15+ Flowers That Attract Butterflies and Bees

If you're an avid gardener or simply someone who enjoys the beauty of nature, you'll understand the importance of creating a welcoming environment for pollinators like butterflies and bees. Planting the right flowers not only adds vibrant colors to your garden but also plays a crucial role in supporting these essential insects. In this blog, we'll explore a delightful selection of 15+ flowers that attract butterflies and bees, ensuring your outdoor space becomes a haven for these charming visitors. Whether you have a green thumb or are just starting, these flowers for butterflies will not only enhance your garden's aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the well-being of these vital pollinators.

Asclepias (Milkweed Flowers)

Asclepias, commonly known as milkweed flowers, are highly cherished by butterflies. The monarch butterfly, in particular, heavily relies on milkweed as an essential host plant for its larvae. When you plant milkweed in your garden, you're not just adding beauty but also actively supporting the entire life cycle of these magnificent insects. Asclepias is truly a nurturing haven for these delicate fluttering creatures.

Blue Pea (Clitoria)

The blue pea, or clitoria, is an enchanting vine that graces your garden with its striking blue and purple blossoms. These vibrant blooms act as a magnetic force, drawing both butterflies and bees to their irresistible beauty. What's more, the addition of blue peas adds a captivating pop of color to your garden, enhancing its visual appeal and making it a charming oasis for these pollinators.

Lavender

Lavender, with its fragrant and delicately purple blooms, is a sensory delight that bees and butterflies find irresistible. These flowers are not only a feast for the eyes but also emit a soothing fragrance, making them a dual-purpose gem in your garden. Lavender not only attracts these beneficial insects but also enhances your outdoor space with its aromatic allure.

Echinacea

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, presents itself with daisy-like petals and a distinctive central cone, creating a captivating display of nature's artistry. Its vivid colors and nectar-rich blossoms earn it a spot as a favorite among pollinators, including butterflies and bees. The coneflower stands tall as a symbol of nature's beauty and a dependable food source for these winged visitors.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)

The butterfly bush, as its name implies, is a top contender for attracting butterflies to your garden. Its long, cone-shaped clusters of flowers offer a delightful feeding station for these enchanting flying creatures. With its graceful form and irresistible nectar, the butterfly bush becomes a haven for these winged wonders.

Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee balm, or monarda, stands proudly as a native North American plant renowned for its tubular and vibrant blooms. Its name alone underscores its allure to bees, and it doesn't disappoint when it comes to enticing butterflies either. Bee balm's stunning appearance and abundant nectar make it a valuable asset in your garden's mission to support local pollinators.

Zinnia

Zinnias are a timeless addition to any garden, celebrated for their diverse color palette and the ease with which they flourish. Butterflies are particularly enamored by zinnias because these cheerful flowers offer a rich and abundant source of nectar. By welcoming zinnias into your garden, you're inviting an explosion of color and life.

Verbena

Verbena's diminutive, clustered flowers serve as a bustling thoroughfare for bees and butterflies. These low-maintenance plants are perfect for gardeners seeking to provide a hospitable environment for local pollinators. Verbena's petite blossoms create a buzz of activity, making your garden a vibrant and welcoming place for these essential insects.

Liatris (Blazing Star)

Liatris, also recognized as blazing star, commands attention with its towering spikes of purple or white flowers. These striking blooms are simply irresistible to butterflies and bees, making them a fantastic choice for any garden aiming to support pollinators. Liatris stands tall as a beacon of sustenance for these diligent insects.

Salvia

Salvia, with its tubular and vibrantly hued blossoms, ranks high on the list of favorites for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies alike. This versatile plant comes in an array of colors, allowing you to choose the one that best complements your garden's aesthetic. Salvia's tubular blooms serve as a buffet for these captivating pollinators.

Coneflower (Rudbeckia)

Coneflowers, also known as rudbeckias, are renowned for their golden petals surrounding dark brown centers, resembling cheerful daisies. These daisy-like flowers provide a delightful treat for butterflies and bees, making them indispensable contributors to your garden's ecosystem.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

Another member of the Rudbeckia family, black-eyed susans, proudly showcases bright yellow petals contrasted by their dark centers. These cheerful flowers stand as a surefire way to attract pollinators to your garden, radiating positivity and charm with their sunny disposition.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis, affectionately referred to as tickseed, displays daisy-like blooms in an array of captivating colors. Their bright and cheerful appearance makes them a welcoming sight for butterflies and bees, drawing these magnificent creatures to your garden's bounty.

Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium)

Joe-Pye weed, a tall native perennial, produces fluffy clusters of pink or purple flowers that reach skyward. Its nectar-rich blossoms act as a favorite stopover for butterflies and bees on their journey. By introducing Joe-Pye weed to your garden, you create a haven for these graceful insects to rest and replenish.

Phlox

Phlox is a charming plant that offers an array of colorful and fragrant blossoms. Butterflies and bees are irresistibly drawn to these sweet-smelling blooms, making phlox an exceptional choice for those aiming to cultivate a pollinator-friendly garden. The enchanting allure of phlox lies not only in its appearance but also in its ability to support local pollinators in their quest for sustenance.

Buttonbush

The buttonbush flower, known for its captivating spherical blooms, is a delightful addition to any garden aiming to attract butterflies and bees. Its unique, globe-shaped clusters of tiny, nectar-filled white blossoms act as a beacon for these pollinators. Butterflies are drawn to the sweet nectar, while bees find the abundance of pollen irresistible. This charming flower not only provides a vital food source for these beneficial insects but also adds a touch of elegance and natural beauty to your outdoor space.

Creating a garden that is not only visually stunning but also ecologically beneficial is a win-win for both nature enthusiasts and pollinators alike. The list of 15+ flowers for bees and butterflies provides a valuable resource for those looking to attract these essential creatures to their outdoor spaces.Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your green journey, the convenience of shopping for flowers online allows you to explore a wide variety of options and have them delivered right to your doorstep. So, go ahead and embrace the beauty of nature while aiding in the conservation of these invaluable species by planting flowers that beckon bees and butterflies to your garden, and consider the ease of sourcing these plants online for a hassle-free gardening experience.