ShrubTexas Sage
Leucophyllum frutescens
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 4-6 feet × 4-5 feet (naturally compact)
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
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Pollinator Friendly Plants
Shrub
PerennialThoroughwort
Eupatorium rotundifolium
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 3-4 feet × 2-4 feet
ShrubThryallis
Galphimia gracilis
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 5-9 feet × 4-6 feet
HerbThyme
Thymus vulgaris
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 0.5-1 feet × 0.5-1 feet
AnnualTomato
Solanum lycopersicum
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 3-8 feet × 2-4 feet
TreeTree Jasmine
Radermachera ignea
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 20-40 feet × 10-20 feet
TreeTropical Hydrangea
Dombeya wallichii
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 10-20 feet × 10-20 feet
TreeTupelo
Nyssa sylvatica
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate to High
- Size
- 30-60 feet × 20-30 feet
ShrubTurk's Cap
Malvaviscus arboreus
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 5-10 feet × 5-10 feet
GroundcoverTwinflower
Dyschoriste oblongifolia
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 0.5-1 feet × 1-2 feet
HouseplantUmbrella Tree
Schefflera actinophylla
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 25-40 feet × 15-25 feet
AnnualVerbena
Glandularia ×hybrida
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 8-12 inches × 12-24 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.
ShrubViburnum
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 4-20 feet × 4-15 feet
PerennialWall Germander
Teucrium chamaedrys
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-2 feet × 1-2 feet
GroundcoverWater Hyssop
Bacopa monnieri
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- High
- Size
- 4-6 inches × spreads 12-18+ inches
ShrubWax Myrtle
Morella cerifera
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Low to Moderate
- Size
- 10-20 feet × 10-20 feet
ShrubWild Coffee
Psychotria nervosa
- Light
- Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 4-10 feet × 4-8 feet
AnnualWild Leek
Allium ampeloprasum
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 12-24 inches × 6-12 inches
TreeWild Lime
Zanthoxylum fagara
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 15-25 feet × 15-20 feet
AnnualWild Poinsettia
Euphorbia cyathophora
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 2-3.5 feet × 1-2 feet
HerbWinter Savory
Satureja montana
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-1.5 feet × 1-2 feet
AnnualWishbone Flower
Torenia fournieri
- Light
- Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 0.5-1 feet × 0.5-1 feet
PerennialYarrow
Achillea millefolium
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-3 feet × 1-2 feet (varies by cultivar)
ShrubYaupon Holly
Ilex vomitoria
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 15-25 feet × 15-25 feet
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.