Creating a garden that attracts and supports butterflies and bees is a fantastic way to contribute to the conservation of these vital pollinators. Both butterflies and bees play critical roles in the ecosystem, aiding in pollination and the production of fruits and seeds. Designing a butterfly and bee-friendly garden requires careful planning, especially when choosing flowers. The right plants provide nectar and pollen, while also offering shelter and safe spaces for these insects to thrive. Below are some of the best flowers to include in a butterfly and bee conservation garden.
1. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Milkweed is a must-have for any butterfly-friendly garden. It’s the primary food source for monarch butterfly larvae and provides an essential nectar source for adult butterflies. The clusters of small, pink, or orange flowers are particularly attractive to bees, offering them both nectar and pollen. Milkweed varieties like Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) and Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) are perfect additions, providing not only beauty but also supporting the monarch population.
2. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender is a highly fragrant perennial herb that attracts bees and butterflies with its aromatic flowers. Its purple blooms are rich in nectar, making it a favorite among bees. Lavender’s long flowering period ensures a steady food source for pollinators throughout the growing season. Additionally, lavender’s drought-tolerant nature and ability to thrive in full sun make it an excellent choice for conservation gardens, especially in areas with less water availability.
3. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
Coneflowers are not only striking with their large, colorful blooms, but they are also fantastic for pollinators. Bees are particularly attracted to the rich supply of nectar, while butterflies often land on the petals to sip from the flowers. Coneflowers, such as Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and Yellow Coneflower (Echinacea paradoxa), are resilient and bloom from mid-summer to fall, providing food for bees and butterflies during this crucial time.
4. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-eyed Susans are another excellent flower for attracting both bees and butterflies. These bright, golden-yellow flowers with dark centers are visually striking and create a large surface area that bees and butterflies can easily access for nectar. These plants thrive in full sun and are well-suited for a variety of garden conditions. Black-eyed Susans bloom from late summer to fall, which is an important time when many pollinators are looking for food sources before winter.
5. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
As the name suggests, Bee Balm is particularly beneficial for bees. The tubular flowers come in shades of red, pink, purple, and white, and they are a magnet for pollinators. The nectar-filled blooms are easy for both bees and butterflies to access. Bee Balm also attracts hummingbirds, further increasing the diversity of pollinators in your garden. This plant is hardy and thrives in moist, well-drained soil in both sun and partial shade.
6. Asters (Aster spp.)
Asters are late-blooming flowers that offer nectar to bees and butterflies when many other plants have finished their blooming cycle. These flowers come in various colors, including purple, blue, and pink, and are especially important in late summer and fall. Asters support a wide range of pollinators and are crucial for extending the flowering season in your garden. Popular varieties for conservation gardens include New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae) and Smooth Aster (Aster laevis).
7. Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)
Zinnias are colorful annuals that are easy to grow and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Their wide, flat blooms provide easy access to nectar, making them a popular choice for these insects. Zinnia varieties like ‘Zinnia elegans’ are particularly beneficial as they bloom in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. Zinnias also have a long blooming period, providing food for pollinators throughout the growing season.
8. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is a wonderful herb that benefits both bees and butterflies. Its tiny purple or white flowers attract a wide range of pollinators, and its aromatic leaves offer additional benefits for the garden ecosystem. Thyme is easy to grow and thrives in full sun, making it an excellent ground cover option for your pollinator garden. It is also a culinary herb, so it serves a dual purpose in your garden.
9. Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Blazing Star, also known as Gayfeather, is a striking plant with tall, spiky purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies. The unique structure of the flowers makes them especially appealing to butterflies, who can land on the tall stems and sip nectar. Blazing Star blooms in late summer to fall and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Its vertical growth habit adds an interesting texture to a garden, making it a great choice for borders or mixed beds.
10. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers are iconic flowers that not only provide a feast for bees but also attract butterflies with their large, nectar-rich blooms. They are an excellent option for adding height and structure to a garden, and their bright, yellow flowers serve as a beacon for pollinators. Sunflowers bloom in late summer and fall, providing a key food source for bees and butterflies just when they need it most. Sunflower seeds also attract birds, contributing to biodiversity in your garden.
11. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Wild Bergamot, a member of the mint family, is a fantastic plant for attracting both bees and butterflies. Its vibrant pink or lavender flowers are rich in nectar and highly attractive to pollinators. Wild Bergamot is also known for its aromatic foliage, which can help deter pests. It is particularly beneficial for attracting native bee species and works well in garden beds with other pollinator-friendly plants.
12. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Sweet Alyssum is a low-growing, fragrant plant that serves as an excellent nectar source for bees. Its small, clustered white, pink, or purple flowers are easy for bees to access. Sweet Alyssum thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile addition to any garden. This plant’s early blooming period in the spring also provides an early food source for pollinators that are emerging after the winter months.
13. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragons are beautiful flowers that come in a range of colors, including red, pink, yellow, and white. While they may not be as well known for attracting pollinators as some other flowers, snapdragons are still a great addition to a conservation garden. Their unique structure provides an easy landing pad for bees, who can access the nectar within the tubular flowers. Snapdragons bloom from early spring to fall, making them a valuable food source for a long period.
14. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Cosmos flowers are known for their delicate, daisy-like blooms that attract both butterflies and bees. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and purple, and have an open, accessible flower structure that makes it easy for pollinators to land. Cosmos blooms from early summer until the first frost, providing an extended season of nectar for bees and butterflies. These flowers are also drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun.
Conclusion
To create a butterfly and bee conservation garden, it’s essential to include a variety of flowers that bloom at different times of the year, ensuring that there is a continuous source of food for pollinators. Native plants are particularly important as they provide the best resources for local insect populations. By selecting flowers that attract both butterflies and bees, you not only create a beautiful garden but also play a crucial role in supporting these vital species.