Plants that are attractive to pollinators are important for the health of our environment. Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, play a critical role in the process of plant reproduction. When these creatures visit flowers, they pick up and transport pollen from one flower to another, allowing plants to reproduce and spread. Without pollinator-attractive plants, many species of plants would die off. Therefore, it is essential that we create habitats with a variety of plants that will attract pollinators so that our ecosystems can remain healthy and diverse.

Colorful flowers are not only pleasing to the eye but they can also be used to attract certain types of pollinators. For example, bees and butterflies are attracted to bright colors like yellow and blue, while hummingbirds prefer red and orange. Knowing the color of the flower which will best attract the desired type of pollinator can help create a thriving garden full of life.

Here are the best colors for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds:

Bees

• Blue
• Purple
• White
• Yellow

Butterflies

• Blue
• Orange
• Pink
• Purple
• Red
• White
• Yellow

Hummingbirds

• Orange
• Pink
• Red

There are many great options for adding color to your garden while also providing a food source for pollinators. From annuals to perennials, there is something for every pollinator-friendly garden. By adding these colorful plants to your garden or landscape, you can create a vibrant space for pollinators to thrive.

Some great plant options include:

Annuals

Calibrachoa - Calibrachoa are often used in gardens as ornamental plants. They are also known to be beneficial for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Calibrachoa provides nectar and pollen to these pollinators, which is essential for their survival. The flowers of the Calibrachoa have an open structure that makes them easier for pollinators to access the nectar and pollen inside. The bright colors of the flowers also attract the attention of the pollinators and help them locate them easily. Calibrachoa produces a strong sweet scent which further helps in attracting more pollinators.

Lantana - Lantana is a flowering plant that provides an important food source for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By providing nectar and pollen to these pollinators, lantana helps to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. It also helps to increase biodiversity by providing a habitat for many species of birds and insects.

Petunia - Petunias are an excellent choice for gardeners who want to attract pollinators to their gardens. They feature bright and beautiful flowers that are both attractive to the eye and a source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The plants have a long blooming period, making them an ideal choice for gardeners who want to enjoy their colorful blooms throughout the summer months. They are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for any gardener looking to create a pollinator-friendly garden.

Perennials

Clematis - Clematis vines are a great choice for gardeners looking to attract pollinators. The showy flowers of the clematis vine bloom in a variety of colors, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These vines provide food for pollinators in the form of nectar and pollen. The large blooms also make it easy for pollinators to access the nectar and pollen inside. As a bonus, clematis vines are easy to care for and can often be grown without pruning or fertilizing.

Hardy Hibiscus - Hardy hibiscus is an excellent plant for pollinators, providing them with both nectar and pollen. The large flowers attract a variety of beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and hummingbirds. The blooms are especially attractive to bumblebees which are important pollinators. The plant is known for its ability to attract beneficial predatory insects which help control pests in the garden. This makes it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to create a balanced ecosystem.

Lavender - Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that not only looks great in gardens but also provides several benefits to pollinators. Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds are attracted to the sweet scent of lavender flowers. Not only do these pollinators feed on the nectar from the flowers, but they also use the pollen for food and to help fertilize other plants. Lavender provides shelter for these pollinators, helping them stay safe from predators while they go about their work.

Shrubs

Hydrangea - Hydrangeas are beneficial to pollinators in a variety of ways. Not only do they provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, but the flowers also have a large surface area that makes it easy for them to access the nectar. These long-blooming plants produce flowers over an extended period, providing a reliable source of food for pollinators throughout the season.

Lilac - Lilacs are an excellent source of food for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The fragrant blooms of lilacs attract many different types of pollinators to the garden. Not only do the flowers provide nectar for the pollinators, but they also offer shelter from predators. This shrub can be used to create a habitat for beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings which help keep pests away from other plants in your garden.

Viburnum - Viburnum plants are an important source of pollen and nectar. They provide a wide range of nutrients and beneficial compounds that help support the health of pollinators. The plant provides nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, moths, wasps, and other beneficial insects. The flowers have a sweet scent that attracts these pollinators, while the leaves provide food for caterpillars and other insects. Viburnum plants help to support biodiversity in the local ecosystem by providing a habitat for birds and small mammals.

What are your favorite blooms to attract pollinators?