Article
Top 30 Plants That Attract Pollinators
Part 2 of 2
Safer Brand
Butterflies love red and purple flowers. They also love fresh scents, but not strong ones — faint is best. Some flowers that attract butterflies include:
- Lavender
- Lilac
- Phlox
- Mint
- Pansies
They also lay their eggs in the plants. Some species lay on milkweed, while others use chokecherry leaves. When the larvae hatch, they can have an immediate meal, which increases their chance of survival. Butterflies like to live in hollows of trees or logs where there is room and safety for a chrysalis, so a butterfly garden will benefit from trees or logs.
Bees love plants that are bright white, yellow, or blue or have contrasting colors. They like mild and pleasant scents.
Specific bee-friendly plants include:
- Sunflowers
- Goldenrod
- Hyacinth
- Snapdragons
- Bee balm
Remember that flowers planted to attract honeybees will attract all kinds of bees. Be sure to be prepared if you have a family member who is allergic to bee stings! Bees will build a hive if they have a supportive habitat and space. A bee nesting block would be a helpful addition if you have the room.
Hummingbirds like to get nectar from flowers with a trumpet shape. They are attracted to orange, red, pink, and white colors.
Specific flowers hummingbirds are attracted to include:
- Bird of Paradise
- Chinese Bell Flowers
- Columbine
- Fuchsia
- Yellow Trumpet Bush
Hummingbirds build nests in trees and large bushes. They do not need a cavity but build and maintain nests on limbs. They also bathe frequently, as the nectar they collect is sticky. To attract hummingbirds to a garden, consider providing a source of fresh water such as a birdbath.
What flowers are in your garden?
