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Flowering plants that attract hummingbirds

10 Best Flowers for Attracting Hummingbirds

Introduction

By

Melissa Mayntz

Melissa Mayntz

Melissa Mayntz is a bird expert, certified Master Naturalist, writer, and author with over three decades of experience. She's published in several national magazines, including National Wildlife Magazine, Bird Watcher's Digest, and WildBird Magazine. Melissa has studied hundreds of bird species around the world, traveling to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, the central Pacific, the Middle East, and more on birding expeditions.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 02/15/22

Reviewed by

Kathleen Miller

Reviewed by Kathleen Miller

Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and Horticulturist who shares her knowledge of sustainable living, organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. She founded Gaia's Farm and Gardens, a working sustainable permaculture farm, and writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column. She has over 30 years of experience in gardening and sustainable farming.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

The Spruce

There are many flowers that can attract hummingbirds, but some are better at enticing these flying jewels than others.

When choosing hummingbird flowers for your garden or landscape, look for blooms with rich, bright colors (red flowers are particular hummingbird favorites), long or tapered shapes that can accommodate the hovering birds' long bills, and plentiful nectar to keep them coming back for more sips.

Native plants are always preferred because hummingbirds will be more familiar with the flowers and the plants will thrive with minimal care. Also, consider plants with a long bloom time or repeat blooming, which will provide a reliable food source for hummingbirds for many weeks.

The same plants loved by hummingbirds will also be attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Check your local nursery or landscaping center for popular and appropriate cultivars for your area, and create your own hummingbird habitat today.

If you are looking for inspiration, listed below are 10 of the best flower species for attracting hummingbirds to your landscape.

Diversity is Important

It is a good idea to use multiple plants in your hummingbird garden rather than relying on one or two species. A diverse hummingbird garden will be more attractive and will provide ample food for different hummingbird species throughout the spring, summer, and fall. If you live in a southern area, you might even investigate flowers that bloom through mild winters. That way you can offer much-needed food for migrating hummingbirds overwintering in your area.

The 8 Best Hummingbird Feeders of 2022

• 01 of 10

  The Spruce / Adrienne Legault 

  The full spikes and spherical shape of perennial bee balm make it an interesting and attractive plant in the garden—and a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.

  This flower typically grows two to four feet tall and requires dividing every three to four years. It will self-seed freely in the garden unless the flowers are dead-headed after they bloom.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
  • Color Varieties: Red, but purple and orange cultivars also available
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, medium-moisture to wet soil

• 02 of 10

  Bill Buchanan/USFWS/Flickr/CC By 1.0

  A member of the Lobelia genus of flowering plants, the cardinal flower is a perennial form that produces long stalks of flowers growing as much as four feet tall. Its rich red blooms are delicately shaped, making it attractive both as a garden plant and as a food source for hummingbirds.

  It is best positioned at the rear of mixed perennial garden beds. Adding mulch helps keep the soil moist and also prevents frost heaving in colder climates (north of zone 6). Cardinal flowers do not require division, but they are relatively short-lived perennials. However, it freely self-seeds and often colonizes permanently in the garden.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
  • Color Varieties: Scarlet red; white and rose cultivars also available
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, medium-moisture to wet soil

• 03 of 10

  The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

  Zinnia are among the easiest of all annual flowers to grow, with bright bloom colors that make them a favorite of hummingbirds and other pollinators. Most garden zinnias are cultivars of a few species within the Zinnia genus, especially Z. elegans, the common zinnia. There are literally hundreds of cultivars available, categorized by groups according to their growth habit and flower shape.

  Heights range from six inches to about four feet, and flower colors are available in nearly every hue. After the hummingbirds have had their fill of the nectar, seeds will develop as the flowers mature, attracting finches and other seed-loving birds. Zinnias also make wonderful cut flowers.

  They like moist soil, but they can be susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions or when the foliage gets wet during watering. Give the plants plenty of space to encourage air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11; normally grown as an annual
  • Color Varieties: All colors except blue and brown
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Humusy, moist, well-drained soil

• 04 of 10

  The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

  The Salvia genus within the mint family is a very large one with several annual and perennial species, but the common salvias grown as garden perennials are usually cultivars of Salvia nemarosa or Salvia greggii, also known as autumn sage. Tall spikes of small, delicate flowers make salvia great plants for the backs or centers of flowerbeds.

  Perennial salvia flowers emerge in mid-summer and bloom through late summer. They will bloom repeatedly if kept moist. This clump-forming plant grows 18 to 36 inches tall, requires no division, and steadily increases in size over time. It is a very easy plant to grow.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 11
  • Color Varieties: Mauve, pink, purple, blue
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil

• 05 of 10

  The Spruce / Autumn Wood

  A stunning perennial plant with attractive foliage and dangling, heart-shaped blooms in white or pink, bleeding hearts perform best in cooler climates and lightly shaded locations. They grow 24 to 36 inches tall and can be divided for transplanting as they lengthen.

  Foliage may turn yellow and die back in the heat of summer, but the plants reliably return each spring. This plant likes moist soil, but it must also be well-drained to prevent root rot.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 9
  • Color Varieties: Pink, white
  • Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil

• 06 of 10

  The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

  True to its name, this deciduous flowering shrub is as good for attracting butterflies as it is for attracting hummingbirds. The thick, elongated clusters of flowers will bloom repeatedly from mid-summer through fall.

  This is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in full sun and develops into a thick, luxurious shrub over time, attracting more hummingbirds and providing great shelter for different types of birds.

  Caution: Buddleia davidii is regarded as an invasive plant in some regions, so check with local authorities before planting it. The cultivars are somewhat smaller and more well-behaved than the main species.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 10
  • Color Varieties: Pink, purple, blue
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Medium-moisture, well-drained soil; tolerates drought conditions

• 07 of 10

  The Spruce / David Beaulieu

  Also called trumpet vine or hummingbird vine, this plant can quickly overpower a small area and will climb on many surfaces, including wooden arbors, fences, and trees. It has dense foliage and its long, tubular flowers are perfect for hummingbirds.

  It thrives best in full sun to partial shade, but beware of its invasive properties and aggressive growth. Frequent pruning is necessary to keep this plant from overwhelming a garden or escaping into surrounding areas.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 10
  • Color Varieties: Orange, red, yellow
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Average, well-drained soil

• 08 of 10

  The Spruce / Kara Riley

  Wild lupines do not perform well in home gardens, but many hybrids have been developed that make excellent, though short-lived, garden perennials. This early-blooming flower is ideal for attracting spring hummingbirds before other flowers have emerged and when insect food sources may still be scarce.

  Plants typically grow three to four feet tall with spikes of dense flowers, although there are also dwarf varieties available that stay under two feet tall. No division is necessary, but they need to be replanted every three years or so. In hotter climates, lupines are often grown as annuals.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
  • Color Varieties: Purple, blue; white, pink, and yellow cultivars also available
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Evenly moist, well-drained soil; prefers slightly acidic soil

• 09 of 10

  The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

  There are several species within the Aquilegia genus that are used as garden perennials (for example, Aquilegia canadensis, the common columbine), but even more important are the many cultivars and hybrids developed from these species.

  Columbine is most often used as an edging plant around fences and flower beds. It grows from one to three feet high, depending on the variety. Removing the flower stems after blooming will prompt additional flowers.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
  • Color Varieties: Blue, purple, pink
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Average, well-drained soil

• 10 of 10

  The Spruce / Kara Riley 

  Petunias are one of the most popular of all annual flowers since they are very easy to grow and quite inexpensive. They work well in just about any sunny garden location and are also favorites for containers, borders, and baskets in small spaces.

  The flower thrives best in full sun and will bloom repeatedly, providing abundant nectar for hungry hummingbirds.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; normally grown as an annual
  • Color Varieties: Pink, white, red, purple, blue, mixed colors
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Medium-moisture, well-drained soil

Hummingbirds Like Spider Webs

If your goal is to attract hummingbirds to your garden, don't remove any spider webs that appear among the plants. Hummingbirds use the delicate threads of these webs for material to build nests. And hummingbirds often steal insects that are trapped in spider webs.

Types of Hummingbirds in North America

Article Sources

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Szopinska, Dorota. Diseases of Zinnia. Handbook of Florists' Crops Diseases. Handbook of Plant Disease Management, edited by R, McGovern, W. Elmer, Springer, Cham, 2016, doi:10.1007/978-3-319-32374-9_28-1

2. Buddleja davidii Franch. Orange Eye Butterfly Bush. U.S. Department of Agriculture Plants Database.

Top 15 Colorful Hummingbird Flowers to Grow

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

What flowers do hummingbirds like? Turn your garden into a pollinator haven with colorful hummingbird flowers such as bee balm and salvia.

Hummingbird flowers have three things in common. Their blooms are tube-shaped, brightly colored, and they grow where it’s easy for hummingbirds to hover and sip. If you want to attract more of these beautiful birds, plant these flowers that hummingbirds like in your yard or garden.

Courtesy Laurie Dirkx

1. Cardinal Flower

Lobelia Cardinalis, Zones 2 to 9

Size: 3 to 4 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide

Cardinal flower, named for the red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals, needs mulch to retain moisture during summer and protect its root system during cold northern winters. It’s one of the top hummingbirds flowers you should grow.

Why we love it: This deer-resistant, reseeding and self-rooting perennial lights up partial shade or full sun areas that boast consistently moist soil. Flower spikes open from bottom to top, and stay in bloom for several weeks. 

Check out the top 10 red hummingbird flowers.

Courtesy Melissa Brewer

2. Bee Balm

Monarda species, Zones 4 to 9

Size: 1 to 4 feet tall and wide

For a surefire way to attract hummingbirds with flowers, grow bee balm. This beauty grows up to 4 feet tall in full sun and starts flowering in midsummer. You can even find several varieties on the market that are resistant to mildew. Whether you choose natives or cultivated varieties, the birds can’t resist the nectar-rich blooms. Bee balm needs sun, moist soil, and plenty of air circulation to ward off powdery mildew.

Why we love it: After the tubular pink, red, white or violet flowers fade, the round seed heads add beauty in fall and winter and may self-sow.

Check out the top annual flowers that attract hummingbirds. Then, take a look at the best perennials to grow for hummingbirds.  

Courtesy Walters Gardens Inc.

3. Penstemon

Penstemon species, Zones 3 to 9

Size: 1 to 4 feet tall

Penstemons are North American natives that come in many forms. It’s best to plant those that are native to your area. These hummingbird flowers are low-maintenance if you place them in full sun and soil with excellent drainage; they hate wet feet, especially in the winter.

Why we love it: The options are nearly limitless. Choose from a wide palette of flower colors, including white, yellow, blue, purple, red and orange. 

Grow these potted flowers and plants that attract hummingbirds.

Courtesy Walters Gardens Inc.

4. Hosta

Hosta Species, Zones 3 to 9

Size: 6 to 30 inches

Although most hostas are grown for their leaves, they also have flowers that hummingbirds like. The large bell-shaped blooms are excellent nectar sources in hues of purple to white.

Why we love it: Everyone thinks of hummingbird plants for sunny areas, but the little fliers like a sweet treat in the shade, too.

Check out more long-blooming flowers for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

Courtesy Walters Gardens, Inc.

5. Catmint

Nepeta Species, Zones 3 to 9

Size: 1 to 3 feet tall, often wider than it is tall

Catmint is easy to grow, long-blooming, heat-tolerant, and deer- and pest-resistant. After the hummingbird flowers fade, shear off the spent blooms and about a third of the stalk for a second round.

Why we love it: Hummingbirds especially like Siberian catmint’s blue blooms (Nepeta sibirica). Just be aware that this variety can be an aggressive grower.

Check out the top 10 purple flowers that attract hummingbirds.

Courtesy Walters Gardens, Inc

6. Agastache

Agastache species, Zones 4 to 9

Size: 1 to 5 feet tall

It’s no coincidence that a common name for one of the agastache species is hummingbird mint. That type excels in dry regions. Choose anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) in northern, wetter climates. Tiny tubular hummingbird flowers on slender stalks grow in a variety of colors and shapes. Full sun and excellent drainage are essential for keeping plants happy.

Why we love it: Deer and rabbits leave it alone.

Learn how to create an ideal hummingbird habitat.

Courtesy Jake Bonello

7. Eastern Red Columbine

Aquilegia Canadensis, Zones 3 to 8

Size: 1 to 3 feet tall, 1 foot wide

This easy-to-grow perennial performs in part to full shade. It reseeds itself to replenish older plants, which tend to lose vigor after three or four years. The airy habit allows it to grow among other plants.

Why we love it: Sure, you can find cultivated varieties of columbines, but native columbine, with its crimson spurs and bright yellow stamens, is an early-season favorite flower that hummingbirds like.

Psst—hummingbirds also love these pink nasturtium flowers.

North Creek Nurseries Inc.

8. Trumpet Honeysuckle

Lonicera Sempervirens, Zones 4 to 10

Size: 10- to 20-foot vine

If you have a fence, arbor or trellis in full sun to part shade, plant a colorful trumpet honeysuckle vine. Hummingbirds go absolutely wild for this climber. We don’t always recommend honeysuckle—many types are invasive—but this one is an exception worth considering. It’s native to many areas, and hummingbirds will visit all summer for its nectar. The vine climbs up to 12 feet tall and thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Why we love it: After a flush of blooms in late spring, flowers continue sporadically until fall. Prune or don’t prune—your choice.

“Trumpet honeysuckle is by far the most favored hummingbird plant in my yard. It blooms all season, produces fruit that other birds enjoy and is native to the United States,” says Karen Dennis, Plymouth, Michigan.

Psst—did you know that honeysuckle is the June birth flower?

Courtesy Liz Tabb

9. Salvia

Salvia species, annual to perennial Zones 3 to 10

Size: 1 to 6 feet tall

Pick a salvia, any type of salvia—hummingbirds like them all. The tubular blooms are just right for dipping a beak into. Salvias grow best in full sun to part shade. Annual salvia is a garden favorite, but don’t forget the power of the perennial variety. The blooms can reach 1 to 5 feet tall, flowering in bright shades of purple, indigo, maroon and even red. Grow in full sun, and you’ll probably want to add a few extra for the butterflies, too. Check out the top 10 salvias to grow for hummingbirds.

Why we love it: Almost continuously blooming, especially in hot, dry conditions, salvias come in a huge selection of colors and plant habits. Many gardeners grow these hummingbird flowers because they’re a good drought-tolerant option in summer. Don’t forget to grow it in well-draining soil for best results.

“Hummingbirds love all of the salvias, but Black & Blue is a favorite in our yard,” says Ginny Phillips Olathe, Kansas.

Also grow Mexican bush sage and cypress vine for hummingbirds and butterflies.

Courtesy Julie Droppleman

10. Zinnia

Zinnia Elegans, annual

Size: 6 to 48 inches tall

Humans and hummingbirds like zinnia flowers for several reasons. They’re easy to grow from seed. The birds sip from the central florets, and you can snip the blooms to create indoor bouquets.

Why we love it: There are so many colors to choose from! If you’re planting a rainbow of colors and need green flowers, choose Queen Lime, Envy, Tequila Lime or other chartreuse varieties.

Learn how to attract hummingbirds to your balcony.

11. Flowering Tobacco

Nicotiana spp., annual

Often flying under the radar, this might be one of the best-kept secrets among hummingbird plants. Yes, it is an annual, but once gardeners discover the power of this flower, they eagerly plant it again and again. You can find it in a whole spectrum of colors, including pink, white, red, lavender and green.

Bonus tip: While it varies by cultivar, this plant is also known for its fragrance. If you like sweet-smelling blooms in the evening for a moon garden, make sure you pick a white-flowering variety.

Discover the 15 types of hummingbirds found in the United States.

Walters Gardens Inc.

12. Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia, Zones 5 to 9

Red hot poker is one of the most dramatic and visually appealing flowers in the garden, pale yellow at the base and bold orange on top. Some varieties have an extra jolt of orange. The plants grow up to 4 feet high and are among the earlier summer bloomers.

Bonus tip: You really want to plant these in well-draining soil. They’re prone to rot in boggy or even moist soil.

Discover 17 jaw-dropping facts about hummingbirds.

Walters Gardens Inc.

13. Delphinium

Delphinium, Zones 3 to 7

This towering treasure makes a statement at the back of a mixed border, as a vertical accent or in a container. With dozens of blooms on each stem, it gives hummingbirds plenty of nectar sources to share with butterflies and other bugs, too.

Bonus tip: Some varieties, like the Summer Blues pictured here, are a lot bluer than others. For heat tolerance, try the Blue Mirror cultivar.

Discover 14 questions about hummingbird feeders answered by experts.

Courtesy Eric Tome

14. Trumpet Vine

Campsis radicans, Zones 4 to 9

We see dozens of photos of hummingbirds at trumpet vine, and there’s a good reason. They like this sweet beauty! A perennial favorite of both butterflies and hummingbirds, it grows up to 40 feet tall.

Bonus tip: When you plant this stunner, it pays to invest in a good trellis, or put it next to a tree, telephone pole or sturdy fence. If you can provide this vine with good support, it will last for years.

Discover the top 10 vines for hummingbirds.

Bailey Nurseries

15. Coral Bells

Heuchera, Zones 3 to 9

Don’t overlook the power of pink, a color available in many species that we normally think of as having red flowers. Coral bells are valued for their foliage and shade tolerance. In late spring, the plant sends up attractive, long-lasting wands of tiny flowers that hummingbirds like all summer long.

Bonus tip: Spend time getting to know the different cultivars, which have some of the garden’s most diverse and beautiful foliage options. It won’t be long until you have your own favorites.

Check out the top 10 hummingbird plants that grow in shade.

Readers’ Favorite Hummingbird Flowers

Firecracker Plant

Photo: Courtesy of Proven Winners, provenwinners.com

“Every year I place a big pot of large firecracker plant (Cuphea ‘Vermillionaire’) on my deck. Hummingbirds are zipping about just inches from me all summer!” says Janet Doherty, Scarborough, Maine.

Red Canna Lily

Courtesy Andrea Garvin

“Almost every time I look at my red canna lilies, there is a hummingbird at them,” says Liza Vaughn, Fairfax, Virginia.

Aloe Plant

Courtesy Koji Kanemoto

“My king aloe plant blooms four or five times each summer, sending up grand 4-foot stalks covered in bell-shaped flowers. Hummers sit on the branches and feed,” says Lorraine Smith, Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Next, learn what foods, how often and how much hummingbirds eat.

Popular Videos

Flowers With Nectar That Attract Hummingbirds 💡 Gardening | HomeInteriorz.com

• Choosing Hummingbird Colors
• Flowers Attractive to Hummingbirds
• Couple Tips Hummingbird

attract hummingbirds. However, any beautiful bloom is not enough, and the flowers that are most attractive to hummingbirds have common characteristics. The best hummingbird flowers...

• Produce large quantities of nectar for birds to drink
• Formed for long counts of hummingbirds to sip nectar effectively

• Use bright colors, including red hues, to attract hummingbirds

Choosing Hummingbird colors

When choosing the best flowers to attract hummingbirds, birds need to consider more than just drinking hummingbirds from a flower. It is also important to choose several varieties of flowers that bloom at different times, so nectar is available from early spring to late summer, giving the birds a rich food source throughout the season. Flowers with very little fragrance will be less attractive to bees, which can help eliminate the insect problem on hummingbird feeders. Finally, all flowers must be suitable for the climate, temperature, soil, and sunlight levels in the yard in order for them to bloom well and produce healthy, rich flowers. nine0011

Flowers attractive to hummingbirds

Many different kinds of flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. When planning your hummingbird garden, check with your local nursery or landscapist about which flowers are best for your area and the characteristics of your yard.

The most popular hummingbird flowers include:

• Bleeding Hearts
• Catchment
• Desert Trumpet
• Calico Bush
• Columbia Lily

  Hummingbird Couple Tips

  Creating a hummingbird-friendly landscape takes more than planting the right flowers to attract hummingbirds to your garden. For best results...

  • Combine both annuals and perennials. Perennials will bloom for many years and offer longer lasting flowers, while annuals are a more vibrant splash of color that can attract more birds. Having both in your yard will minimize gardening while maximizing the number of hummingbirds that visit. nine0004
  • Plant flowers in tiers and use plants that grow to different heights. Some hummingbirds prefer taller stems while others want to be closer to the ground, and providing tiered vegetation gives the birds more options to choose from. If the plants are the same height, consider creating a sloping garden or using flower boxes to add tiers. Make sure the taller plants are at the back and shorter than the plants at the front so your bird views aren't blocked. nine0004
  • Choose flowers in different colors. Although red is one of the most attractive hues for hummingbirds, they will drink from any suitable flower, no matter what color it is. A more varied garden will attract more birds. If you want to provide a bold red color in the garden, add a red eye color, a red bench, a red bird or similar piece next to the flowers.

  • Remove faded flowers throughout the season. Hummingbirds recognize that withered flowers have no more nectar and avoid bushes with many withered flowers in favor of a better feeding site. Removing faded flowers can also encourage plants to produce additional flowers to generate more nectar for birds to sip on. nine0004
  • Avoid using any pesticide or insecticide to control hummingbird flowers. These chemicals can harm birds and also kill insects, which are another important food source for hummingbirds. Instead, attract even more birds and you'll have natural pest control to manage insect populations.
  • Add a mister or small drip near flower beds to give hummingbirds a source of water and leave some branches for the birds to dip when they're not feeding. This tactic will keep birds around the garden for longer periods of time and may even encourage hummingbirds to nest nearby. nine0004

  By choosing the best hummingbird flowers and planting them properly, any barrier can create a beautiful backyard hummingbird habitat.

  Video instruction: Psychotria sublime (Psychotria elata).

  list of plants and flowers that produce real honey

  Flowers and plants that attract bees

  Whims, joy, colors - pansies have it all, and bees love them. They are great for containers or ground cover plants. nine0011

  pussy willow

  These North American wetland shrubs have a beautiful grayish hue and fluffy flowers.

  Siberian squill

  These beautiful blue flowers have a stunning appearance that you can enjoy for several weeks each year.

  Snowdrops

  Snowdrops are known to announce their arrival by sticking out of the snow. They are great for climates with mild to cold winters. nine0011

  Peony

  With their flowers and sweet fragrance, these flowers will attract bees, hummingbirds and possibly your neighbors.

  spurge

  Lactic acid not only serves as food for bees, but is also the sole host of monarch butterflies.

  Bee Balm

  As the name suggests, bees love these North American prairie flowers. The flowers almost resemble small fireworks and come in matching bright colors. nine0011

  Lavender

  Bees love them for their nectar, people love them for their smell and taste. Everyone wins, and with many different varieties of lavender to choose from, you're likely to find one that will happily make its home in your garden.

  phlox

  With their star-shaped flowers, these plants make a great addition to any garden and make an excellent ground cover.

  Zinnia

  Zinnias come in a variety of colors and will attract bees and butterflies to your space. They are relatively easy to plant and if the dead flowers are removed they will bloom profusely all summer long.

  Marigold

  Like zinnias, marigolds are annuals that can bloom all summer if properly cared for. Their edible flowers can brighten up your salads as well as your garden, and they've even been known to repel pests and animals like hookworms. nine0011

  Goldenrod

  These flowers are sometimes considered a weed because of their ability to spread easily, but they must be controlled and are an invaluable resource for bees and also have medicinal value.

  Chives

  Don't eat their delicious purple flowers and the bees will thank you! This perennial plant tolerates cold climates quite well and is a great way to add fresh onion flavor to salads, dishes or eggs. nine0011

  Liatris

  These purple, pink, and white flowers bloom on spiny, grass-like leaves that can grow 1 to 5 feet in height.

  mint

  Mint invigorates with its aroma and taste - and the bees go crazy for their flowers. Mint is a great choice if you're looking for a low maintenance herb.

  Sage

  Great for fillings, sauces and herbs! Bees love the beautiful sage flowers and these perennials are fairly easy to grow. nine0011

  nasturtium

  Nasturtium can keep the bees buzzing in your garden until autumn. Their edible flowers will add vibrant color to your outdoor space.

  Black Eyed Susans

  These are flowers that attract bees, butterflies and bring a splash of yellow to your garden.

  borage

  Borage's star-shaped flowers, also known as star-shaped flowers, start out pink and then turn into a beautiful blue. nine0011

  Thyme

  Irresistible to bees and pun lovers, placing one of these bushes by the side of the path is a great way to get rid of thyme.

  oregano

  This perennial has pink, purple or white flowers and its late blooms will be appreciated by your bee friends.

  Calendula ~ Calendula officinalis

  Shorter bushy plants with orange/yellow daisy-like flowers that provide pollinators and nectar. nine0011

  Sage

  Description: The term "salvia" ?? includes a huge group of plants with about 800 or 900 different species! Cooking sage is also sage.

  Nasturtium ~ Tropeol

  Description: Easy to grow, sprawling, edible, sweet nasturtium! The arugula-like pepper leaves are edible, as are the flowers. Flowers come in different colors.

  Verbena ~ Verbena

  Description: Verbena is a huge family that includes more than 250 species of both annuals and perennials. Most of them produce flowers that pollinators go crazy for!

  Hyssop ~ Agastakh

  These tall, showy, long-lasting spikes, full of hundreds of individual flowers, are indispensable in a pollinator's garden! Also called "hummingbird mint", they are a favorite source of nectar for our cute little birds. nine0011

  Heliotrope ~ Heliotropium

  Description: These fairly compact plants are 1 to 3 feet tall with dark green downy foliage. The plants produce very fragrant, vanilla-scented flowers.

  Yarrow ~ Achillea

  Description: Clusters of small yellow, pink, white, red or lavender flowers. One of our favorite varieties is "Moonshine" ?? yarrow with silver-sage fluffy foliage. nine0011

  Blazing Meadow Star ~ Liatris

  Blazing Meadow Star is the famous "monarch magnet" ??. These perennials can reach over 4 feet in height.

  Penstemon

  Penstemon ranges from less than a foot to over 5 feet. The nectar-rich flowers also come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.

  Pincushion ~ Scabiosa nine0011

  Round, frilly, tufted flowers in lavender, blue, pink and white. Most varieties are short, averaging about a foot in height. There are both annual and perennial varieties.

  Bachelor Buttons ~ Centaurea

  They are 2 inches?? The thistle-like buds are interesting in the garden, attract butterflies, are edible and are ideal for cut and dried flower arrangements.

  Anise hyssop / Agastache foeniculum

  Anise hyssop is considered to be one of the best plants for feeding pollinators. Bees on flowers can be seen from morning until dusk.

  Astilbe, False spirea / Astilbe spp.

  Astilbes are great for creating soft colorful displays under trees, in low light corners or in shade.

  Chrysanthemum (open varieties) / Chrysanthemum

  Gardeners and advisors who want to plant the right flowers to attract bees usually choose them based on how easy they are to plant and by observing which ones the bees are already visiting. nine0011

  Betoni / Stachis Monieri

  This species forms large, round clusters of green, long and narrow, textured leaves. It is beautiful even when not in bloom.

  Top flower / Gaillardia

  This is a neglect-feeding species that thrives in sunny, dry and rocky conditions.

  Clematis / Clematis spp.

  Clematis stans dioecious, semi-woody, with pale purplish blue knotted tubular flowers in a paniculate inflorescence. Both male and female flowers produce nectar from the base of the calyx tube during a flowering period of 3 or 4 days and are pollinated by two bumblebee species.

  Common poppy, red poppy / Papaver rhoeas

  A must for any meadow or wildflower garden, this easy-to-grow annual produces colorful flowers throughout the summer season. nine0011

  Yarrow / Achillea millefolium

  Yarrow attracts butterflies, bees, and other insects, making it a great addition to a pollinator garden.

  Bell coral / Heuchera spp.

  Annual flowers such as coral bees are readily available at the garden center, but most have been bred for showy flowers or vigorous growth and do not produce enough pollen and nectar to be good food plants for bees or butterflies. nine0011

  Fennel / Foeniculum vulgare

  This perennial plant belongs to the carrot family and is native to the Mediterranean.

  Foxglove or bearded vulture / Penstemon spp.

  They are tubular and about 1 inch long, with a rim divided into a 3-lobed lower lip and a 2-lobed upper lip.

  Earth thistle / Echinops ritro nine0011

  Echinops, the blue thistle or thistle, is the perfect blue-blue sphere that every pollinator loves.

  Hyssopus (naturalized in North America) / Hyssopus

  Hyssopus officinalis Labiatae is a compact bushy perennial usually grown in herb gardens, but it is excellent for mass flower beds, as a hedge or border, and in pots. Due to its medicinal smell, hyssop is known as a cleansing herb that attracts bees. nine0011

  Large-leaved aster / Eurybia Macrophylla

  Asters and goldenrods attract many insect pollinators at the end of the season. In winter, they serve as food and habitat for many birds and small animals that feed on seeds and take refuge in dried stems.

  Allium

  Many horticultural varieties are available, these are bulb-forming perennials. Some of them are very showy, with huge flower heads. nine0011

  Antirrhinum, snapdragon

  Like their relative foxglove, it is mainly visited by long-tongued bumblebees such as B. hortorum. Short-lived perennials, often grown as annuals.

  Apple

  Apples are a good source of food for queens in April and May, and of course visiting bees ensures a good harvest. flowers and very attractive.

  Aquilegia

  The nectar is hidden at the ends of very long tubes, so it is visited by long-tongued bees.

  bistor

  Very strong, spreading, undersized perennial. Good ground cover. A bit of luck with bees, but seems to be especially popular with Bombus hypnorum.

  Buddleia davidii, butterfly bush

  Fast growing shrub up to 9 feet, excellent source of nectar for butterflies and popular with bumblebees. I often see a juvenile Bombus Terrestris queen on it, fattening up before hibernating in July/August. nine0011

  River cirsium

  This species is excellent for male bumblebees in midsummer, it is not prickly like its wild relatives and does well in a grassy border.

  Comfrey, Symphytum officinale

  They visit long-tongued and short-tongued species, the latter often stealing from holes bitten on the tops of flowers.

  Cotoneaster horizontal nine0011

  Preferred by short-tongued species such as the early bumblebee B.pratorum and tree bumblebee B.hypnorum.

  crocus

  Great for queens just out of hibernation. Joan of Arc is highly recommended.

  Echinops, globe thistle

  A beautiful and unusual perennial with purplish-purple flowers that form spiny balls on tall strong stems in high summer. nine0011

  Echium vulgare, bugloss snakes

  A stunning biennial wildflower growing to 4 feet, blooming in July and August and absolutely loved by bees of all types for its abundant nectar.

  Foxglove purple

  No cottage garden is complete without foxglove, hardy biennials favored by long-tongued bees such as B.hortorum and B.pascuorum. nine0011

  Geranium spp.

  Geraniums are hardy perennials that come in a wide variety of colors, but most are moderately attractive to short-tongued bees.

  Globus artichoke

  Huge plants related to the thistle, with massive complex flowers, on which bees flock in July/August. Grows to 6 feet or more.

  Helleborus fetidus

  Blooms in late winter, great for early emerging queens. Unusual looking herbaceous plants, usually less than 1 foot tall. nine0011

  stock rose pink

  The bees seem to be looking for nectar but ignore the abundant pollen, often choking on it.

  Cerinthe major

  Unusual annual plant that prefers full sun. Produces a huge amount of nectar, but I have always found it difficult to maintain this plant in my garden.

  Jacob's ladder - Polemonium caeruleum

  A very pretty little perennial, up to 2 feet tall, often forgotten as a plant for bees. Easy to grow, perennial, tolerates most conditions, blooms May-June. nine0011

  Hyssop, Hyssop officinalis

  A discreet, low-growing perennial can also be used in cooking, although I don't like it - I prefer to leave it to the bees!

  Iris (Iridaceae)

  Many types of irises are grown in gardens - usually with beautiful flowers that are good for bees.

  catnip

  Fantastic classic garden cottage, extremely popular with bumblebees and blooming for a long period from early summer to autumn. Hills Giant is one of the best varieties of bees. nine0011

  Phacelia tanacetifolia

  Perhaps the most attractive plant on the planet for bees! An easy-to-grow annual plant, blooms 8-10 weeks after sowing and blooms for a long time.

  Pulmonary lungwort

  An excellent source of early spring nectar for hungry queen bees visited by long-tongued species, especially Bombus pascuorum.

  Red Campion

  A beautiful perennial wildflower with a very long flowering period from May to September. Visited Bombus hortorum.

  red clover

  Red clover, one of the staple foods of bumblebees in the wild, used to be a very common plant in the UK.

  Esparcet

  A rare UK perennial wildflower with stunning pink flowers and, like most legumes, popular with bees. nine0011

  Salix spp / Sallow / willow

  Trees, some growing to 30 feet or more. Salls are dioecious, either male or female. Dwarf varieties can be purchased for smaller gardens.

  Salvia spp / Meadow Clary

  When the bee explores the nectar, it causes the stamens to curl up and droplets of pollen are deposited on the bee's back.

  Stonecrop

  A succulent herbaceous perennial that blooms in September and is favored by male bumblebees and butterflies. Grows to about 1 foot, can be decomposed by splitting plants. nine0011

  thrift

  A beautiful low growing perennial plant growing wild on rocky coastal headlands. Blooms in May-June. One for rockeries or in pots.

  Crested vetch / Vicia cracca

  Carabiner climber, a wild flower that grows well in the garden and is excellent for long-tongued bumblebees. Popular with the very rare Bombus distinguendus.

  Wisteria nine0091
  A legume related to peas and clover, a family much loved by bees for their protein-rich pollen.

  Pseudogynoxus chenopodioides (Mexican firevine)

  The bright orange flowers on this climbing vine are some of the vine's best (and only) flowers to attract monarchs. It also attracts swallowtail butterflies, hummingbirds and bees to our northern garden.

  Duranta erecta (sapphire souls)

  Violet, ruffled flowers with scalloped white edges are attractive to bees and butterflies, as well as gardeners. AKA Duranta repens, "golden dew drops" or "geisha girl".

  Echium fastuosum (Pride of Madeira)

  Beautiful purple flowers with red stamens are loved by bees and butterflies, especially monarchs!

  Verbena bonariensis (purple verbena) nine0011

  This monarch's favorite is also constantly visited by a wide variety of butterflies, bees and birds.

  Callistemon spp. (Bottle brush)

  Bottlebrush is native to Australia but grows well in warm regions of the US, attracting monarchs, other butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.

  Pentas lanceolate (Egyptian star cluster)

  While many new Pentas varieties and hybrids have emerged, many pollinators seem to prefer sipping the nectar from this early heirloom variety. However, most pentas will attract and keep pollinators alive in your garden. nine0011

  Oligoneuron rigidum (hard goldenrod)

  There are many types of goldenrod, but this species is reported to be especially favored by migrating monarchs. It also attracts other butterflies and beneficial pollinators.

  Lantana plants

  Late lantana variety with intense purple flowers. An excellent choice for spreading out in beds or growing in hanging pots.

  Lantana Camara "Miss Huff"

  Although the monarchs rarely touched our other varieties of lantana, I was pleasantly surprised to see that they regularly visit Miss Huff along with lantana regulars such as the eastern tiger swallowtail.

  Anaphalis margaritacea (eternal pearl)

  Pearly everlasting is one of the earliest flowering northern butterfly plants and is usually the first host to receive butterfly eggs each season. An essential butterfly plant to attract American women and their offspring. nine0011

  Prunus serotina (wild black cherry)

  The preferred host plant for Oriental Tiger Swallows, Coral Hairs, Red Spotted Purples and those amazing Cecropia Moths! If you want to support butterflies and moths, this option gives you multiple chances

  Ptelea trifoliata (common or waffle ash)

  Another host that is conveniently below 20 feet. Its musky spring flowers are a pollinator favorite and are also caterpillars for both the eastern tiger and the giant swallowtail. Photos will appear when our stick is mature. nine0011

  Ruta graveolens (common rue)

  A small citrus butterfly plant that is home to black swallowtail caterpillars and a caterpillar that grows into the largest butterfly in the US.

  Zanthoxylum americanum (North prickly ash)

  Northern prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) is a host plant for giant swallowtail butterfly caterpillars. nine0011

  Zizia Aurea (gold Alexander)

  This little known member of the carrot family grows 2 to 3 feet tall and produces small, sunny flowers in late spring. It is the host plant for the eastern black swallowtail.

  Rose ZLEEltonstrak (above and beyond)

  Blooming white and apricot flowers were early bee favorites, so plant this springtime beauty to support local pollinators. nine0011

  Collarette Dahlias

  Like zinnias, dahlias come in a variety of colors. They will attract some monarchs, but bees are very fond of flowers that bloom before the first frost. After the plants die back, dahlia tubers can be dug up for storage and planting next season.

  Tradescantia ohiensis (Ohio gossamer)

  The Ohio spider radiates an abundance of purple flowers in the morning, then fades as the day begins to sizzle. This is a popular place for bumblebees in our garden. Try Four O'clocks as a companion, as they are on polar opposite flowering charts. nine0011

  Joyful butterfly

  Seeds and nectar plants to help bring the joy of butterflies home.

  Almost Eden

  Beautiful, unusual, exotic and native butterfly plants.

  Ways to attract bees

  Cover them

  Bees need a rest from the sun and heat. Planting a ground cover can give them a place to hide between feeding and flight. nine0011

  Give them something to drink

  Place shallow bowls of water in the yard and around flowers, or support a fountain (place pebbles in it for the bees to sit) so they can water as needed.

  Try colorful bee balm

  Beebalm is a great perennial that can attract bees to your yard as well as beautify your landscape.

  Remember color when planting

  Bees love blue, purple and yellow flowers and plants.

  Plant flowering vegetables

  Consider planting flowering vegetables such as tomatoes and squash.

  Try planting fruit in bloom

  Consider planting flowering fruits, such as strawberries and apples, which will flower before they flower and become fruit.

  Forget pesticides

  Use natural pest control such as herbs, burning sage, and using ladybugs in your garden.

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