Plants That Attract Bees and Butterflies: Why They Like Them

Table of Contents

Plants That Attract Bees and Butterflies: Why They Like Them

Introduction

Attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden is not only a delightful sight but also very important for the health of our ecosystem. Planting flowers that produce nectar and pollen throughout the growing season can help support these important pollinators. In this post, we will take a closer look at the types of plants that bees and butterflies like and how to create a pollinator-friendly garden.

The importance of attracting pollinators to your garden

Bees and butterflies play a vital role in the pollination of many of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts that we eat. These little creatures help ensure that we have abundant harvests and a diverse food supply. By planting the right types of flowers in your backyard, you can attract these essential pollinators and do your part to support their populations.

What plants do bees and butterflies like?

Bees and butterflies are attracted to a wide range of plants, especially those that produce high nectar and pollen. Some of the more popular flowers that butterflies love include Coneflowers, Zinnias, Milkweed, and Salvia (Sage). On the other hand, Sunflowers, Lavender, Borage, and Bee Balm are great for attracting bees.

Why plant diversity is important for pollinator health

Having a diversity of plants in your garden can help sustain bee and butterfly populations throughout the growing season. Blooming periods vary among different plant species, and by having a variety of plants, you can provide a consistent source of nectar and pollen throughout the year.

Flowers that attract butterflies

Butterflies are attracted to a wide variety of flowers, but some blooms are more popular than others. Let's take a closer look at some of Butterfly's favorites.

Butterfly Favorites: Coneflowers

Coneflowers are not only beautiful and easy to grow, but also a favorite of butterflies. These daisy-like flowers with cone-shaped centers come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, yellow, orange, and red.

Zinnias

Zinnias are a popular summer flower that adds vibrant color to your garden. These annuals come in a wide range of colors, such as red, orange, pink, purple, and yellow. Butterflies love these simple, single blooms, which provide an excellent source of nectar.

Milkweed

Milkweed is the only plant on which Monarch butterflies will lay their eggs. The leaves of this perennial plant serve as food for Monarch caterpillars, while the flowers provide nectar for adult butterflies. Milkweed comes in several varieties, including Common Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed, and Butterfly Weed.

Salvia (Sage)

Salvia, commonly called Sage, is a tall plant that produces vivid spikes of flowers in shades of blue, purple, and red. The flowers bloom from late spring through fall and provide an excellent source of nectar for butterflies.

Plants to attract bees

Bees play one of the most critical roles in pollination. They transfer pollen from flower to flower, allowing plants to produce fruit and seeds. Here are some of the best plants for attracting bees:

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are bright and cheerful flowers that bloom from midsummer until fall. They come in various sizes, from dwarf to giant, and produce plenty of pollen and nectar to attract bees and other pollinators.

Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that produces spikes of purple-blue flowers. Bees love this plant, which blooms from late spring through summer, and is a great plant to add to your garden, especially if you're looking to attract honeybees.

Borage

Borage is an easy-to-grow annual with lovely blue, star-shaped flowers. This plant is popular with bees and other pollinators due to its high nectar production.

Bee Balm

Bee Balm, also known as Monarda, features showy clusters of tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, and lavender. Its minty fragrance makes it attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

How to create a bee and butterfly garden

Now that we've looked at some plant varieties let’s talk about creating a bee and butterfly-friendly garden. Here are some tips for making your garden a welcoming spot for these important pollinators:

Choose a sunny location

Most flowering plants require full sun, so it's important to choose a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. A sunny area will also help keep the bees and butterflies active and happy.

Group plants in clumps for pollinators

It's more effective to plant a group of the same flowers instead of just one or two scattered around your garden. Bees and butterflies are attracted to patterns and large groups of flowers.

Plant native species

Native plants are adapted to your area and will do better in your garden. These plants also provide a habitat for the local fauna, including bees and butterflies.

Herbs that bees and butterflies like

Apart from other pollinators, both bees and butterflies love herbs due to their high nectar production. Here are some of the best herb plants for attracting bees and butterflies:

Thyme

Thyme is one of the easiest herbs to grow. It produces clusters of pink and white flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen, making it a magnet for bees and butterflies.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an evergreen shrub that produces beautiful purple-blue flowers. It is particularly attractive to bees and is easy to grow in containers or garden beds.

Oregano

Oregano is a hardy perennial herb that produces tiny purple flowers. Bees and butterflies enjoy its sweet fragrance and will flock to your garden whenever it's in bloom.

Perennials for pollinators

Perennial plants are great as they come back year after year. They can also add structure to your garden and provide food and shelter for pollinators. Here are some of the best perennials for attracting bees and butterflies:

Coneflowers

Coneflowers, aka Echinacea, are traditional prairie plants that bloom from summer to fall. The flowers come in different colors like pink, purple, and white, are great at attracting butterflies, bees and they are easy to maintain.

Black-eyed Susans

Another classic garden addition, black-eyed Susans produce masses of striking yellow or orange-red flowers with dark centers throughout the summer months. These perennials attract many pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Lupines

Lupines are iconic perennials that provide excellent structure in any garden. The tall spikes of bright, colorful flowers are magnets for bees and butterflies.

Pollinator-friendly garden design

Apart from selecting types and varieties when creating a garden attractive to pollinators, you can also use certain designs to optimize their presence in your garden. Here are some tips:

Create different levels of vegetation

Plant tall plants behind shorter ones, so the taller ones don’t block sun or shade, and create a layered effect in your garden.

Include water features

Bees and butterflies love to drink water, especially on a hot day. A shallow dish of water will provide them with much-needed hydration.

Don't use pesticides

Pesticides are harmful to bees and other pollinators. Opt for organic methods to keep your garden pest-free.

Conclusion

In plants that attract bees and butterflies come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you'll be doing your part to support critical pollinator populations. Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is both easy and rewarding, so go ahead and start planning one today!

FAQ

What are some other pollinators besides bees and butterflies?

Some other pollinators include hummingbirds, moths, beetles, wasps, flies, birds, bats, and even some types of rodents.

What should I do if I see a sick or dying bee or butterfly in my garden?

You can try feeding them with sugar water or honey on a spoon. If they are still alive the next day, they may have just needed some energy.

How can I tell if a plant will attract pollinators?

Look for flowers that are brightly colored, with nectar-rich centers. Also, research which types of pollinators are attracted to different plants.

Can I create a pollinator-friendly garden in a small space?

Absolutely! Even a small container garden on a balcony or patio can attract pollinators. Just make sure to choose plants that are suitable for smaller spaces.

What are some benefits to having a pollinator-friendly garden?

A pollinator-friendly garden can provide a beautiful and diverse landscape while also supporting the ecosystem. Additionally, it can also increase your yield of fruits and vegetables.

Is it possible to attract bees and butterflies to a balcony or rooftop garden?

Yes, it's definitely possible! Be sure to choose plants that can grow well in containers and position them in an area that receives plenty of sunlight.

Do bees and butterflies prefer certain colors of flowers?

Bees and butterflies tend to be attracted to bright colors like red, orange, pink, yellow, and purple.

How often should I water my pollinator-friendly garden?

Water requirements will vary depending on the plants you use and your local climate. Generally, it's best to aim for deep watering once or twice a week.

What can I do to encourage bees and butterflies to stay in my garden?

Providing a variety of nectar-rich plants throughout the growing season can help keep pollinators happy and thriving. Make sure that you avoid the use of pesticides and chemicals, which can be harmful to these essential critters.

Are there any common mistakes that beginner pollinator gardeners make?

Some common pitfalls include not choosing the right types of flowers, not providing enough variety, and neglecting maintenance tasks like deadheading and feeding. To avoid these issues, do some research and get to know the specific needs of the pollinators in your area.