Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) - Perennial
Coneflowers are a magnet for bumblebees, honeybees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and flies. Planted in full sun, they’ll also provide seeds for birds. A true garden favorite for pollinator enthusiasts.
Milkweed (Asclepias species) - Perennial and Annual
Milkweed is essential for monarch butterflies, serving as both a nectar source and larval food. It also attracts other pollinators, including buckeyes, bumblebees, fritillaries, and swallowtails.
Zinnia (Zinnia species) - Annual
If you plant zinnias, bumblebees are sure to follow. Swallowtails, monarchs, painted ladies, and many other butterflies will also visit. Easy to grow from seed, zinnias add vibrant colors to gardens and make stunning bouquets.
Beebalm (Monarda species) - Perennial
Beebalm’s nectar-rich flowers attract bumblebees, honeybees, and butterflies. They’re also a favorite of hummingbirds. As a bonus, you can use the leaves to make bergamot tea.
Oregano (Origanum species) - Perennial
Oregano, like many plants in the mint family, is both edible and ecologically beneficial. When allowed to flower, it draws honeybees and bee-mimicking flies to your garden.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia species) - Perennial and Annual
Black-eyed Susans thrive in full sun with well-drained soil, attracting countless pollinators to their cheerful blooms. They look beautiful in meadows, gardens, and even vases.
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) - Annual
Cilantro’s delicate white umbels attract honeybees, syrphid flies, parasitic wasps, and tachinid flies. In hot climates, a second summer planting can provide essential late-season nectar for pollinators.
Sunflower (Helianthus species) - Annual and Perennial
Sunflowers are the life of the garden, hosting bees, wasps, beetles, and flies on their large, cheerful heads. Rotate the planting location of annual sunflowers each year to keep them healthy and thriving.
Cosmos (Cosmos species) - Annual
One of the easiest flowers to grow from seed, cosmos can be directly sown into the garden. Plant them near vegetables to attract beneficial insects like lacewings and pirate bugs, along with pollinators.
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) - Annual
Sweet alyssum is not only fragrant and low-growing but also attracts syrphid flies, whose larvae feast on aphids. Other visitors include tiny flies, wasps, and various types of bees, making it a great addition to pollinator gardens.
