Top 5 Perennial Pollinators

Top 5 Perennial Pollinators

National Pollinator Week, June 16th–22nd, 2025, is the perfect time to celebrate and support the hardworking pollinators that help our gardens and ecosystems thrive. One simple and rewarding way to lend a hand is by planting perennials that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. To inspire your garden this season, we’ve rounded up our Top 5 Perennial Picks that are sure to bring your yard to life and keep your local pollinators happy!

Echinacea (Coneflower)

Loved by many, the Echinacea perennial is know for its classic daisy-like blooms. It comes in a wide range of heights an an impressive spectrum of colors – including pinks, yellows, oranges, and reds, and even multicolored varieties!

Thanks to their open flower shape, Echinacea produces an abundance of nectar and pollen that our pollinator friends love!

Achillea (Yarrow)

Yarrow is a resilient and drought tolerant perennial that makes a great pollinator, it has an easy landing surface to not only the bees and butterflies, but also to some moths and butterfly caterpillars. Another advantage is it can be used fresh or dried in flower arrangements and has a pleasant fragrance.

Penstemon

A top choice for our beautiful hummingbirds, Penstemon features tubular flowers that makes it easy to collect nectar with their beaks, you will certainly want this in your flower bed! With vibrant flowers in shades of purple that fade into blue tips—along with stunning red and pink varieties—Penstemon brings bold color to any garden. Its extended blooming season means you’ll enjoy watching hummingbirds visit your flower bed all summer long!

Phlox

With its sweet fragrance and eye-catching blooms, Tall Phlox is a favorite among honeybees, who flock to its rich supply of nectar and pollen. Planting them in clusters not only enhances their visual impact but also makes them even more attractive to pollinators. And honestly, with their stunning colors and charm—why wouldn’t you want a whole patch of them?

Gaillardia

The one that does it all! A true multitasker in the garden, Gaillardia is a favorite among pollinators and birds alike. Its cheerful blooms—bright yellow petals with fiery red or orange centers—resemble miniature sunflowers and are irresistible to bees and butterflies. Even after the flowers fade, the seed heads serve as a valuable food source for birds. With its beauty and versatility, Gaillardia is a must-have for any pollinator-friendly garden.