A Pollinator-Friendly Garden: Plants to Support Bees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds

ginasouthern
May 30
5 min read

As summer hits its stride and gardens across the country come to life, pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are hard at work. But their habitats are shrinking, and they need our help. Creating a garden that supports pollinators is not only an act of ecological stewardship, it’s a beautiful way to make your outdoor space more vibrant, abundant, and alive. Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding to an existing garden, June is still a good time to plant with pollinators in mind—with a few important considerations. The best part is, creating a pollinator haven is EASY as so many common plants are pollinator magnets. And many have multiple functions which as an ecological gardener, I am always on the lookout for!

Why Pollinator Gardens Matter

Pollinators are responsible for about one in every three bites of food we eat. Yet many native pollinator populations are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, disease, and climate change. Gardening with pollinators in mind helps reverse this trend by providing safe, nourishing spaces where they can forage, nest, and thrive. When we grow a diverse range of flowers that bloom from early spring to late fall, we offer continuous support throughout their lifecycles.

Native Plants for Pollinators: Yes, You Can Still Plant Them in Spring

In general, native plants do best when planted in the fall, when cooler weather and autumn rains help them establish deep root systems without the stress of summer heat. However, it is still possible to plant native species in spring and even in summer if you're willing to give them extra care. Consistent watering and some afternoon shade (if possible) will help them adapt to their new home. Drip irrigation is a great option to ensure your plants have enough water during establishment. Another great way to ensure your new plants aren't damaged by the heat is to heavily mulch.

Native plants are crucial for pollinators because they co-evolved together. Many native bees, butterflies, and moths have specialized relationships with particular native plants, especially when it comes to larval host plants.

Insights from Oregon State University

A key resource for gardeners in the Pacific Northwest is the Oregon State University study, "Selecting Plants for Pollinators in Oregon." This long-term research identified the best plants for supporting a diversity of pollinators, based on actual pollinator visitation. The top-performing native plants in their study include:

Douglas Aster (Symphyotrichum subspicatum)

Oregon Sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum)

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

Western Yarrow (Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis)

Globe Gilia (Gilia Capitata)

Common Madia (Madia Elegans)

Varileaf Phacelia (Phacelia Heterophylla)

Rose Checkermallow (Sidalcea Asprella spp. Virgata)

California Poppy (Eschscholzia Californica)

Farewell to Spring (Clarkia Amoena)

These species support a wide variety of native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects and are worth incorporating into any Pacific Northwest garden.

Xerces Society Plant Lists: Your Regional Guide

The Xerces Society, a nonprofit focused on invertebrate conservation, provides native plant lists tailored to different U.S. ecoregions. These guides are invaluable for creating regionally appropriate pollinator habitats.

For gardeners in the Maritime Northwest (including western Oregon (that us in Portland) and Washington, as well as parts of northern California and British Columbia), here are some of the plants Xerces Society recommends:

Ookow

Grand Collomia

Puget Sound Gumweed

Oceanspray

Bigleaf Lupine

Mock Orange

Pacific Ninebark

Red Flowering Currant

Nootka Rose

Western Snowberry

Showy Milkweed spp.)

For best results, consult their native plant guides, which include bloom time, sun/shade preference, and species notes.

Non-Native (But Non-Invasive) Pollinator Favorites

Not every plant in your pollinator garden needs to be native to be beneficial. Many non-native, non-invasive flowering herbs and ornamentals provide valuable nectar and pollen, especially in the peak heat of summer when some natives may slow down.

Pollinator-friendly non-native plants include:

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Milkweed (Tropical Milkweed - Asclepias curassavica, only with care in southern zones)

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Flowering herbs: thyme, oregano, chives, dill, cilantro, and basil

Many of these are easy to grow from seed and bloom quickly, providing mid-to-late season forage.

Pollinator Plant Lists by Visitor Type

Different pollinators prefer different kinds of flowers. Here’s a breakdown to help you diversify:

Plants for Bees:

Native sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)

Bee balm (Monarda spp.)

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Plants for Butterflies:

Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)

Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)

Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.)

Parsley, fennel, and dill (host plants for swallowtails)

Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)

Plants for Hummingbirds:

Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)

Red columbine (Aquilegia formosa)

Bee balm (Monarda didyma)

Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

By growing for all three groups, you’ll create a thriving, layered ecosystem.

Showy Milkweed, a plant crucial for butterflies

Sustainable Garden Practices That Help Pollinators Thrive

Planting the right flowers is just one part of the puzzle. Here are other key ways to make your garden a pollinator haven:

Avoid pesticides and herbicides

Provide fresh water: A shallow dish with pebbles or a mini pollinator puddling station

Leave some bare ground: Many native bees nest in soil

Delay cutting back plants in fall: Hollow stems offer overwintering habitat

Ensure seasonal bloom: Plant early, mid, and late season flowers

Cluster similar plants together: Makes foraging more efficient

Create habitat in the winter (“bug snugs” and stick piles)

Leave some ground uncovered for ground-nesting bees

Leave sources of water available year round in your garden

Ready to Create Your Pollinator Paradise?

At Vessel Kitchen Gardens, we help Portland-area gardeners create beautiful, sustainable, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. From design and coaching to seasonal workshops and botanical goods, we strive to help more people in urban areas connect with the natural world around them.

Whether you’re adding zinnias to a sunny border, planting Douglas aster for fall blooms, or committing to a pesticide-free landscape, every choice makes a difference. Let your garden be a sanctuary - for you and the pollinators!

Resources

Oregon State University Pollinator Study

Xerces Society Native Plant Lists

Find Native Plants by Zip Code

By Gina Southern-Monson

Founder of Vessel Kitchen Gardens.