15 Best Plants for Pollinators

Sunset Magazine

Grow these spring and summer bloomers to make your garden irresistible to the nectar lovers you need.


Aster x frikartii
In early summer to fall, butterflies often sun as they sip on these daisylike blooms. Perennial; full sun.

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Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii)
Slender cones of flowers in spring and summer. Evergreen or deciduous; sun to light shade.
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Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Slender cones of flowers in spring and summer. Evergreen or deciduous; sun to light shade.
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Fennel
Airy umbrellas of yellow florets in summer also attract bees. Annual or perennial; full sun.
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Lantana
Tiny flowers in tight clusters all year in mild climates. Evergreen shrub (annual in colder climate); full sun.
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Bee balm (Monarda)
Clusters of long-tubed flowers in summer also attract hummingbirds. Perennial; sun, or light shade in hottest climates.
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Borage (Borago officinalis)
Star-shaped flowers appear in summer. Annual; sun or partial shade.

Oregano
Draws bees and hummingbirds as long as you let the plants flower. Perennial herb; sun or partial shade.
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