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Perennials that attract hummingbirds


19 Best Plants to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard

Beautiful Plant Choices You Will Love Too

By

David Beaulieu

David Beaulieu

David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. He was in the nursery business for over a decade, working with a large variety of plants. David has been interviewed by numerous newspapers and national U.S. magazines, such as Woman's World and American Way.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 03/09/22

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

DansPhotoArt on flickr / Getty Images

For those who enjoy both gardening and bird watching, it is fortunate that there are so many great plants for attracting hummingbirds. Bird watchers desirous of drawing these fine-feathered beauties with nectar-filled flowers will not need to sacrifice landscaping impact at all.

The variety of plants for attracting hummingbirds is so great that, in the process of building hummingbird gardens, you could also be building a landscape that will be the talk of the neighborhood.

You are not limited to using red flowers either, although red is famous for catching the attention of these winged wonders. In this list of nectar-rich plants commonly used for attracting hummingbirds, you will see lots of red flowers, but also purple, white, orange, pink, and blue hues, too.

The selection of plants for your hummingbird garden should not be based solely on flower color. Aim for a mix of different sizes, textures, forms, and bloom times. Take advantage of the diversity of plant types available at your local garden center to achieve a well-rounded landscape. You can choose from annuals, perennials, vines, shrubs, trees, bedding plants, and hanging plants.

Flower Factors to Consider

In addition to being attractive flowers for hummingbirds, the following criteria should be considered when selecting plants:

Vines, Bushes, and Herbaceous Perennials

Vines and bushes are important to include for those who want to combine effective landscape design with the hobby of watching hummingbirds or butterflies. Bushes can be used as structural elements to form a border to separate two properties. They can be similarly employed within your own property bounds to define distinct outdoor spaces.

Even a driveway can be transformed from a humdrum component of a landscape to an aesthetic achievement if bordered by attractive bushes. A vine-covered arbor can likewise be an important structural element of a landscape, furnishing it with a focal point.

Here are some of the best annuals, perennials, vines, and herbaceous plants to serve as hummingbird magnets for perennial flower beds.

Planning a Landscape

When drawing a landscape plan to determine what goes where in a new landscape layout, landscape designers divide the property into "activity zones." In this case, the activity zones will focus on viewing hummingbirds as they feed on nectar. A diverse group of plant types serves different functions:

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. Poison Control - National Capital Poison Center. “Poisonous and Non-Poisonous Plants.” Poison.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 

  2. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. “Rhododendron.” Aspca.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 

The Best Perennials to Grow for Hummingbirds

Attract pollinators year after year with the best perennials for hummingbirds. These plants take less time, work and money than annuals.

Hummingbirds Love Perennials

Richard Day/Daybreak ImageryA ruby-throated hummingbird hovers in front of a John Clayton trumpet honeysuckle bloom.

Sugar-water feeders are one way to attract hummingbirds, but an even better bet is an abundance of vibrant plants growing in your garden. Plant the best perennials for hummingbirds to keep these pretty pollinators coming back each year.

“If we want to truly support birds, our first instinct must be to create native habitat,” says Becca Rodomsky-Bish, a project leader for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “While sugar-water feeders are a fun way to pull birds in close to our homes, they don’t resolve the long-term issue that many birds such as hummingbirds can have, which is where to forage for native food resources.”

Hummingbirds may consume about half their body weight in nectar each day, feeding approximately every 10 to 15 minutes. (They also eat small insects, especially during nesting season.) All that sipping means they require access to many blooms every day and hummingbirds can be very territorial about their favorite food sources.

Shutterstock/Dank PicsCardinal flowers feature tall stalks of red flowers that ruby-throated hummingbirds love.

Native perennials are a terrific option to fill that demand. “Plants that are attuned to your region will bloom and produce what is needed, when it is needed,” Becca says. “Provide a variety of plants that produce flowers at different times in the season to best align with the resources hummingbirds require to successfully recover after long migrations, raise their young and fuel up to prepare for their fall migrations.”

Most North American hummingbirds migrate farther south for winter. They make long journeys in spring and fall and need ample food along the way. Native perennials’ bloom cycles ensure that your garden is stocked with nectar throughout the seasons.

Check out the top 10 annuals that attract hummingbirds.

Grow the Best Perennials for Hummingbirds

Carol L. EdwardsA ruby-throated hummingbird flies between the flowers of a bee balm plant.

For the best perennials that attract hummingbirds, one type tends to be better than all the rest.

“Hummingbirds prefer plants that produce tube-shaped flowers, as they generally contain the most nectar,” says Becca. And while the old wisdom about plants with red flowers holds true, she promises that hummingbirds will visit blossoms of any hue, as long as they provide plenty of nectar.

Adding perennials for hummingbirds is an easy way to benefit both birds and humans. We get the joy of seeing these colorful jewels up close. And hummingbirds find a more robust environment that provides food and shelter. As Becca says, “Adding native perennials pays it forward for generations of wildlife.”

Discover the top 15 colorful hummingbird flowers to grow.

How to Choose Perennials

Rolf NussbaumerA black-chinned hummingbird flies directly under a red and yellow columbine bloom to drink its nectar.

In most regions, perennials go dormant for the colder months and their shoots grow anew in spring. In warmer zones, perennials are often evergreen, though they may only bloom in certain months. Either way, perennials tend to require a little less maintenance and cost than replanting annuals each year.

Psst—here’s the difference between annuals and perennials.

Since perennials are going to be with you for the long haul, be sure to choose them carefully. Do some research before buying. A potted plant that looks pretty at the nursery could turn into a monster that spreads underground or crowds out everything nearby. Look at tags to find out how tall and wide a plant will get.

Also, talk to a nursery specialist about whether the perennial is fast-growing, which might mean it requires more pruning or dividing each year.

As with any shrub, tree or flower, review the requirements for sun, water and soil type. Choose some flowering plants, such as bleeding hearts or columbines, specifically for shady spots in your yard. If you really love a plant but are worried about the conditions it needs, try growing the perennial in a container instead of straight in the ground. This allows you to control the soil type and amount of sun the plant receives.

Learn how to attract hummingbirds to your small garden.

Our Favorite Hummingbird Perennials

Richard Day/Daybreak ImageryA ruby-throated hummingbird sips from a purple salvia bloom.

These nectar-producing plants are easy to grow and produce blooms year after year.

Not sure how garden zones work? Learn more and find your plant zone.

How to Care for Perennials

Generally perennials are easier to care for than annuals, perennials do require a little maintenance after they’re planted and once established.

Some types, especially those that grow from rhizomes or bulbs, should be divided every few years. Dig them up, roots and all, then use a sharp spade to split them apart into smaller sections. Spread them out and replant.

Perennial shrubs may need pruning each year, but be sure to research the right time for this chore. Many spring flowering shrubs such as lilacs set buds early in summer, so if you prune late in the growing season, you could end up with no blooms the following year.

Next, learn why you should add a bird bath for hummingbirds to your yard.

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11 bright colors that attract hummingbirds

11 bright colors that attract hummingbirds

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Category Garden House and garden | October 29, 2021 03:43

What could be better than watching the fluttering of cheerful hummingbirds? These magical birds are easy to attract to your garden with a few well-chosen flowers.
Hummingbirds need to be eaten to maintain a fast metabolism. about every 10 minutes so they can use all the help they can! They rely on bright colors (especially reds) to determine the best flowers, and they especially like tubular-shaped flowers that contain more nectar.

Here are 11 flowers that attract hummingbirds and you can easily add them to your home garden.

Warning

Some of the plants on this list are toxic to pets. For more information on the safety of specific plants, refer to the ASPCA searchable database.

1

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Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Photo by Robin Wilson/Getty Images

Native to North America, perennial bee balm is a favorite among all types of pollinators (not just bees and hummingbirds).

Their brightly colored flowers are open-shaped with tubular petals that open from early July. until the end of summer, although fallen flowers will keep them blooming even longer.

Because bee balm can reach a height of 2-4 feet, it is an excellent background plant for a pollinator garden.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9.
  • Sun exposure: Full sun.
  • Soil needs: Evenly moist.

2

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Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans)

Tongho58/Getty Images.

The pride of the Madeira plant, with its silvery green leaves and bright conical flower spikes that bloom from early spring to summer, is sure to attract large numbers of hummingbirds to your garden.

They do not require much care and grow up to 5-6 feet in height and up to 10 feet in height. Incredibly fast growing, these evergreens are also drought and deer resistant.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11.
  • Sun exposure: Full sun.
  • Soil requirements: Well drained, sandy loam.

3

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Phlox paniculata

R. Tsubin / Getty Images

Hummingbirds can't resist the sweet smell of these popular perennials, especially because of their long flowering season from early summer to early fall.

Commonly used as a border plant, garden phlox colors range from white and lavender to pink and red.

They can be a bit temperamental if there is not enough air circulation, and are also easily affected by mold and root rot if overwatered.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8.
  • Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
  • Soil Requirements: Moist but well draining.

4

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Scarlet sage (Salvia splendens)

DansPhotoArt / Getty Images

Scarlet sage, also known as scarlet sage, attracts hummingbirds with its bright red, tubular flowers that are easy to grow and pair well with other annuals.

These plants are technically in the mint family, their dark green spiny leaves exude an aroma that makes them resistant to deer and other mammals.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 12.
  • Sun exposure: Full sun.
  • Soil needs: Well draining.

5

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Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)

Hans-Georg Roth/Getty Images

With a name like red hot poker (also known as torch lily), it's no surprise that these unique perennials are nearly impossible to ignore, especially if you're a hummingbird.

The plant grows in upright stalks of blue-green leaves topped with dense tufts of tubular flowers - red above and yellow below. They can grow up to about 6 feet tall and are virtually disease free, which, along with a long flowering period from spring to summer, makes them the perfect addition to a showy garden.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 9.
  • Sun exposure: Full sun.
  • Soil needs: Neutral, well draining.

6

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Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

hecos255 / Getty Images

The long tubular flowers of these plants not only attract hummingbirds but also rely on them for survival.

Each flower consists of three lower petals and two upper petals with a tube at the base, which is difficult territory for many species of pollinating insects. The cardinal flower depends on the hummingbird's long beaks for pollination.

Cardinal flowers are red-flowered perennials that bloom from May to October.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 1 to 10.
  • Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
  • Soil Requirements: Slightly acidic to neutral.

7

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Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)

Amar Rai/Getty Images

A perennial plant with heart-shaped pink flowers that hang from long, curved stems, blooms in late spring.

The flowers are completely unique and create a soft contrast with the green split leaves. Plant these flowers as part of a shady border or woodland garden and use them for fresh cut bouquets (blooms in water for two full weeks).

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9.
  • Sun exposure: Light shade.
  • Soil Requirements: Slightly acidic, moist.

8

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Tube Creeper (Campsis radicans)

Larry Keller / Getty Images

The trumpet crawler is known for its trumpet-shaped, orange to reddish-orange flowers, which hummingbirds love.

These plants are aggressive climbers, covering rocks, fences, and trees with aerial rootlets up to 35 feet long. Creeps are native to North America as far as Ohio and South Dakota, but can spread quickly if not managed.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9.
  • Sun exposure: Full or partial sun.
  • Soil needs: Well draining.

9

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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Aldo Pavan/Getty Images

The flower head of the common yarrow is arranged in dense clusters of tiny flowers that exude a strong fragrance that attracts pollinators. They are resistant to pests and drought, bloom all summer.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9.
  • Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
  • Soil requirements: Sandy, loamy, well draining.

10

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Honeysuckle pipe (Lonicera sempervirens)

Sunti Michai/Getty Images

These perennial semi-gingival plants climb well thanks to their draped stems. In the South they grow into woody vines with evergreen leaves and yellow bark, but in the Midwest and Northeast they tend to be more leafy and grow downwards. However, in all areas where it grows, the leaves are thick and leathery, and the flowers turn orange-red with five stamens.

Trumpet honeysuckle grows best in full sun, but can tolerate a fair amount of shade in certain climates.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9.
  • Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
  • Soil Requirements: Moist, well-draining soil.

11

of 11

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Taratip Onsri/Getty Images

Zinnia is one of the most popular flowers in the United States, with a flowering season from early summer to the first frost of winter. Their flowers come in a variety of vibrant colors, primarily pink, orange, and red, as well as many different varieties that depend on the height, size, and shape of the flower.

Hummingbirds are immediately attracted to the dazzling zinnia flowers, which are easy to grow and grow more profusely with regular pruning.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 10.
  • Sun exposure: Full sun.
  • Soil needs: Fertile, well draining.
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list of plants and flowers that produce real honey

Flowers and plants that attract bees

Pansies

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

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.

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.

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.

Goldenrod

These flowers are sometimes considered weeds due to 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.

Liatris

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

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.

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 color.

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.

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 thorns, 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.

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.

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

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 perfect 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.

Betoni / Stachis Monieri

This species produces 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 bright flowers throughout the summer season.

Yarrow / Achillea millefolium

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

Coral bluebells / Heuchera spp.

Annual flowers such as coral bees are readily available at a 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.

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

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

Hyssop (naturalized in North America) / Hyssopus

Hyssopus officinalis (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.

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.

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.

River cirsium

This species is excellent for male bumblebees in midsummer, it is not prickly like its wild counterparts 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

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 mauve-purple flowers that form spiny balls on tall strong stems in high summer.

Echium vulgare

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 digitalis, hardy biennials favored by long-tongued bees such as B.hortorum and B.pascuorum.

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 thistles with massive complex flowers that bees flock to 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

thrift

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

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
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)

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

Callistemon spp. (Bottle brush)

Bottle brush 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.

Oligoneuron rigidum (hard goldenrod)

There are many types of goldenrod, but this species is reported to be especially favored by migratory 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 them visiting Miss Huff regularly 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Bee Balm 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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