23 Showy Plants That Feed Bees and Butterflies

Whether you want to encourage healthy bee populations or just simply love watching the butterflies, you’ll want to plant an array of showy plants that feed these fragile pollinators. These plants can add color and texture to your garden. Plant biologist Emily Estep walks you through a list of bold, flowering plants that bees and butterflies adore.

Many flowers of showy plants for bees butterflies, serving as the flower's pollinators

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Most people know that bees are absolutely essential to a balanced ecosystem and to food production. Let’s not forget that butterflies are important, too, as they pollinate our flowering species and perpetuate symbiotic relationships with native plants.

Really, all pollinators are critical to environmental balance, including flies, ants, and even bats. Many of these species are declining, from honey bees to monarch butterflies, likely due to habitat loss and pesticide use.

The good news is that you can help by planting flowering species that feed these critters, and you’ll love their beautiful blooms just as much as our winged friends. We’ve gathered a list of showy, eye-catching flowering plants that bees and butterflies love to get you started.

Butterfly Weed

Vivid orange flowers of Asclepias tuberosa, attached to bright green stem with long leaves, with a butterfly sitting on the blooms
These flowers look good and attract monarch butterflies.
botanical-name botanical name Asclepias tuberosa
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-2 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

If you’ve got butterflies on your mind, then you simply must start with butterfly weed, a species of milkweed. This is one of the more widespread species of milkweed, native to most of the United States. Monarchs rely on milkweed, and planting a species native to your state is most helpful.

This herbaceous perennial is fairly showy, too. In spring and summer, it produces clusters of small, orange, star-shaped flowers that pop against the bright green foliage. Sometimes the flowers lean a bit more yellow.

Bee Balm

A flower of Bee balm appearing vivid red, with a humming bird flying nearby, having vibrant and bright greens in the background
Monarda grows easily, blooming from spring to summer.
botanical-name botanical name Monarda spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 2-4 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

Monarda species, otherwise known as bee balm or bergamot, are pretty much bee magnets, with fragrant flowers in a handful of colors. These perennials are native and in the mint family, so they’re super easy to grow.

Bold bee balm blooms are often red, pink, or purple, emerging at the tip of stalks in spring and summer. In ideal growing conditions, expect these natives to spread quickly from both rhizomes and seeds. You can divide your plants every few years if desired.

Dalea

This is a midwestern prairie native.
botanical-name botanical name Dalea purpurea
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-3 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Another option that is great for butterflies is Dalea purpurea, which is often called prairie clover or purple prairie clover. It’s a perennial forb with tall stems that produce flower spikes, though these spikes open in succession over the course of summer.

It’s not uncommon to spot daleas swarming with pollinators. This is a native species with habitats in midwestern prairies. It’s used to control erosion in disturbed sites, and works well as a forage plant for livestock. There are so many benefits to growing dalea.

Yarrow

Lovely white flowers of Achillea spp., with a black and red butterfly sitting on the sprig of blooms with a green background
It has varieties with a wide range of beautiful colors.
botanical-name botanical name Achillea spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 2-3 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Pollinators love yarrow, a common herbaceous perennial that grows in most of the United States. You’ll discover yarrow both growing on the side of the highway and in neighbors’ yards; it’s extremely versatile and low-maintenance.

Yarrow species have flat corymbs, with cultivars available in pretty much every warm color. While the most standard yarrow is white, you can also find it with red, yellow, and pink blooms. Not sure which to choose? Try ‘Colorado Blend’ for an array of different hues.

Coneflower

An area in the garden with multiple Echinacea purpurea flowers with vivid-colored petals, surrounded by other flowers
These stand-out flowers bloom throughout summer.
botanical-name botanical name Echinacea purpurea
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 3-4 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

You can pretty much never go wrong with coneflower, a native plant with classic, bold showy flowers that are loved by bees, butterflies, and any other passersby. The most common coneflowers are pale purple or pink, but you can find them in red, yellow, and white, too.

These perennials can reach about four feet tall and bloom all summer long. For a dainty white flower that will complement any other shades in your garden, try ‘White Swan.’ Birds also love to eat the seeds. 

Joe Pye Weed

View of a flowering Joe Pye Weed plant against a blurred background. Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.) is a tall, robust perennial herb with sturdy stems and whorls of lance-shaped leaves arranged along the stems. Clusters of small pink flowers bloom at the tops of the stems.
They blooms have a distinct vanilla scent.
botanical-name botanical name Eutrochium purpureum
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 5-7 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

Joe pye weed is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with purple, fragrant blooms. A member of the aster family, it thrives in moderate climates in zones 4 through 9. This species can grow up to seven feet tall.

It’s no wonder why this showy plant attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects; its flowers actually smell like vanilla. They bloom in summer and into early fall. Joe pye weed is beloved by bees and is crucial in the production of honey.

Sunflower

Sunflowers have tall, coarse stems and broad, rough leaves, topped with large, yellow flower heads.
This flower has many varieties, sharing similar traits.
botanical-name botanical name Helianthus spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-15 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-9

There are more than 100 species of sunflower, and they have a lot of traits in common. They usually consist of yellow or warm-toned blooms on tall stalks, they bloom in summer, and they attract lots of pollinators.

You can find all sorts of cultivars of varying heights. There are also plenty of sunflower types that branch out instead of forming a central flower. If you want to grow the tallest sunflower in the neighborhood, try growing ‘Mammoth.’

Zinnia

A vibrant pink Zinnia elegans with a bright yellow center, having a bee sitting on the stamens, with other greens in the background
These are favorites of different pollinators.
botanical-name botanical name Zinnia elegans
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 1-3 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-11

Zinnias may be the ultimate showy flower for a bright and beautiful garden. You can find zinnias in many colors, from traditional shades like pink to unusual hues like light green. Plus, there are taller zinnias and more compact varieties.

Butterflies and bees flock to these blooms. They’re also super low-maintenance and easy to grow from seed. Just plant them in moist but well-draining soil in a spot with decent light, and you’re all but guaranteed to get zinnias.

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Lavender

Lavender has narrow, gray-green leaves with a silvery appearance and spikes of small, fragrant purple flowers growing in bushy formations in a sunny garden.
They have dainty blossoms with a scent that pollinators love.
botanical-name botanical name Lavandula spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-3 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-9

For a daintier flower, consider growing lavender. These perennials max out at about three feet tall, so they can provide some textural and height diversity in a garden of tall plants. Pollinators love the scent, and so will you.

Lavender plants need well-draining soil to thrive, and they don’t like to get their feet wet. These perennials would rather dry out than sit in soggy soil. Keep this in mind when planting. Otherwise, they may struggle with root rot.

Coreopsis

Garden coreopsis flowers, supported by slender stems, display petals ranging from deep red to yellow.
It can get weedy since it reseeds on its own.
botanical-name botanical name Coreopsis grandiflora
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial shade
height height 1-3 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

Coreopsis, commonly called tickseed, is another native aster that sometimes appears as a weed. This perennial’s cheery yellow blooms appear in spring and last through summer, adding a pop of yellow to the landscape in areas that don’t get full sun.

This plant is native in most of the United States, perennial in zones 4 through 9, and the local wildlife appreciate it. Add this to a pollinator garden to attract bees and butterflies. It readily reseeds.

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Columbine

Close-up of flowering Columbine plants against a blurred green background. The Columbine plant is characterized by its graceful stems adorned with delicate, fern-like foliage and intricate, spurred flowers. The leaves are lobed and divided, giving them a light and airy appearance, with a bluish-green hue. At the top of slender stems, the Columbine produces uniquely shaped flowers with five distinct, spurred petals that extend backward, resembling the spurs of a bird. These flowers are white and purple in color.
They have a distinct shape that stands out.
botanical-name botanical name Aquilegia spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-3 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

There are more than 60 species in the Columbine genus, offering a variety of showy flower color options. These perennials have a unique flower shape that emerges early in the season while you’re impatiently waiting for the rest of your blooms to emerge.

Additionally, while Columbine plants will grow in full sun, they also prosper with just a few hours of direct light per day. If you’re looking to add early blooms to a shady spot, this is a great choice. Just make sure they’re not planted in heavy soil.

Clematis

Clematis elegantly twines its leafy vines, showcasing a profusion of showy, star-shaped flowers in pink shades.
They grow and spread extensively, reaching up to 30 feet.
botanical-name botanical name Clematis spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 2-30 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Clematis vines have big, bold blooms that can be up to seven inches wide. These vines are showy and impressive winding up a trellis or up a lamp post. There are clumping species of Clematis too, if you’re in search of something more compact.

These vines do best in full sunlight exposures with a little bit of protection at midday, especially in hotter zones. Clematis usually prefer a lot of water and are heavy feeders, so make sure they’re well -watered and fertilized. Opt for a native species, as some exotic species are invasive.

Cosmos

Cosmos features feathery, fern-like foliage and daisy-like flowers with a prominent central disk, blooming in pink color.
They bloom from summer until the cold months roll in.
botanical-name botanical name Cosmos spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 1-6 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-11

Cosmos are annuals in the aster family that reseed themselves. Once they start blooming in summer, they’ll keep going until the first frost. They also have the ability to grow almost anywhere in full sun, whether you’re in zone 2 or zone 11.

You can find Cosmos in many colors, including pink, red, yellow, and orange. Bi-color Cosmos are available as well, such as ‘Candystripe,’ which is white or pale pink in the center and dark pink around the edges.

Hardy Hibiscus

These showy flowers produce significant nectar, attracting different pollinators.
botanical-name botanical name Hibiscus moscheutos
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-6 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

Hardy hibiscus flowers are the definition of showy. These big, half-foot flowers can be red, pink, or white, and their tropical appearance will stand out in your garden. These nectar-rich flowers bring bees and butterflies with them, including the hibiscus specialist bee, Ptilothrix bombiformis.

These perennial shrubs can reach six feet in height and in width. Plant a few to create a privacy shrub. They make perfect additions to pool areas, especially in cooler regions that can’t sustain tropical plants.

Coral Honeysuckle

Vibrant red Lonicera sempervirens flowers with bright yellow stamens, having green leaves appearing rounded with whitish veins
Bees and butterflies love feeding on their nectar.
botanical-name botanical name Lonicera sempervirens
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 10-20 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

Coral honeysuckle is a must-plant if you want to feed the bees and butterflies. Unlike Japanese honeysuckle, the coral native isn’t invasive. It also boasts clusters of unusual, hanging conical flowers.

Also called trumpet honeysuckle, this perennial will vine around whatever support it finds, looking lovely on an arch trellis. Individual vines can become 20 feet long. Blooms are usually a coral-y, salmon shade, but cultivars with other colors are available.

Purple Passion Flower

Purple blooms of Purple passionflower whit distinct appearance attached to bright green stems surrounded by veiny leaves and other greens
These flowers are ideal hosts for butterfly larva.
botanical-name botanical name Passiflora incarnata
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 10-25 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-9

Many new gardeners are surprised to learn that the tropical-looking passion flower is native to the southeastern U.S. The alien-like flowers give way to passion fruits, making this a fun vining species to plant along a fence or trellis.

Passion flower flourishes in a variety of locations, too, only needing a few hours of sun (but tolerating more) and continuing to thrive in most soils. Best of all, it’s actually the larval host plant for multiple butterflies, including zebra longwings and both gulf and variegated fritillaries.

Flame Azalea

A stunning Flame azalea ablaze with color. Sun-drenched red flowers with long, prominent stamens cascade across the frame, nearly bursting out of the image. The vibrant display showcases the shrub's peak bloom, with no buds visible amongst the abundant flowers.
These flowers can attract various insects, not just pollinators.
botanical-name botanical name Rhododendron calendulaceum
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to full shade
height height 4-15 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-7

There are many Rhododendron species to choose from, including the flame azalea. This upright shrub has red-orange blooms that look semi-tropical, even though this perennial is hardy in zones 5 through 7 and native to Appalachia.

Its big flowers attract all sorts of insects, blooming in spring and summer, possibly from May through July. Best of all, you can grow flame azalea in shady areas. They’re not too picky about soil, either, as long as you don’t plant them in clay.

Blue Sage

They stand out among other flowers with warm colors.
botanical-name botanical name Salvia azurea
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 3-5 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-9

Blue sage is a clumping perennial with small, blue flowers. While the individual blooms may not be too large and showy, their blue is what makes them noteworthy. Plant blue sage in the midst of all your pink and yellow flowers, and it will be hard to overlook.

This native grows in sandy and rocky soils, as it’s generally pleased with anything that drains well. Blue sage can reach up to five feet in height, but you may want to prune it when it gets really tall. Otherwise, this species sometimes gets top-heavy with flowers and droops.

Lilac

Panicles of Syringa vulgaris with bright and deep hues of purple surrounded by solid green leaves, appearing slightly damp
These flowers release a scent that draws in pollinators.
botanical-name botanical name Syringa vulgaris
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 8-16 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-7

Lilacs are a sure sign that summer is near. These shrubs or small trees bloom in the middle of spring, adding their signature fragrance to the air. If you plant lilacs, pollinators will be interested in the delicate scent as well.

Though lilac blooms are typically light purple, there are multiple cultivars and types available with blooms in slightly different shades. Some have a darker purple color, and some gardeners feel that the fragrance is slightly different, too.

Mexican Sunflower

A prominent Tithonia rotundifolia flower, appearing a vivid orange with a yellowish center, surrounded by deep green leaves
They can grow tall, reaching up to six feet.
botanical-name botanical name Tithonia rotundifolia
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 3-6 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-11

Planting Mexican sunflowers is like a cheat sheet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Once the last frost is thoroughly behind you, sow some Mexican sunflower seeds directly into the ground. A couple of months later, you will not be disappointed.

A single Mexican sunflower plant reaches about six feet in height and produces seemingly endless branches of orange blooms. It will continue to bloom until the first frost. These annuals are constantly covered with pollinators and hummingbirds.

American Wisteria

A close-up of delicate purple American wisteria flowers adorning a slender branch, their petals unfurling gracefully against a backdrop of verdant foliage. Each bloom exudes a subtle fragrance, inviting admiration for its ethereal beauty and intricate botanical structure.
Their vines can grow long, with some reaching up to 40 feet.
botanical-name botanical name Wisteria frutescens
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 15-40 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-9

A single American wisteria vine can grow up to 40 feet long, making it an excellent choice to line fences and crawl tall trellises. While other popular wisterias are non-natives, this American species is the host plant for multiple butterflies, including the zarucco duskywing and the long-tailed skipper.

This vine has drooping racemes of light purple or bluish flowers. Other cultivars are available, with blooms that are gold, green, red, and white. Note that these vines prefer acidic soil, so check the pH if you want them to prosper.

Black-Eyed Susan

Vibrant yellow Black-eyed Susan flowers soak up the sunlight; their petals radiating warmth and cheer.
They can serve as a food source for various native butterfly species.
botanical-name botanical name Rudbeckia hirta
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 2-4 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Black-eyed Susans are biennials or short-lived perennials that clump and reseed, so they’ll return year after year in the right zones. These eastern U.S. natives have classic yellow flowers with brown centers that bloom in bright, dense clumps.

This species is another food source for the larvae of multiple native butterfly species. Also, you can find other varieties and cultivars of black-eyed Susans, like ‘Cherry Brandy’ and ‘Cherokee Sunset,’ to introduce even more color.

California Poppy

Vibrant yellow 'Mission Bells' poppies bloom in full glory, their delicate petals unfurling gracefully under the sun's warm embrace. Behind them, lush and feathery foliage provides a verdant backdrop.
They prefer warm and dry climates.
botanical-name botanical name Eschscholzia californica
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 1-2 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-10

Among the best showy plants for native bees and butterflies, California poppies are short-lived perennials, popping up in nutrient-deficient areas with hot, dry soil. Their delicate, cup-shaped flowers are about three inches in width, blooming in spring and summer. They’re typically a shade of yellow-orange.

These dynamic flowers close in the presence of rain and at night. To get the most flowers possible, you’ll want to deadhead them after the pollinators have done their job. In cooler areas, treat California poppies as annuals.

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