Gardens are more than just serene havens for humans
They’re also bustling hubs of activity for numerous species, from birds to bees. And these creatures play the crucial role of pollination, ensuring the growth and reproduction of many plants.
Pollinators vary and can include butterflies, bats, bees, beetles, and many others. Planting flowers that cater to these pollinators is an essential step toward a lively and flourishing ecosystem.
In this article, we’ve pinpointed 9 perennial flowers that beckon to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, ensuring a repeated show year after year.
ABELIA
Attracts: bees, butterflies
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
Blooming Period: Summer to late fall
With their arching stems and subtle white and pink blossoms, Abelias are compact shrubs that many gardeners treasure. They continue to enchant even when other summer flowers have wilted. Depending on the variant, some showcase variegated foliage. Size can vary from 1’-8’ in both height and width.
COREOPSIS
Attracts: bees, butterflies
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
Blooming Period: Summer through fall
Part of the sunflower family, Coreopsis is simple to cultivate and its flowers are a beacon for bees, butterflies, and even birds when it comes to the seed heads. They mainly present in warm hues like yellow, orange, and red. Their growth ranges between 18″-24″ in both height and width, contingent on the type.
AGASTACHE (HYSSOP)
Attracts: bees, hummingbirds
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
Blooming Period: Summer through fall
Revered for its aromatic flower spikes that come in diverse colors and forms, Agastache is a summer favorite. This flower requires good drainage and becomes drought-resistant over time. Sizes can vary between 20″-36″ tall and 16″-32″ wide, based on the species.
HARDY FUCHSIA
Attracts: hummingbirds
Sunlight: Sun to shade
Blooming Period: Late spring through fall
A genuine hummingbird magnet, Hardy Fuchsia showcases dangling, tubular blossoms on elegant arching branches. Though partial shade is preferable, it can adapt to a variety of light conditions. Their growth varies, but they can reach up to 1’-6’ tall and 1’-5’ wide, depending on the species.
MONARDA (BEE BALM)
Attracts: bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
Blooming Period: Mid-summer through early fall
Monarda’s unique flower structure makes it a focal point among garden plants. A crowd of these creates a striking visual, and their robust stems offer winter allure. Depending on the variety, they can grow between 1’-4’ tall and 1’-3’ wide.
RUDBECKIA (BLACK-EYED SUSAN)
Attracts: bees, butterflies
Sunlight: Full sun
Blooming Period: Mid-summer through fall
Ranked among the top ten perennials, Rudbeckia boasts deep yellow petals that are a favorite of various pollinators. They can also enhance bouquets. Their size ranges between 24″-36″ tall and 18″-24″ wide, depending on the species.
ECHINACEA (CONEFLOWER)
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies
Sunlight: Full Sun to part shade
Blooming Period: Mid-summer through fall
Echinacea is a summer classic, enticing diverse beneficial insects. They also make for long-lasting cut flowers. Depending on the variant, they can grow 24″-36″ tall and 24″ wide.
ASTER
Attracts: bees, butterflies
Sunlight: Full sun
Blooming Period: Mid-summer through fall
Perfect for late summer and fall, perennial Asters bloom in rich pinks, purples, blues, and whites. As many other flowers wilt in fall, Asters provide a valuable nectar source for pollinators. Their size can vary from 1’-6’ tall and 1’-4’ wide, based on the variant.
HELENIUM
Attracts: bees, butterflies
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
Blooming Period: Summer through fall
HELENIUM’s vivid petals contrasted with its dark center makes it a garden highlight. Bees and butterflies often land on these flowers in search of nectar. They grow between 1’-3’ tall x 15″-18″ wide, depending on the variant.
To create a pollinator paradise, incorporate these flowers and ensure there’s water and shelter for your winged visitors. This enhances your garden’s aesthetics and ensures a thriving ecosystem.