Choosing the best perennials for pollinators involves considering several factors to ensure a continuous and rich source of nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. To achieve this, it’s essential to select perennials that bloom at different times of the year, providing a consistent food source for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Early bloomers such as Lupine offer vital nectar in the spring, mid-season flowers like Echinacea (coneflower) keep the pollinators fed through the summer, and late bloomers such as Aster extend the nectar supply into the fall. This staggered blooming schedule ensures that pollinators have access to food sources throughout their active periods, supporting their populations and helping to maintain biodiversity in your garden.
In this article, we shall talk about the best perennials for polinnators you can plant in your garden.
Best Perennials for Pollinators
1. Bee Balm or Wild Bergamot
If you’re looking to add a splash of color and a whole lot of buzz to your garden, Bee Balm is the plant for you! This vibrant perennial is not only a visual treat but also a magnet for beneficial insects, including native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Planting Bee Balm in your pollinator garden is like setting up a five-star buffet for all your winged friends.
Bee Balm is a superstar in the world of pollinator-friendly plants. Its bright, tubular flowers are irresistible to a variety of pollinators. By planting Bee Balm, you’re creating a robust pollinator habitat that supports native bees and other beneficial insects. These native bees are crucial for the ecosystem, helping to pollinate flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The more Bee Balm you have, the more you’ll see your garden buzzing with life.
2. Milkweed or Butterfly Weed
This perennial plant is not only beautiful but also a crucial part of the ecosystem, providing sweet nectar that attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Here’s how you can grow Milkweed easily from seed and enjoy its many benefits.
Growing Milkweed from seed is a breeze! The simplest path to success is to sow the seeds in the fall. Space them roughly 1/2 inch apart and cover them with 1/4 inch of soil. Water them well, and let winter do its magic. The cold treatment will break seed dormancy and get them ready to sprout. Imagine having a garden full of blooming Milkweed by early summer, attracting butterflies with their sweet nectar.
3. Showy Goldenrod
If you’re looking to brighten up your garden and attract a host of beneficial insects, growing milkweed is a fantastic choice! This perennial plant, mostly native to North America, offers vibrant clusters of bright yellow flowers that are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Here’s a fun and easy guide to get you started on your milkweed adventure!
To kick things off, start your milkweed seeds indoors by keeping them moist but not soggy, and very warm (around 21°C or 70°F).
For those planting outdoors, sow the seeds 0.32 cm (1/8 inch) deep in a prepared seed bed in late fall. This allows the seeds to overwinter and germinate naturally in the spring.
4. Blazing Star
Blazing Star (Liatris spp.) is a show-stopping perennial that adds a burst of color and a host of benefits to any garden. Known for its striking lavender, pink, and blue flower spikes, this plant is a favorite among gardeners and pollinators alike. Here’s why you should consider adding Blazing Star to your garden and how to grow it to attract a diversity of wildlife.
It is incredibly attractive with its vibrant flower spikes that bloom in mid to late summer. The clusters of flowers atop tall, slender stems create a stunning visual that stands out in any garden setting. Not only is it a visual treat, but it also provides a valuable habitat and food source for a variety of pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and even caterpillars flock to its nectar-rich blooms, making your garden a buzzing hub of activity.
As is a low-maintenance plant, it thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It’s perfect for gardeners looking for a plant that requires minimal fuss.
5. Foothill Penstemon
Penstemons are like the rock stars of the flower world, thriving in full sun and well-draining soil. If your garden soil isn’t well-draining, don’t fret! You can easily create small or large raised planting areas to give these beauties the best start in life. They adore the sun and flourish in well-draining, slightly alkaline soil.
During their first 1-2 years, water your Penstemons weekly in the summer until they’re established. After that, they’ll only need occasional watering. These plants are quite independent once they settle in.
6. Lanceleaf Coreopsis
Lanceleaf Coreopsis, with its bright and cheerful flowers, is like a magnet for pollinators, attracting a variety of butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects all summer long. Here’s why these plants are such a hit in the pollinator world.
One of the primary reasons Lanceleaf Coreopsis is so attractive to pollinators is its abundance of vibrant yellow flowers. These eye-catching blooms provide a rich source of nectar and pollen, making them an irresistible food source for butterflies and bees.
The flowers of Lanceleaf Coreopsis are packed with nectar, which is a crucial energy source for many pollinators.
7. Pica Bella Coneflower
Among the many coneflower varieties, ‘Pica Bella’ stands out as one of the best for attracting pollinators, according to Todd Jacobson, head of horticulture at The Morton Arboretum. The open flower form of these native species provides an ideal feeding platform for monarchs and swallowtails, making your garden a haven for these beautiful creatures.
Incorporating Echinacea into your garden plant lists is a brilliant way to support local pollinators.These flowers not only look stunning but also serve as a crucial food source for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. Use region-specific resources to select the best Echinacea varieties for your area, ensuring they thrive in your specific climate and soil conditions.
8. Anise Hyssop
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is like a five-star buffet for pollinators! This charming perennial is a member of the mint family and an absolute magnet for bees. Its flowers are highly attractive to honey bees, bumble bees, mining bees, leaf cutter bees, and sweat bees. But the party doesn’t stop there— butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds also frequently visit these blooms. Adding Anise Hyssop to your pollinator garden is a surefire way to get a variety of pollinators coming to your yard.
It is a delightful native perennial perfect for attracting a diverse array of pollinating insects. Not only does it provide nectar and pollen for bumble bees during mid-summer and early fall, but it also appeals to other insects, ensuring your garden is buzzing with life.
9. Joe Pye Weed
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.) is a powerhouse when it comes to attracting pollinators, thanks to several key characteristics that make it irresistible to a variety of beneficial insects, including bees, butterflies, and more.
The primary reason Joe Pye Weed is so attractive to pollinators is its abundance of nectar and pollen. The large, dome-shaped flower clusters are packed with tiny florets that provide a rich source of nectar and pollen, making it a favorite feeding station for bees, butterflies, and other insects. The flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall, offering a reliable food source during a critical time for many pollinators.
10. Aster
These late-season wonders are a feast for both butterflies and bees, offering a vital food source in late summer and early fall. Bees are highly attracted to asters when they’re in bloom, thanks to their vibrant blue, purple, and yellow flowers and sweet fragrances. Bees have a special affinity for these colors and can even see ultraviolet patterns on flowers, making asters particularly appealing. This ultraviolet vision helps them locate the nectar-rich spots on the flowers, similar to how they are drawn to buttercups and black-eyed Susans.
Asters are not just a visual treat but a critical part of a pollinator garden. By providing nectar at a time when few other flowers are blooming, they help sustain butterfly and bee populations.
Conclusion
By incorporating these fantastic plants, you’re not only adding vibrant colors and delightful fragrances to your space but also playing a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems. Each plant, from the show-stopping Blazing Star to the late-blooming Aster, adds its unique charm and purpose to your pollinator paradise.
By mixing early bloomers like Lupine with mid-season wonders like Echinacea and late bloomers such as Aster, you ensure a steady supply of nectar and pollen. Native plants like Joe Pye Weed and Anise Hyssop further enhance your garden’s appeal by providing habitat and food specifically suited to local pollinators.
