Native plants are among the most valuable additions to any pollinator garden. Because they have evolved alongside local pollinators, they provide important nectar sources, pollen, and habitat.
Popular native plant choices include:
- Milkweed
- Bee Balm
- Joe Pye Weed
- Black-Eyed Susan
- New England Aster
- Goldenrod
- Purple Coneflower
Native plants are often easier to maintain and well adapted to local growing conditions.
Add Nectar-Rich Annuals and Perennials
A combination of annuals and perennials provides continuous blooms throughout the growing season while supplying pollinators with reliable food sources.
Many customer favorites available at Bayview Garden Nurseries include:
- Lantana
- Angelonia
- Scaevola
- New Guinea Impatiens
- Begonias
These colorful annuals provide long-lasting blooms that can help attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects all summer long.
Perennial favorites include:
- Coneflowers
- Coreopsis
- Yarrow
- Lavender
- Shasta Daisy
Planting a variety of flower shapes, colors, and bloom times helps support a wider range of pollinators.
Create a Pollinator-Friendly Water Source
Pollinators need water, especially during hot summer weather.
Simple options include:
- Shallow birdbaths
- Pebble-filled dishes
- Small fountains
- Water gardens
Adding stones or pebbles provides safe landing areas for bees and butterflies while they drink.
Attract Hummingbirds with Colorful Blooms
Hummingbirds are among the most exciting visitors to a pollinator garden. They are especially attracted to brightly colored flowers with tubular blooms.
Consider adding:
- Mandevilla
- Hibiscus
- Dipladenia
- Bee Balm
- Salvia
These plants can provide season-long color while helping attract hummingbirds to patios, decks, and garden beds.
Provide Shelter and Habitat
Flowers provide food, but pollinators also need places to rest, nest, and seek protection.
Consider incorporating:
- Native grasses
- Flowering shrubs
- Bee houses
- Brush piles
- Naturalized garden areas
Even a small area dedicated to wildlife habitat can make a meaningful difference.
Plan for Continuous Blooms
One of the best ways to support pollinators is by ensuring flowers are available throughout the growing season.
Early Season
- Columbine
- Lupine
- Salvia
Mid-Season
- Bee Balm
- Coneflower
- Milkweed
- Lantana
Late Season
- Asters
- Goldenrod
- Sedum
This continuous bloom cycle helps provide nectar and pollen from early summer into fall.
Use Pollinator-Friendly Pest Control Practices
Many pesticides can unintentionally harm pollinators and beneficial insects.
To create a safer environment:
- Inspect plants before treating problems
- Use targeted treatments only when necessary
- Avoid spraying flowering plants
- Apply products during early morning or evening hours
When treatment is needed, consider products such as Sierra Organic Pest Control to help manage common garden pests while supporting a healthier garden environment.
Pollinator Gardens Work in Any Size Space
You don’t need a large property to support pollinators. Raised beds, containers, patios, and small landscape beds can all provide valuable food and habitat.
Even a few pots filled with nectar-rich flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flowers attract the most pollinators?
Milkweed, Bee Balm, Coneflowers, Lantana, Salvia, Black-Eyed Susans, and Asters are all excellent choices.
Why are native plants important?
Native plants provide food and habitat that local pollinators have relied upon for generations and are often easier to maintain.
How do I attract hummingbirds?
Plant nectar-rich flowers such as Mandevilla, Hibiscus, Dipladenia, Salvia, and Bee Balm.
Can pollinator gardens work in containers?
Absolutely. Many annuals and perennials thrive in containers and provide valuable nectar sources for pollinators.
How can I control pests without harming pollinators?
Monitor plants regularly, treat only when necessary, and use pollinator-conscious products and application methods whenever possible.
Visit Bayview Garden Nurseries
Whether you’re creating a dedicated pollinator garden or simply adding a few pollinator-friendly plants to your landscape, Bayview Garden Nurseries can help you get started. From native plants and flowering annuals to tropical favorites and organic gardening products, you’ll find everything you need to create a beautiful and beneficial outdoor space.
BAYVIEW GARDEN NURSERIES
2711 Zion Road
Northfield, NJ 08225
Hours
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Avalon Design Center
2819 Dune, Unit 6
Avalon, NJ 08202
Visit us and discover how easy it can be to create a colorful landscape that supports bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other valuable pollinators all season long.