals, bees and butterflies find it hard to reach the nectar. Double petunias, impatiens, and begonias are some names you can call.
. Invasive plants: They might offer nectar, but they can spread very quickly. It means that they will push out native flowers that pollinators actually need.
. Yellow Jessamine: You may not know, but this type of flower is toxic to bees and other helpful insects.
. Swamp Titi: It makes lots of nectar. But be careful! Swamp Titi can cause a deadly condition called purple brood in bee larvae.
Bottom Line
So, you have learned some best flowers for pollinators to access, while avoiding those that can harm them. Even a few carefully chosen plants can make a big difference to your yard or small balcony.
Why wait, then? Pick your favorite flowers from the list and start growing your colorful and bustling haven for pollinators today!
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