![A butterfly rests on a coneflower. A butterfly rests on a coneflower.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/flowers-that-attract-pollinators-2023-hero.jpg)
Bees, butterflies and other pollinators are important garden bugs needed to pollinate edible and ornamental plants. Create a garden pollinators love by planting flowers these bugs need to thrive. Native plants are always a great choice, but many ornamental flowers will do the trick. When selecting plants, choose those that bloom throughout the year to ensure pollinators are healthy year-round.
Butterfly Bush
![A lavender butterfly bush is in full bloom. A lavender butterfly bush is in full bloom.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/flowers-that-attract-pollinators-2023-section-1.jpg)
As you might expect, butterfly bushes are great at attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. Colorful, fragrant flowers bloom in spring and summer. When left unpruned, butterfly bushes can grow 8-to-10 feet in height in zones 5 to 9.
Bee Balm
![Bee balm is in full bloom in a garden. Bee balm is in full bloom in a garden.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/flowers-that-attract-pollinators-2023-section-2.jpg)
Another aptly named flower, bee balm deserves a place in every pollinator garden. You’ll be surprised to see bees and hummingbirds flock to this native plant. Plus, its leaves can be dried to make tea. This flower thrives in full sun in zones 4 to 9.
Lavender
![A bee sits on a lavender stalk. A bee sits on a lavender stalk.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/flowers-that-attract-pollinators-2023-section-3.jpg)
Lavender is a low-maintenance plant that tolerates dry conditions and loves the heat. Bees love it, but deer and rabbits tend to skip it. Plus, the lavender blooms add perfume to the entire garden and can be used to flavor dishes. Grow lavender in full sun in zones 5 to 10.
Coneflower
![A bee sits on a coneflower. A bee sits on a coneflower.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/flowers-that-attract-pollinators-2023-section-4.jpg)
Coneflower's daisy-like blossoms in pink, yellow, orange or white are guaranteed to draw bees and butterflies from midsummer to late fall. Plant these at the back of the garden so their tall stems form a backdrop to smaller flowers in the foreground. Grow coneflowers in full sun in zones 3 to 9.
Black-Eyed Susan
![Black-eyes Susans bloom in the yard. Black-eyes Susans bloom in the yard.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/flowers-that-attract-pollinators-2023-section-5.jpg)
Black-eyed Susan's smiling daisy-like flower is popular with bees and other pollinators. Besides the signature sunny yellow, the flowers come in bronze, mahogany and red. These native perennials are easy to grow, performing well even in poor soil and dry conditions. Black-eyed Susans grow best in full sun in zones 4 to 9.
Borage
![A bee buzzes around a borage plant. A bee buzzes around a borage plant.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/flowers-that-attract-pollinators-2023-section-6.jpg)
The star-shaped flowers of borage appear in summer and last until first frost. It’s a drought-tolerant, native herb that is self-seeding. Borage can grow up to 2 feet.
Milkweed
![Butterflies feed on milkweed. Butterflies feed on milkweed.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/flowers-that-attract-pollinators-2023-section-7.jpg)
Spring is an extremely important time for monarch butterflies who use milkweed as a host for their larvae. This early spring plant should be a staple in all pollinator gardens. Milkweed prefers full sun in zones 3 to 7.
Asters
![A butterfly feeds on asters. A butterfly feeds on asters.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/flowers-that-attract-pollinators-2023-section-8.jpg)
The lovely pink or lavender blooms of asters attract a wide range of late-season butterflies and beneficial insects. Darker purple strains look stunning with a light background such as a white picket fence. In a sunny spot, space plants one to three inches apart depending on the variety. Most asters are hardy in zones 4 to 8.
Joe Pye Weed
![Butterflies feed on pink Joe Pye weed. Butterflies feed on pink Joe Pye weed.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/flowers-that-attract-pollinators-2023-section-9.jpg)
Moist spots are perfect for Joe Pye weed, which produces billows of airy pink florets in late summer. The native form can reach 3 to 12 feet tall, but improved cultivars grow to half that size, and they bloom in brighter colors, too. Joe Pye weed is best planted in a space with plenty of room to grow. Joe Pye weed is hardy in zones 3 to 8.
Sedum
![Pink sedum plants grow in a garden. Pink sedum plants grow in a garden.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/flowers-that-attract-pollinators-2023-section-10.jpg)
One of the most dependable perennials you can grow, ‘Autumn Joy’ and other vigorous varieties will quickly establish themselves as permanent garden residents in any sunny spot. The early fall flowers attract a wide range of beneficial insects, and make excellent cut flowers as well. Autumn Joy sedum thrives in zones 3 to 8.
More Plants Pollinators Love
![A bee feeds on a pollinating plant. A bee feeds on a pollinating plant.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/flowers-that-attract-pollinators-2023-section-11.jpg)
Plan to plant for pollinators all season long. Following are some ideas for your garden:
Spring Pollinator Plants:
- Crabapple
- Crocus
- Lungwort
- Pansy
- Viola
Early Summer Pollinator Plants:
- Allium
- Cherry
- Columbine
- Dianthus
- Elderberry
- Foxglove
- Fuchsia
- Heucheraa
- Winterberry
Mid-Summer Pollinator Plants:
- Clethra
- Cleome
- Cosmos
- Gladiolus
- Morning glory
- Nasturtium
- Nicotiana
- Penstemon
- Petunia
- Scarlet runner bean
- Rose
- Spirea
- Sunflower
- Zinnia
Late Summer Pollinator Plants:
- Delphinium
- Goldenrod
- Lobelia
- Obedient plant
Flowers that attract pollinator bring life to your garden and yard. Whether you need the right tools, seeds or garden soil, The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.