The Best Flowers for a Butterfly and Bee Garden

Creating a garden that attracts butterflies and bees can not only add beauty and life to your outdoor space but also play an essential role in supporting pollinators. Butterflies and bees are crucial for the ecosystem, and by planting the right flowers, you can provide them with food and shelter. Below are some of the best flowers for a butterfly and bee-friendly garden.

1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is an excellent choice for attracting both butterflies and bees. Its fragrant flowers, which come in shades of purple, are a favorite among pollinators. The plant thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil, making it a great addition to any garden. Lavender’s ability to bloom for a long period also ensures that pollinators have a consistent source of nectar.

2. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Also known as coneflowers, Echinacea is a robust perennial that attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Their bright pink or purple blooms are rich in nectar, making them irresistible to butterflies. Echinacea is drought-tolerant and can grow in a variety of soil types, making it easy to maintain in any garden.

3. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susans are popular flowers for attracting pollinators due to their bold, yellow petals and dark brown centers. These flowers are a beacon for bees and butterflies, particularly in late summer when their blooms are abundant. They are also drought-tolerant and easy to grow in a variety of conditions, making them a great option for butterfly and bee gardens.

4. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

Milkweed is a must-have in any butterfly garden, especially for attracting monarch butterflies. The plant produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, orange, or white that provide a valuable source of nectar. Milkweed is particularly important for monarchs, as it is the only plant species where they lay their eggs. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

5. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Bee balm, also known as wild bergamot, is a showy perennial with bright red, pink, or purple flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. Bee balm grows well in sunny to partially shaded areas and moist, well-drained soil. Its strong fragrance also helps attract pollinators from a distance, making it an essential flower in any garden focused on supporting pollinators.

6. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)

As the name suggests, the butterfly bush is a favorite among butterflies. Its long, fragrant spikes of flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white attract a wide variety of butterfly species, including swallowtails, monarchs, and painted ladies. This shrub grows quickly and produces blooms that are rich in nectar, making it a perfect addition to any garden designed to support butterflies.

7. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia, or sage, is another excellent plant for attracting both bees and butterflies. Its tubular flowers come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, red, and pink. These flowers are packed with nectar, making them irresistible to pollinators. Salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established.

8. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias are vibrant, colorful flowers that are perfect for attracting butterflies, particularly in the summer months. Their wide array of colors, including pink, red, yellow, and orange, draw in bees and butterflies seeking nectar. Zinnias grow quickly and are easy to care for, making them an ideal choice for gardeners looking to create a pollinator-friendly garden.

9. Aster (Aster spp.)

Asters are late-season bloomers that attract pollinators when other flowers are starting to fade. Their star-like blooms come in shades of purple, pink, and white, offering a valuable food source for bees and butterflies as they prepare for winter. Asters thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and can be grown in a variety of climates.

10. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflowers are a classic choice for any garden, and their large, bright blooms are particularly appealing to bees. These flowers produce an abundance of pollen and nectar, attracting a variety of pollinators. Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed and make a striking addition to any garden, particularly those that aim to support bees and butterflies.

11. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Cosmos flowers are delicate, daisy-like blooms that come in shades of pink, white, and purple. Their open shape makes it easy for bees and butterflies to access the nectar, and the flowers attract a wide range of pollinators. Cosmos grow well in full sun and well-drained soil and are relatively low-maintenance, making them perfect for a butterfly and bee garden.

12. Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borage is an herb with striking blue, star-shaped flowers that are rich in nectar, making them a favorite of bees. These plants are easy to grow and provide a unique addition to a garden, with their vibrant blooms and fragrant foliage. Borage also attracts butterflies, making it a valuable plant for any pollinator-friendly garden.

13. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a hardy perennial that produces clusters of small, flat-topped flowers in shades of yellow, white, or pink. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract both bees and butterflies. Yarrow thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, and once established, it is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

14. Poppies (Papaver spp.)

Poppies are elegant flowers that attract pollinators, particularly bees. Their large, colorful blooms in shades of red, pink, and purple provide a valuable source of nectar. Poppies are easy to grow and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. While they are typically short-lived, their stunning blooms make them a worthwhile addition to any garden.

15. Clovers (Trifolium spp.)

Clover is a groundcover plant that is particularly attractive to bees. The small, round flowers bloom in white, pink, or red and provide an excellent source of nectar. Clovers are also beneficial for the soil, as they fix nitrogen, improving soil health. These plants are easy to grow and thrive in full sun to partial shade.

Planting Tips for a Butterfly and Bee Garden

To create an effective butterfly and bee garden, consider the following tips:

• Diversity of Plants: Plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year. This ensures that pollinators have a constant source of food.

• Native Plants: Choose native plants whenever possible, as these are the most beneficial to local pollinators.

• Sun Exposure: Most pollinators prefer plants that are in full sunlight, so ensure your garden gets plenty of light.

• Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can be harmful to bees and butterflies. Consider organic methods for pest control instead.

• Create Shelter: Include shrubs, trees, or tall grasses to provide shelter for pollinators and to offer them a safe place to rest.

• Water Source: Bees and butterflies also need water, so adding a small birdbath or shallow dish with stones for perches can help.

By planting a variety of these flowers, you will create a garden that not only looks beautiful but also supports important pollinators like bees and butterflies. A thriving pollinator garden helps the ecosystem and provides a peaceful and vibrant outdoor space for you to enjoy.