Many customers continuously ask us for plants that attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Something many people don’t realize is that by creating a garden that not only attracts pollinators, also creates a garden of season long color. It’s a win-win. If pollinators need constant food throughout the growing season, you’re going to have to make sure you’ve got something for them to feed on throughout spring, summer, and fall. That can be easily done by incorporating perennials and annuals which all of these pollinators love. As an added bonus you will most likely have a nice array of birds visiting your gardens as well, so don’t forget to add a birdbath and some sheltering trees to your design.
Herbs are an amazing attractant for pollinators. If you let them bloom you’ll find they’re not only a great culinary benefit, but also a beautiful flowering plant and a great means of attracting bees. Top picks to let go to bloom are marjoram, mint, sage, thyme, and basil.
Hummingbirds are fun to watch zipping around your gardens each day. They can sometimes be a little territorial of their feeding grounds so make sure and spread their “food” out a bit to allow other hummingbirds a chance to feast. A few favorites of theirs are petunias, lantana, zinnias, verbena, and especially any type of salvia.
Butterflies like a lot of similar plants as hummingbirds such as verbena, lantana, and zinnias. A few other items to add to the garden would be alyssum, marigolds, and cosmos.
As I mentioned previously, adding these items to your landscape will not only attract beneficial pollinators, but will also add season-long color and beauty to your landscape.
Happy Gardening,
Kelly Brainard
