Fruit TreeLoquat
Eriobotrya japonica
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 15-25 feet × 15-20 feet
Plant Collection
PollinatorFriendly
Nectar-rich bloomers and host plants that keep butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds coming back through the season.
Nectar-rich. All season.
Read pollinator guideBrowse the collection
517 plants found
Narrow it down
Pollinator Friendly Plants
Fruit Tree
ShrubLoropetalum
Loropetalum chinense
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 6-15 feet × 6-10 feet
PerennialLyreleaf Salvia
Salvia lyrata
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-2 feet × 1-1.5 feet
TreeMagnolia
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 15-80 feet × 10-40 feet
Fruit TreeMandarin
Citrus reticulata
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 8-15 feet × 8-12 feet
VineMandevilla
Mandevilla sanderi
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 3-10 feet × 3-5 feet
AnnualMarigold
Tagetes
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 6 inches to 3 feet × 6-24 inches (varies by type)
HerbMarjoram
Origanum majorana
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 12-18 inches × 8-12 inches
VineMaypop
Passiflora incarnata
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low to Moderate
- Size
- 10-20 feet long (vine) × 6-10 feet
GroundcoverMecardonia
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water
- Moderate to High
- Size
- 3-6 inches × 12-18 inches
PerennialMexican Bush Sage
Salvia leucantha
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low to Moderate
- Size
- 3-5 feet × 3-5 feet
PerennialMexican Petunia
Ruellia caerulea
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 3-4 feet × 3-4 feet (dwarf cultivars 10-18 inches)
Build a living garden
A pollinator planting works best when it mixes nectar flowers, host plants, shelter, and staggered bloom times. Start with a few reliable species, then layer in color as the garden matures.
HerbMint
Mentha
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- High
- Size
- 12-24 inches × 12-24 inches
PerennialMona Lavender
- Light
- Part Shade, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 1-2 feet × 1-2 feet
TreeMoringa
Moringa oleifera
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low to Moderate
- Size
- 10-20 feet × 10-15 feet
VineMorning Glory
Ipomoea purpurea
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 6-10 feet × 3-6 feet
GrassMuhly Grass
Muhlenbergia capillaris
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 2-3 feet (foliage clump); flower stalks reach 4-5 feet × 2-3 feet
ShrubNandina
Nandina domestica
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 4-10 feet (species can reach 10 feet; dwarf cultivars 18 inches to 3 feet) × 2-4 feet (species); dwarf cultivars 1-3 feet
PerennialNarrowleaf Blue-eyed Grass
Sisyrinchium angustifolium
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 0.5-2 feet × 0.5-2 feet
AnnualNasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 12-18 inches × 12-18 inches ; trailing types: 6-8 feet long
ShrubNatal Plum
Carissa macrocarpa
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 5-7 feet × 5-8 feet ; dwarf varieties: 2-4 feet tall
ShrubNecklace Pod
Sophora tomentosa
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 6-10 feet × 4-8 feet
Fruit TreeNectarine
Prunus persica var. nucipersica
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 10-20 feet × 10-15 feet
AnnualNemesia
Nemesia fruticans
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 8-12 inches × 8-10 inches
Pollinator Friendly Questions
What makes a plant pollinator friendly?+
Pollinator-friendly plants provide nectar, pollen, host foliage, shelter, or seasonal bloom that supports bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects.
How many pollinator plants should I start with?+
Start with three to five reliable species and plant them in visible groups so pollinators can find flowers easily.
Do pollinator plants need full sun?+
Many heavy-blooming pollinator plants prefer full sun, but shade gardens can still support pollinators with the right native and Florida-Friendly selections.
When should I plant a pollinator garden in St. Augustine?+
Spring and fall are great windows in Zone 9b, and our mild winters mean something can bloom for pollinators in most months when you mix species.
Will a pollinator garden bring bees close to my house?+
It can draw bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, though most stay focused on the flowers. You can site the busiest blooms away from doorways and patios.
What are the best plants for hummingbirds in Florida?+
Hummingbirds favor tubular, nectar-rich blooms. In Zone 9b, firebush, firespike, coral honeysuckle, salvia, and cape honeysuckle are reliable draws. Plant them in groups with a sequence of bloom so nectar is available across the warm months.