Create Havens with Pollinator Plants

Grow pollinator plants to nourish bees, birds, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators, and the benefits have a ripple effect. By feeding them, you help them sustain all life. Indeed, these small, mighty creatures pollinate some 75% of plants and 80% of food crops. Here are some of the best pollinator plants you can grow.

Pollinator Plants - Seasonal Options

There are a myriad of pollinator plants to suit all garden sizes and styles. Nectar and pollen rich annuals, perennials and shrubs are some of the most stunning plants to grow; many blooming for more than one season.

A Start to Spring
Spring is a critical time to feed pollinators, as they “break fast” after winter hibernation. Welcome these garden workers with bulbs blooming in early spring such as pollen-rich Crocus, one of the first to appear. For other early-bloomers, try our Bees and Butteflies Collections which offer stunning bulb mixes in shades of blue, white and yellow featuring:

Summer Nourishment
The pollinator population swells in the summer, so mass plantings of summer-blooming varieties will attract loads of butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. And drought-tolerant, upright Rudbeckia is a great choice. Other tried-and-true summer plants for pollinators that will all continue blooming into fall include:

Fortify in Fall
Pollinators need energy for migration and/or overwintering when cold weather arrives. Though some summer plants will flower into fall, it’s advisable to add some autumn classics to support pollinators:

Winter Wind Down:
Pollinators follow varying paths during winter. Some migrate, and others remain in place—going into diapause—in which their development is put on hold until early spring. There are many ways to support pollinators that stay. The wisdom is that doing less does more. For example, keep winter clean up to a minimum, so there are leaves for cover, insulation and nutrients, and offer mulch-free areas for ground-nesting bumblebees. Here are more tips on winterizing your landscape for pollinators.

Additional Pollinator Plant Choices

For more plant suggestions, including those specifically for butterflies and hummingbirds, our Garden Solutions page has our top picks for:

If you feel overwhelmed by choices or simply want a pollinator garden designed for you, try one of our Pre-Planned Gardens. Each garden design includes the plants, recommended layout and complete planting instructions. Choose from many themes, including three pollinator gardens with blooms that last from spring through fall, and two designed for butterflies, with flowers flowing summer through mid-fall.

Do you want suggestions for attracting pollinators to your specific area? Chat with someone at your local agriculture office, a wonderful resource for gardeners.

Plants With A Purpose

There is a treasure trove of plants for pollinators, in all colors, shapes, textures, and growing habits. In addition to the glorious good looks, these plants serve a critical purpose—to feed and shelter our pollinator heroes. In turn, pollinators can continue their key ecological services, including world crop production.