Flowers That Attract Pollinators to Your Garden

Pollinator-friendly flowers bring more than beauty to the garden—they invite bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial visitors that help plants thrive. Choosing blooms rich in nectar and pollen can increase activity throughout the growing season while creating a vibrant, lively landscape. Many pollinator plants are easy to grow, beginner-friendly, and full of color. Whether you want a buzzing backyard habitat or simply more blooms and butterflies, these guides will help you choose the right flowers with confidence.

Calendula

Calendula

Admired for their sunny blooms and easy-growing nature, Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a favorite for garden beds, containers, herb gardens, and pollinator-friendly flower plantings.

Read Guide
Periwinkle

Periwinkle

Loved for their bright blooms and heat tolerance, Periwinkles (Catharanthus roseus) are a dependable choice for sunny beds, borders, containers, and low-maintenance pollinator gardens.

Read Guide
Snapdragon

Snapdragon

Celebrated for their colorful spires and long bloom season, Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are a classic choice for borders, cutting gardens, containers, and pollinator-friendly plantings.

Read Guide
Verbena

Verbena

Admired for their clusters of colorful blooms and strong pollinator appeal, Verbena (Verbena spp.) is a favorite for sunny borders, containers, butterfly gardens, and long-lasting seasonal color.

Read Guide
Sweet Alyssum

Sweet Alyssum

Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is treasured for its honey-like fragrance and soft mounding habit, making it a classic edging and container annual for gentle, old-fashioned charm.

Read Guide
Salvia

Salvia

Known for upright flower spikes and reliable color, annual Salvia (Salvia splendens) is a longtime favorite for bedding displays, borders, pollinator gardens, and summer containers.

Read Guide

Uniquely Regional

Discover pollinator plants suited to your region. Native flowers often provide the best food sources for local bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Explore Regionally-Native Plants

Essential Gardening Tips for Pollinator Gardens

A pollinator garden becomes more successful when flowers bloom across multiple seasons and provide reliable nectar, pollen, and shelter. These simple tips will help you build a healthier, more active garden:

Choose Diverse Flowers: Grow a mix of flower shapes, colors, and bloom times to attract a wider variety of pollinators.
Prioritize Sunlight: Most pollinator flowers bloom best in sunny locations receiving at least six hours of direct light.
Provide Water: A shallow dish with stones or a small water source helps bees and butterflies safely hydrate.
Use Native Plants: Native flowers are often the best match for local pollinators and regional growing conditions.
Skip Chemicals: Reduce pesticide use whenever possible to protect bees, butterflies, and other helpful insects.
Leave Some Habitat: Small brush piles, stems, and undisturbed areas can provide shelter for pollinators.