Want a garden that’s alive with fluttering wings, cheerful chirps, and the soft buzz of busy bees? The secret is in the plants you choose. Certain flowers, shrubs, and perennials do more than just look beautiful—they feed, shelter, and support local wildlife.
These 13 garden plants are not only stunning to look at but also act like magnets for birds, butterflies, bees, and more. Add them to your space and watch your garden come alive!
Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
This native shrub bursts with delicate white blooms in spring and sweet berries by summer. Birds like robins and cedar waxwings flock to the fruit. Its fiery fall foliage makes it a multi-season stunner.
Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)
These bold, torch-like blooms are a favorite of hummingbirds and pollinators. With bright red, orange, and yellow spikes, they add dramatic flair to any bed. Their nectar-rich flowers bloom from early to late summer.
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
With its unique, spherical white blooms, buttonbush attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It thrives in moist areas and also provides shelter for nesting birds. A perfect pick for rain gardens or near ponds.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
This vivid red wildflower is a hummingbird favorite thanks to its tubular blossoms. It thrives in damp, partly shaded spots and adds fiery color to woodland gardens. Its dramatic spikes also attract butterflies and bumblebees.
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Elderberry bushes offer fragrant spring flowers and clusters of berries that birds can’t resist. They're ideal for wildlife hedges and natural screens. Bonus: the berries can also be used for jams and syrups (after proper prep).
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
These shaggy, vibrant flowers buzz with activity all summer long. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds all visit frequently. As a bonus, its leaves can be brewed into a minty tea.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
This tall herb with feathery leaves draws in beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps. Its yellow flower clusters are also a hit with butterflies. Swallowtail caterpillars often feed on the foliage.
Viburnum (Various species)
From fragrant white blooms to juicy red berries, viburnums offer food and cover for wildlife year-round. Birds love the berries, and pollinators flock to the spring flowers. Many varieties also boast gorgeous fall color.
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
A native cousin of bee balm, wild bergamot is rich in nectar and grows easily in prairies and sunny gardens. Its lavender blooms are loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It also has antifungal and medicinal properties.
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
These towering wildflowers produce fluffy pink blooms late in the season, just when butterflies need them most. They’re especially popular with monarchs and other migratory pollinators. Their bold size makes them perfect for the back of borders.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
While common, it’s a wildlife powerhouse—pollinators feast on its nectar, and birds eat the dried seed heads in fall. The blooms last for weeks, adding vibrant purple-pink color to the garden. Leave the seed heads up through winter for extra wildlife support.
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
This late bloomer provides critical nectar for butterflies and bees preparing for migration. Its rich purple petals stand tall and attract dozens of fluttering visitors. It’s a great plant for bridging the seasonal gap.
Coral Bells (Heuchera)
With dainty bell-shaped flowers and stunning foliage, coral bells are beautiful and beneficial. Hummingbirds love sipping from the blooms, while the leaves offer cover for tiny beneficial insects. A low-maintenance favorite for shady beds and borders.
A garden full of life starts with the right plants. By choosing flowers and shrubs that support wildlife, you're creating a haven for birds, bees, butterflies, and beyond—while making your garden even more magical.
Comments
No Comments