Good for Pollinators & Wildlife

Plants that are good for pollinators are those that produce a bounty of pollen and/or nectar, or provide a food source for pollinating insects while they are in their larval form. The type of plant a pollinator is attracted to is largely based on the bloom season, the flower shape, and to some degree the flower color. Different pollinators are partial to different plants. To help bring the widest selection of pollinators to your garden, we suggest planting a wide array of pollinator-friendly plants so your garden will have something for everyone!

There are plant varieties for pollinators that will thrive in any climate. Always be sure to consider the climate in your region before selecting plants for your garden. Even if a plant is reported to be great for pollinators, if it is not hardy in your climate, it may not thrive and bloom in your area. Choosing varieties of flowering plants that are native to your region is an easy way to ensure that a plant will grow well in your climate and attract a range of local pollinators.

Pollinators require nectar and pollen as their primary food source. Pollinators are most active during spring and summer when flowers are most abundant. Many bees have a period of low activity or dormancy during the winter. In most parts of North America, hummingbirds migrate south during the winter in search of flowers. Extending the seasons by planting varieties that flower in the winter and the fall will benefit pollinators by providing food sources for those who emerge early or depart late.

The best way to provide food for many different types of pollinators is to grow a diverse range of plants. Flowers with different shapes, colors, blooming times, and aromas will attract different types of pollinators. Winter- and fall-flowering plants are great for extending the season that your garden is attractive to pollinators. Long-flowering plants are another great option to maximize the amount of nectar and pollen available to pollinators. Planting flowering plants en mass will help pollinators feed freely while expending the least amount of energy moving from plant to plant.

There are certain things you can do to maximize the benefit of your plants to pollinators. Regular deadheading, especially of annuals, will encourage the plant to produce flowers over a longer period of time. Some herbaceous perennials can be stimulated into putting on a new flush of growth and a second bloom by cutting the plant back hard after first flowering. Successional planting of annual flowering plants benefits pollinators by extending the duration of blooming and increasing the quantity of flowers.

Bees feed on both nectar and pollen, while butterflies eat only nectar. Plants with flowers that produce copious amounts of both are ideal for attracting pollinators. Some of our favorites for attracting bees and butterflies are listed below.

Buckwheats (Eriogonum) are can’t-fail, pollinator-attracting powerhouses. They are host plants for a number of butterflies, bees, moths, and other pollinators, as well as a fall-time food source for birds that feast on their seeds.

Ceanothus are loved by people and pollinators alike. We love them for their knockout winter and spring floral show and their year-round, dense green foliage. California Lilacs and Buckthornes will produce endless clusters of small flowers that range from the deep sapphire blue to clear white, with every powdery blue and purple in between. These blooms will bring butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the garden. Don’t forget, Ceanothus will also host many butterflies in their larval stage, so don’t be too quick to smoosh those caterpillars you spot.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleja) does exactly what the name suggests: become aflutter with butterflies all spring and summer long. The showstopping blooms and winning fragrance will be a favorite amongst all garden guests, winged and otherwise.

Cigar Plants (Cuphea) are small to medium-sized bushy perennials with dazzling, tubular-shaped flowers that are absolute favorites amongst hummingbirds. With seemingly endless blooms from spring through fall and frequently into winter, these delightful shrubs boast a range of floral color from sizzling reds and oranges to calming pinks, purples, and lavenders.

Yes! Hummingbirds sip nectar from flowers with their long beaks and tongues. Many plants with long tubular flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds. Hummingbirds will drink from many different types of flowers but are particularly attracted to shades of red. Here are some of our favorites for bringing droves of hummingbirds to the garden.

California Fuchsia (Zauschneria) are magnets for attracting hummingbirds! With their long, fluted, red to orange flowers, Zauschnerias will be humming with pollinators all through the long days of summer and fall.

Cigar Plants (Cuphea) are small to medium-sized bushy perennials with dazzling, tubular-shaped flowers that are absolute favorites amongst hummingbirds. With seemingly endless blooms from spring through fall and frequently into winter, these delightful shrubs boast a range of floral color from sizzling reds and oranges to calming pinks, purples, and lavenders.

Aloes are a succulent treat for hummingbirds and gardeners alike. With tubular flowers in a range of soft corals and mellow yellows to intense fire-like tones of red and orange, Aloes will be a can’t-miss hit with hummingbirds.

Pollinators require nectar and pollen as a necessary food source, but they also require water, especially during the hottest, driest parts of the year. Shallow vessels of water such as birdbaths are perfect for providing pollinators with hydration. Be sure to place small stones into your shallow containers to allow small insects access to water while maintaining their tiny footholds. We also suggest leaving some leaf litter and debris on the ground. This will serve as valuable habitat for pollinating insects to overwinter in.

Absolutely. Many pollinators, such as wasps, are also predators of insect pests. Planting a diverse array of flowering plants will improve the overall health of your garden’s ecosystem. A healthy food web means pests will have more competition. Keep in mind that all butterflies begin life as caterpillars, so by attracting butterflies to your garden, you may also find that there are more caterpillars. By providing a diverse garden with lush plantings, you’ll find there is plenty of greenery for gardener and caterpillars alike.

Annie’s Annuals and Perennials has a huge selection of native plants that are great for pollinators. Gardening with native plants is one of the best ways to attract pollinators. Some of our favorites include California Lilacs, Monkeyflowers and California Fuchsias.