Hey everyone! I'm expanding my garden this year and I'm on the hunt for great flowers that attract pollinators. I've tried planting some labeled as 'pollinator friendly,' but they haven't brought in much activity. I'm currently looking into native plants, but it's a bit overwhelming. Has anyone come across any effective pollinator plants that thrive in eastern North America?
4 Answers
Coral honeysuckle is fantastic for attracting hummingbirds!
You might want to try Echinacea, Lobelia (both cardinalis and siphilitica), Liatris, and different Asclepias species. If you’re leaning toward a meadow-style garden, Joe Pye Weed and various Goldenrods (Solidago species) are also great choices for attracting pollinators!
In my garden, the bees absolutely love lavender, sage, marjoram, and thyme! When these bloom, it's like a pollinator party! I also have some beautiful fuchsia flowers, but I can’t remember their names. Adding those herbs helps out a ton, especially when you let them flower; you’ll get lots of tiny native wasps coming by too, which are awesome for pest control!
Yes! Herbs like thyme and sage are amazing for pollinators! I'm sure the nectar from these aromatic herbs helps keep them healthy and free from pests!
Sunflowers are a hit with bees! I’m from the prairies, and I’ve found that variety is key. In my garden, I have Vervain, Bergamot, Goldenrod, Hyssop, Milkweed, Clover, False Sunflowers, Blazing Star, and Aster, which really bring in a mix of pollinators. Plus, I notice a lot of hoverflies around too!
Totally agree on the bee balm! That one is definitely a winner for pollinators!