Best Perennials to Attract Pollinators to your Garden
What are the best plants
to attract pollinators to your garden?
One of my favorite ways to bring life to your garden is by planting for the pollinators. If you’ve ever caught a glimpse of a hummingbird flitting from flower to flower, or watched a bumblebee lazily buzz by, then you know there’s just something magical about it.
This is the time of year when the yellow butterflies begin migration, and they LOVE to stop by my garden and hang out around these plants.
If you're wanting to create that kind of beauty in your own backyard, here are some of my favorite go-to perennials (plus one annual!) that’ll have your garden humming, buzzing, and fluttering all season long
Top Three Plants for a Pollinator Garden
1. Cleome (a self-seeding beauty)
Cleome is a classic for a reason. Not only is she tall and statuesque with those dainty, airy blooms, but she’s a workhorse too. What I love most about Cleome is that she reseeds herself. That little seed pod? She’s gonna drop and surprise you next season with fresh new plants popping up where you least expect them. Talk about low-maintenance beauty. She will come back year after year.
2. Autumn Joy Sedum (a bee magnet)
This one right here is a stunner. I adore her tough-as-nails attitude. She can take the heat, the drought, and still put on a show. Autumn Joy adds this lovely dusty rose color late in the summer when so many other plants are tired and fading. An absolutely beautiful plant that will carry your garden through many seasons.
3. Black and Blue Salvia (a hummingbird favorite)
If you’ve never planted Black and Blue Salvia before, you are in for a treat. This plant is one of my absolute favorites. The deep blue blooms against that dark purple backdrop are just gorgeous, and the hummingbirds love her. I mean love her. It’s like rolling out the red carpet for those little birds.
4. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Y’all, if you’re not planting coneflowers yet, you’re missing out on one of the most dependable pollinator magnets around. These beauties are deer resistant (usually), drought tolerant, and just downright tough. Plus, the bees and butterflies cannot get enough of them. And the best part? They come back year after year like clockwork. I love to let mine go a little wild in the back of a border. They’re just stunning.
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5. Lantana
Lantana is a must-have if you want constant color and happy pollinators. She thrives in the full sun, takes the heat like a champ, and will bloom her heart out until frost. Butterflies love her and she's one of my favorite fillers in sunny beds or containers. Just be sure to give her room because she likes to spread out and make a statement.
6. Zinnias (Technically an annual, but still a Pollinator’s favorite plant!)
Y’all, don’t sleep on the good ol’ zinnia. She’s cheerful, colorful, and such an easy one to grow from seed. Butterflies flock to her. Toss out a pack of zinna seeds across your whole bed and just watch the action. Within months you’ll be covered up in pollinators! To be clear… zinnias are technically annuals, but don’t let that stop you. They bloom their hearts out all season long and bring butterflies by the dozens. Just toss a pack of zinnia seeds in the ground, give them some sun, and they’ll show off until frost.
@carmenjohnstongardens My three favorite perennials that the bees and butterflies love 💚 #perennials #bee #butterfly #garden #gardening #perennialgarden ♬ original sound - Carmen Johnston
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One Last Tip
When planting for pollinators, always think about layers and seasonal bloom times. The more consistent the buffet, the more visitors you’ll get. And don't be afraid to let things look a little wild. Sometimes you can just toss out a packet of wildflower seeds to attract pollinators and see what happens! Nature loves a little chaos.
So grab your gloves, find a sunny patch, and start planting. Your pollinator friends (and your garden) will thank you.
🌿 XOXO,
Carmen
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