Are you looking to attract pollinators to your garden? It's the latest buzz! Ha!
I'll admit, in the past, I tended to only plant flowers that I can either eat or use in my herbal products. But I'm getting better at incorporating native plants and flowers into my living space in general. Many great pollinator plants are also beneficial to humans too, so I encourage you to research some of these wonderful plants. Pollinators, such as bees (many types of bees), butterflies, and hummingbirds, rely on flowers for their nectar and pollen. In return, these pollinators help the plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another, and of course help to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Here are the top 5 flowering plants to attract pollinators to your garden:
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm, also known as Monarda, is a beautiful flowering plant that comes in various colors, including pink, purple, and red. It is a favorite among bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds due to its nectar-rich flowers. Bee balm is also easy to grow and can thrive in most soil types, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels. On average, most bee balm varieties grow between 2 to 4 feet tall. However, some cultivars can reach up to 6 feet! This is a nice one to grow to also make tea with, as it has very calming properties to it.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Black-eyed Susan, also known as Rudbeckia, is a bright and cheerful flowering plant that is a favorite among pollinators. Its yellow and black petals make it easy for bees and butterflies to spot. It will typically reach a height of about 2 to 3 feet. This plant is also drought-tolerant and can grow in almost any soil type, making it an excellent choice for gardens with less favorable conditions.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)
Purple coneflower, also known as Echinacea, is a popular flowering plant that is easy to grow and attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It has large, daisy-like flowers with prominent centers that provide nectar and pollen for the pollinators. Depending on the specific type, it has a height range of anywhere between 1 to 5 feet tall. Purple coneflower is also very low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners. We like low maintenance right? Yes!
Milkweed (Asclepias)
Milkweed, also known as Asclepias, is a crucial plant for monarch butterflies. Monarch butterflies rely on milkweed to lay their eggs and provide food for their caterpillars. Milkweed is also an excellent source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. On average, most milkweed species grow between 2 and 6 feet. This plant is easy to grow and comes in various colors, making it a beautiful addition to any garden. It's important to note that milkweed species can have different growth habits, with some species growing more vertically while others have a more sprawling or bushy growth pattern. The specific height of a milkweed plant can also be influenced by factors such as soil fertility, moisture levels, sunlight exposure, and the region where it is grown.
Note: Cold stratification is important for the germination and growth of Milkweed. It helps break the seeds natural dormancy cycle.
Salvia (Salvia)
Salvia is a genus of plants that includes many different species, all of which are attractive to pollinators. Its long, tubular flowers make it an ideal plant for hummingbirds, while bees and butterflies are attracted to its nectar-rich flowers. Salvia is also a hardy plant that can grow in most soil types, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels. Depending on the species it has an average height range of 1 to 2 feet tall. However some cultivars can be 2 to 4 feet tall.
Planting flowers in your garden is an excellent way to liven it up, make it pretty and attract the pollinators. By planting these beautiful and easy-to-grow plants, you can create a pollinator-friendly environment in your garden and help support the important work that these pollinators do. What's your favorite flower in your yard that the pollinators love?
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