ou don’t need acres of wildflower fields to support pollinators—just the right mix of plants. These often-overlooked options are surprisingly powerful allies for bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
They’re not only beautiful and low-maintenance, but they also provide essential nectar, pollen, or host opportunities for important species. Start with one or two, and watch the magic unfold.
Anise Hyssop
This licorice-scented plant draws bees in droves and adds height to garden beds. Its tall purple spikes bloom for weeks and are edible, too. A favorite in prairie gardens and pollinator patches alike.
Culver’s Root
With elegant white or pale lavender spires, Culver’s Root is a butterfly magnet. It blooms mid to late summer and thrives in moist soils. It also adds a graceful, vertical element to any pollinator garden.
California Poppy
Don’t let its delicate petals fool you—this hardy flower attracts bees and beneficial insects. It’s drought-tolerant, thrives in poor soil, and reseeds itself year after year. A cheerful burst of color that pollinators love.
Buttonbush
This native shrub produces spherical, pincushion-like blooms that bees and butterflies can’t resist. It grows well in wet areas and supports dozens of species. Even birds love the seeds in fall.
Blue Giant Hyssop
A cousin to anise hyssop, this plant features long-lasting blue flower spikes. It’s loved by native bees and adds a cool-toned softness to sunny borders. Bonus: deer tend to leave it alone.
Rattlesnake Master
With its spiky, spherical blooms, this prairie native is both dramatic and pollinator-friendly. Bees, wasps, and butterflies flock to it. It’s incredibly drought-resistant and great for adding texture.
Spotted Joe-Pye Weed
Taller and bolder than the common variety, this cultivar is a standout in pollinator gardens. Its dusky pink blooms appear in late summer, attracting monarchs and other butterflies. It’s a stately presence in naturalized borders.
Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya)
This unique vertical bloomer provides nectar for monarchs and other pollinators. It’s striking in wildflower gardens and thrives in full sun. The corms store water, making it surprisingly drought-tolerant.
Penstemon (Beardtongue)
Penstemon’s tubular flowers are a hummingbird favorite, and many native varieties bloom beautifully with minimal care. Their unusual shapes and colors add flair to any garden. Plus, they’re often overlooked by pests.
New Jersey Tea
A compact, native shrub that produces frothy white flowers, New Jersey Tea is adored by pollinators and hosts butterfly larvae. It’s hardy, drought-tolerant once established, and historically used as a tea substitute. Perfect for wildlife-friendly landscaping.
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
This native bee balm relative offers pastel purple flowers that hummingbirds and bees love. Its minty scent deters deer and rabbits. Plus, it’s perfect for creating a natural, meadow-like feel in your garden.
Supporting pollinators doesn’t mean planting the usual suspects. These 11 hidden gems will draw in buzzing visitors while giving your garden a unique edge. Every bloom you grow is a boost for biodiversity.
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