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If you want to bring life into your garden, the best trees & shrubs for pollinators can really make a difference. I remember one summer, my backyard was just buzzing—literally—with bees and butterflies, all thanks to a few well-chosen trees and shrubs for pollinators. These plants not only add beauty, they attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds like nothing else.
Choosing the best trees and shrubs for pollinators, it help your yard thrive and support the environment too. The more you plant the best trees & shrubs for pollinators, the more you’ll see how nature rewards you back.
The best trees and shrubs for pollinators don’t just stand there and look pretty—they gives food and shelter to pollinating friends all season long. Because pollinators need nectar sources throughout the year, the right mix of trees and shrubs for pollinators is what keeps them coming.
It blooms, they visit. It fruits, they stay. And while not every plant works the same, the best trees & shrubs for pollinators always bring balance to a healthy garden. There’s a lot you can grow, but not all of it help the bees thrive like the best trees and shrubs for pollinators do.
Table of Contents
Lavender
Lavender is a fantastic choice for pollinators, attracting bees with its fragrant blooms. This hardy plant thrives in sunny spots and adds a lovely pop of color to any garden. Not only does it look great, but it also helps support our buzzing friends!
Butterfly Bush
The Butterfly Bush is a favorite for attracting pollinators. Its vibrant blossoms bloom all summer, providing a feast for butterflies and bees alike. Plant one in your garden, and you’ll enjoy nature’s delightful visitors all season long!
Bee Balm
Bee balm is a stunning flower that attracts a variety of pollinators. Its vibrant colors and sweet aroma make it a favorite among bees and butterflies. Planting bee balm not only beautifies your garden but also supports local wildlife.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are vibrant blooms that attract bees and butterflies with their colorful petals. These hardy plants are perfect for gardens and provide plenty of nectar for pollinators throughout the summer. Enjoy their beauty while supporting essential wildlife in your backyard!
Black-Eyed Susan
Black-Eyed Susans are lovely flowers that bring a splash of yellow to your garden. They’re not just pretty; they attract bees and other pollinators, making them a great choice for supporting local wildlife. Plus, they’re easy to grow and can thrive in various conditions, ensuring a vibrant display all summer long.
Milkweed
Milkweed is a fantastic plant for pollinators, especially monarch butterflies. It produces beautiful flowers that attract these stunning insects, providing them with nectar and a place to lay their eggs. Growing milkweed in your garden can create a vibrant habitat that supports local wildlife.
Serviceberry
Serviceberry is a fantastic choice for attracting pollinators. Its beautiful white flowers bloom in early spring, providing an essential food source for bees and other insects. Plus, the tasty berries that follow are a treat for both wildlife and humans!
Spicebush
Spicebush is a fantastic choice for pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies with its bright yellow flowers. This shrub not only adds beauty to your garden, but also provides a habitat for various wildlife. Plus, its aromatic leaves can give your landscape a unique scent!
Joe-Pye Weed
Joe-Pye Weed is a stunning addition to any garden, attracting lots of butterflies and bees. Its tall, colorful blooms not only look great but also provide essential nectar for pollinators. This hardy plant thrives in moist soil and can be a delightful focal point in your landscape.
Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia)
Summersweet is a delightful shrub that offers stunning white flowers in mid-summer. These blooms attract a variety of pollinators, making your garden buzz with life. Plus, its lovely fragrance fills the air, creating a cheerful space to enjoy.
Bluebeard (Caryopteris)
Bluebeard, or Caryopteris, is a fantastic choice for attracting pollinators. Its stunning blue flowers bloom late in the summer, providing a vital food source for bees and butterflies. Plus, it’s super easy to care for, making it perfect for both seasoned gardeners and newcomers.
New Jersey Tea
New Jersey Tea is a fantastic choice for attracting pollinators. Its white flowers bloom in clusters, providing a vibrant display that bees and butterflies love. This hardy plant thrives in various soils and adds beauty to any garden.
Chokecherry
Chokecherries are not only beautiful but also a favorite for many pollinators. Their lovely white flowers attract bees, making them a great addition to any garden. Plus, the fruit is a tasty treat for both wildlife and humans alike!
Ninebark
Ninebark is a fantastic choice for gardens wanting to attract pollinators. Its lovely flowers bloom in spring, bringing in bees and butterflies. Plus, the vibrant foliage adds a splash of color all year round!
Salvia
Salvia, often called sage, is a fantastic choice for attracting pollinators. Its vibrant flowers bloom in a variety of colors, drawing in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds alike. Plus, it’s easy to grow and makes any garden look lively!
Elderberry
Elderberry is a fantastic choice for any garden. Its beautiful clusters of flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making it a busy spot in your yard. Plus, the berries can be used in syrups and jams, giving you tasty treats for your kitchen!
Holly (Female)
Female hollies are a fantastic choice for pollinators. Their bright red berries attract birds and other wildlife, making your garden lively. Plus, they add a splash of color during the colder months!
Virginia Sweetspire
Virginia Sweetspire is a charming addition to any garden, offering lovely white flowers that attract various pollinators. These fragrant blooms appear in late spring and early summer, creating a buzz of activity among bees and butterflies. With its easy care requirements and beautiful foliage, it’s a perfect choice for boosting your garden’s pollinator-friendly appeal.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a cheerful addition to any garden, bursting with bright yellow flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. It’s not just pretty; this hardy plant is also drought-resistant and easy to care for. With its long-lasting blooms, yarrow will keep your garden buzzing with life all season long!
Blazing Star (Liatris)
Blazing Star, or Liatris, is a stunning choice for attracting pollinators. Its tall, purple spikes not only look amazing in your garden, but they also draw in butterflies and bees with ease. Plant them in sunny spots for the best blooms and a lively atmosphere!
Fothergilla
Fothergilla is a delightful shrub that brings beauty and life to any garden. Its fragrant, white flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making it a great choice for your landscape. With stunning fall foliage, it not only supports wildlife but also looks fabulous year-round.
