Planting For And Identifying Pollinators
by Amanda
One of the most enjoyable aspects of planting a pollinator garden is being able to identify the different butterflies, bees and hummingbirds parading around in spring and summer. To help plan your pollinator garden, we've highlighted a few of our favorite wildflowers, perennials, and flower bulbs that attract pollinators. Plus, you can use these images to identify some of the more common bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visiting your garden.
1. Identifying Butterflies & Best Flower Varieties For Attracting Butterflies
2. Identifying Bees & Best Flower Varieties For Attracting Bees
3. Identifying Hummingbirds & Best Flower Varieties For Attracting Hummingbirds
Identifying Butterflies
1. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. There are approximately 40 different Swallowtail species in North America and these colorful butterflies are named after the forked appearance of their hind wings.
2. Common Buckeye. This gorgeous butterfly is common throughout the United States, except the Northwest. It prefers open areas with low vegetation.
3. Black Swallowtail. There are approximately 40 different Swallowtail species in North America and these colorful butterflies are named after the forked appearance of their hind wings.
4. Monarch Butterfly. Perhaps one of the most easily identifiable butterflies, the Monarch loves milkweed and is known for its autumn migration from the United States to Mexico.5.
5. Gulf Fritillary. This lovely orange butterfly can be seen in gardens in warmer areas, but can venture up North occasionally.
6. American Painted Lady. Also known as American Lady, this colorful butterfly can be found throughout North America.
The Best Flower Varieties For Attracting Butterflies To Your Garden
Wildflowers To Attract Butterflies
Perennial Plants To Attract Butterflies
![Monarch Magnet Garden Hero Image]()
If you plant our Monarch Magnet Perennial Garden, they will come! This brilliant arrangement includes vital Butterfly Weeds that are the growing Monarch’s only food source, as ...
Learn MoreMonarch Magnet Pre-Planned Garden Monarch Magnet Pre-Planned Garden$153.32 Sale $130.99Per Garden of 18If you plant our Monarch Magnet Perennial Garden, they will come! This brilliant arrangement includes vital Butterfly Weeds that are the growing Monarch’s only food source, as well as six essential nectar plants favored by the adult butterflies. Attract monarchs and bring a vibrant dose of color and beauty to your yard. This Pre-Planned Garden comes with a garden layout map to make planting easy.![Phenomenal Lavender, Lavandula x intermedia]()
Phenomenal Lavender has it all: exceptionally tolerant of both high heat and harsh winter, this easy-to-grow lavender even shows resistance to the effects of humidity. Highly fragran...
Learn MorePhenomenal® Lavender Lavender Phenomenal® PP#24193 Lavandula x intermedia Phenomenal PP#24193As low as $10.65 Sale $9.05Per Plant - 3" PotPhenomenal Lavender has it all: exceptionally tolerant of both high heat and harsh winter, this easy-to-grow lavender even shows resistance to the effects of humidity. Highly fragrant with concentrated essential oils, Phenomenal's spikes of purple-blue flowers attract butterflies and bees to the garden. Edible, deer-resistant and fast-growing, this silver-leafed lavender has left all other new introductions in the dust! (Lavandula x intermedia) PP#24193![Hidcote English Lavender]()
‚Hidcote‚ is a compact English Lavender that grows only 18-24 inches tall, with highly fragrant, deep purple-blue flowers. Excellent for both fresh and dried bouquets, th...
Learn MoreHidcote English Lavender English Lavender Hidcote Lavandula angustifolia HidcoteAs low as $6.65 Sale $5.65Per Plant - 3" Pot'Hidcote' is a compact English Lavender that grows only 18-24 inches tall, with highly fragrant, deep purple-blue flowers. Excellent for both fresh and dried bouquets, this lavender attracts bees and butterflies but repels deer and rabbits. Perfect for hot, dry sites and drought tolerant once established. Great choice for container plantings. (Lavandula angustifolia)![Eastern Monarch Refuge Plant Collection]()
Our Eastern Monarch Refuge Plant Collection makes it easy to plant beautiful Monarch Butterfly habitat in your garden. Milkweed is the essential host plant for Monarch caterpillars. ...
Learn MoreEastern Monarch Refuge Plant Collection Monarch Refuge Plant Collection for the East$79.99 Sale $69.99Per Collection of 6Our Eastern Monarch Refuge Plant Collection makes it easy to plant beautiful Monarch Butterfly habitat in your garden. Milkweed is the essential host plant for Monarch caterpillars. Joe Pye Weed, Black Eyed Susan, Aster, and Bee Balm offer nectar to adult Monarchs and other pollinators from spring through fall. Resilient native perennials will naturalize, spreading each season to expand the benefit and beauty of your habitat garden.
Spring Flower Bulbs To Attract Butterflies
![Kelsey Annie Joy Collarette Dahlia flower with pollinator]()
Like a cheerful burst of sunshine, award-winning ‚Kelsey Annie Joy‚ Collarette Dahlias add a splash of color in the garden. The exquisite 4-inch blooms feature a bright o...
Learn MoreKelsey Annie Joy Collarette Dahlia Kelsey Annie Joy Collarette Dahlia DahliaAs low as $21.32 Sale $18.12Per Bag of 3Like a cheerful burst of sunshine, award-winning 'Kelsey Annie Joy' Collarette Dahlias add a splash of color in the garden. The exquisite 4-inch blooms feature a bright orange button center, surrounded by two layers of petals - a collar of frilly pink petals surrounded by an outer halo of broad peach petals. Open flowers attract pollinators! Always lovely, the enchanting color variations and intricate form are even more stunning when illuminated by soft morning light or backlit by late afternoon sun.![Happy Single® Flame Dahlia flower with pollinator]()
If you appreciate rich saturated colors, then you’re sure to fall in love with ‚Happy Single® Flame‚ Single Dahlias. Sculptural dark bronze foliage is crowned by 4...
Learn MoreHappy Single® Flame Dahlia Happy Single® Flame Dahlia DahliaAs low as $21.32 Sale $18.12Per Bag of 3If you appreciate rich saturated colors, then you’re sure to fall in love with 'Happy Single® Flame' Single Dahlias. Sculptural dark bronze foliage is crowned by 4-inch flowers, showcasing fiery red petals around bright yellow centers. This award-winning single Dahlia features a compact form and striking colorway, making it a coveted addition to colorful gardens and container plantings.![Banana Cream Pie Dahlia Collection]()
Treat yourself to our exclusive Banana Cream Pie Dahlia Collection, featuring marvelous blooms in soft and sweet whites and yellows. Layers of sumptuous petals will unfurl in a showc...
Learn MoreBanana Cream Pie Dahlia Collection Banana Cream Pie Dahlia Collection Dahlia$79.99 Sale $68.99Per Collection of 12Treat yourself to our exclusive Banana Cream Pie Dahlia Collection, featuring marvelous blooms in soft and sweet whites and yellows. Layers of sumptuous petals will unfurl in a showcase of Anemone, Fimbriata, Cactus, and Dinner Plate flower forms for abundant texture and playfulness. Light and bright, this charming collection will add soft color to the late season perennial border or cutting garden. Bouquets will bring joy to your home or friends. Collection of 12 Dahlias.![Blue Bayou® Anemone Dahlia, Anemone Dahlia Blue Bayou® with butterfly]()
‚Blue Bayou‚ Anemone Dahlia sits firmly in the class of dahlias known as the „powder puffs.„ With an outer row of large, lavender-blue petals surrounding a da...
Learn MoreBlue Bayou Anemone Dahlia Blue Bayou Anemone Dahlia Anemone Dahlia Blue Bayou$21.32 Sale $18.12Per Bag of 3'Blue Bayou' Anemone Dahlia sits firmly in the class of dahlias known as the "powder puffs." With an outer row of large, lavender-blue petals surrounding a darker, central cushion of shorter petals, it's easy to see why that is. The heavenly blooms of 'Blue Bayou' are sure to have you smiling every time you step into the garden. (Dahlia)
Identifying Bees
- Western Honey Bee. There are approximately 40 species of Honey Bees. The Western Honey Bee (or European Honey Bee) is the most common species.
- Bumble Bee. The Bumble Bee is found mostly in the Northern Hemisphere and there are over 250 species. The soft hair that makes these bees so easily distinguishable (and fuzzy) is called pile.
The Best Flower Varieties For Attracting Bees To Your Garden
Wildflowers To Attract Bees
Perennial Plants To Attract Bees
![Dalmation Rose Foxglove with pollinator]()
This easy-to-grow Foxglove variety is an early-bloomer, adding gorgeous purple color to the late spring garden. Dalmation Rose is deer resistant and makes for gorgeous spring bouquet...
Learn MoreDalmation Rose Foxglove Dalmation Rose Foxglove Digitalis purpurea Dalmation Rose$10.65 Sale $9.05Per Plant - 3" PotThis easy-to-grow Foxglove variety is an early-bloomer, adding gorgeous purple color to the late spring garden. Dalmation Rose is deer resistant and makes for gorgeous spring bouquets. (Digitalis purpurea)![Dreamy Meadow Pre-Planned Garden]()
Inspired by naturalized meadow-style plantings, our Dreamy Meadow Pre-Planned Garden will catch the golden hour light for year-round visual interest. You’ll be drawn in by a so...
Learn MoreDreamy Meadow Pre-Planned Garden Dreamy Meadow Pre-Planned Garden$129.32 Sale $109.99Per Garden of 12Inspired by naturalized meadow-style plantings, our Dreamy Meadow Pre-Planned Garden will catch the golden hour light for year-round visual interest. You’ll be drawn in by a soft color palette and alluring textures and fragrances. In spring and summer, butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds will flutter from flower to flower. Over fall and winter, grasses and dried flowers will attract birds and add sculptural forms to the landscape. This Pre-Planned Garden comes with a garden layout map to make planting easy.![Pink Bee Balm Pink Lace, Monarda, Bee Balm with hummingbird]()
Dwarf Pink Lace grows to only 12-18 inches tall, this Bee Balm gives you large pink flowers on small plants. Hummingbirds love it. PP#18367 (Monarda didyma)...
Learn MorePink Lace Bee Balm Pink Lace Bee Balm, Bergamot, Oswego Tea Monarda didyma Pink Lace$10.65 Sale $9.05Per Plant - 3" PotDwarf Pink Lace grows to only 12-18 inches tall, this Bee Balm gives you large pink flowers on small plants. Hummingbirds love it. PP#18367 (Monarda didyma)![Phenomenal Lavender, Lavandula x intermedia]()
Phenomenal Lavender has it all: exceptionally tolerant of both high heat and harsh winter, this easy-to-grow lavender even shows resistance to the effects of humidity. Highly fragran...
Learn MorePhenomenal® Lavender Lavender Phenomenal® PP#24193 Lavandula x intermedia Phenomenal PP#24193As low as $10.65 Sale $9.05Per Plant - 3" PotPhenomenal Lavender has it all: exceptionally tolerant of both high heat and harsh winter, this easy-to-grow lavender even shows resistance to the effects of humidity. Highly fragrant with concentrated essential oils, Phenomenal's spikes of purple-blue flowers attract butterflies and bees to the garden. Edible, deer-resistant and fast-growing, this silver-leafed lavender has left all other new introductions in the dust! (Lavandula x intermedia) PP#24193
Identifying Hummingbirds
1. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird. This small Hummingbird is extremely adaptable and can be found in a range of habitats. The Broad-Tailed Hummingbird migrates to Mexico for the winter.
2. Black-Chinned Hummingbird. This gorgeous butterfly is common throughout the United States, except the Northwest. It prefers open areas with low vegetation.
3. Rufous Hummingbird. This delightfully colorful Hummingbird is a smaller species and is known to nest in Northern areas all the way up in to Alaska, often staying on the West Coast of the country.
4. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. A woodland dweller often found in forests, this Hummingbird is very territorial and makes its way to Mexico for the winter.
The Best Flower Varieties For Attracting Hummingbirds To Your Garden
Wildflowers To Attract Hummingbirds
Perennial Plants To Attract Hummingbirds
![Butterfly and Hummingbird Pre-Planned Garden Hero]()
Butterflies and hummingbirds both rival the complex beauty of flowers - plant attentively and you can have all three! Our Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden takes the guesswork out of at...
Learn MoreButterfly and Hummingbird Pre-Planned Garden Butterfly and Hummingbird Pre-Planned Garden$199.99 Sale $173.99Per Garden of 21Butterflies and hummingbirds both rival the complex beauty of flowers - plant attentively and you can have all three! Our Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden takes the guesswork out of attracting these beloved pollinators, with magnetic colors and nectar-rich blooms that work together to provide the perfect habitat. This Pre-Planned Garden comes with a garden layout map to make planting easy.![Prairie Blazing Star, Liatris pycnostachya]()
Prairie Blazing Star is a stunning native wildflower with distinctive floral spikes packed with fluffy rose-purple blooms. Flowers open in sequence, starting at the top, for weeks of...
Learn MorePrairie Blazing Star Prairie Blazing Star Liatris pycnostachyaAs low as $13.32 Sale $11.32Per Plant - 3" PotPrairie Blazing Star is a stunning native wildflower with distinctive floral spikes packed with fluffy rose-purple blooms. Flowers open in sequence, starting at the top, for weeks of color during the hottest part of late summer. The tallest Liatris species in cultivation, this pollinator magnet attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and makes an excellent cut flower. Plant for a striking vertical element in your garden or meadow planting. (Liatris pycnostachya)![Jacob Cline Bee Balm, Monarda didyma Jacob Cline with Hummingbird]()
‚Jacob Cline‚ Monarda is a colorfully vibrant, mildew-resistant variety of the cherished Bee Balm plant. Loved by both gardeners and hummingbirds, crimson red crown-shape...
Learn MoreJacob Cline Bee Balm Jacob Cline Bee Balm, Bergamot Monarda didyma Jacob ClineAs low as $9.32 Sale $7.92Per Plant - 3" Pot'Jacob Cline' Monarda is a colorfully vibrant, mildew-resistant variety of the cherished Bee Balm plant. Loved by both gardeners and hummingbirds, crimson red crown-shaped blooms appear on tall, herbaceous plants in mid summer. Its fragrant foliage and tolerance of pests, mildew and clay soils make 'Jacob Cline' a true favorite in the perennial bed. Deer resistant. (Monarda)![Mini Hummingbird Hangout Plant Collection]()
The bold nectar-rich blooms in our Mini Hummingbird Hangout Plant Collection will have your garden humming all summer long! Compact container-friendly varieties of Penstemon, Kniph...
Learn MoreMini Hummingbird Hangout Plant Collection Mini Hummingbird Hangout Plant Collection$49.32 Sale $42.99Per Collection of 5The bold nectar-rich blooms in our Mini Hummingbird Hangout Plant Collection will have your garden humming all summer long! Compact container-friendly varieties of Penstemon, Kniphofia, Monarda, Salvia, and Agastache offer a riot of lasting color to keep hummingbirds coming back for more. Consider planting near a window or on your patio, where you can watch winged visitors to your garden. Collection of 5 plants.
Whether you're planting in containers on a balcony or have a lot of land to work with, there are endless options to help our disappearing pollinator population through gardening.