Transform a Thriving Habitat for Pollinating Creatures with These 6 Indigenous Flowering Shrubs
Top Native Shrubs for Pollinators in North America
In an effort to support local wildlife and food production, gardening a pollinator garden has become increasingly popular. Here are six native flowering shrubs that provide essential nectar and pollen across seasons, attracting a wide range of pollinators.
- Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum) A tall perennial reaching 3–7 feet, Joe-Pye Weed boasts large dome-shaped clusters of pink to mauve flowers that bloom mid to late summer. This plant is an important late-season nectar source, attracting butterflies like monarchs, swallowtails, fritillaries, and many bees. Prefering moist soil, Joe-Pye Weed is adaptable to various conditions.
- Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) An early-season bloomer, Red Columbine provides colour in spring and is loved by hummingbirds and columbine duskywing butterflies. Suitable for shadier areas, it supports bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
- Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) A valuable early nectar and pollen source, Foxglove Beardtongue is favoured by native bees. Its white tubular flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and grow well in full sun to partial shade. Foxglove Beardtongue is great for native bee habitat.
- Coral Bells (Heuchera species) A mounding shrub-like perennial, 1.5 to 2 feet tall, Coral Bells boast bell-shaped flowers blooming in spring, rich in nectar. Attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, Coral Bells also offer ornamental value with foliage that can vary from green to red to purple.
- Bee Balm (Monarda spp.) A native, spreading shrub up to 3 feet tall, Bee Balm is a favourite among pollinators. Its tubular, bright red, pink, or purple flowers bloom in summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Bee Balm supports a diverse range of pollinators throughout summer and fall.
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) An upright perennial shrub-like plant, 2 to 4 feet tall, Purple Coneflower offers large daisy-like flowers with raised centers that bloom summer to fall. Nectar-rich, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and also supports seed-eating birds in late season.
In addition to these top six shrubs, there are other native options that benefit pollinators, such as Serviceberry, Rubber Rabbitbrush, Common Buttonbush, Summersweet, and Apache Plume. Each of these native shrubs provides essential nectar and pollen across seasons, ensuring continuous support for pollinator populations. By incorporating these native shrubs into your garden, you can create a visually appealing and pollinator-friendly space.
In a home-and-garden setup inspired by native ecosystems, intending to support local wildlife, consider growing shrubs that cater to pollinators. Aside from Joe-Pye Weed, Red Columbine, Foxglove Beardtongue, Coral Bells, Bee Balm, and Purple Coneflower, other options include Serviceberry, Rubber Rabbitbrush, Common Buttonbush, Summersweet, and Apache Plume. These lifestyle choices enrich your home-and-garden with vibrant colors, while ensuring continuous food sources for pollinators, fostering a harmonious home-and-garden-gardening balance.
