PerennialYellowtop
Flaveria linearis
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 2-3 feet × 3-4 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.
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517 plants found
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Pollinator Friendly Plants
Perennial
AnnualZinnia
Zinnia violacea
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 6 inches to 3 feet (varies by cultivar) × 6-12 inches
Arugula
Eruca vesicaria
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 12–18 in × 6–12 in
Fruit TreeAsian Pear
Pyrus pyrifolia
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 15-30 feet × 15-25 feet
Avens
Geum
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade (afternoon shade essential in zone 9b)
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 12-24 in × 12-18 in
Bachelor's Button
Centaurea cyanus
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-3 ft × 0.5-1 ft
Baneberry
Actaea
- Light
- Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 3-6 ft × 2-4 ft
GroundcoverBeach Tea
Croton punctatus
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-3 feet × 3-4 feet
ShrubBeaked Yucca
Yucca thompsoniana
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 10-15 feet × 3-5 feet
PerennialBelize Sage
Salvia miniata
- Light
- Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 3-4 feet × 2-3 feet
PerennialBellflower
Campanula
- Light
- Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 0.5-3 feet × 1-2 feet
Bells of Ireland
Moluccella laevis
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 2-3 ft × 1 ft
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.
Bishop's Lace
Ammi majus
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 3-4 ft × 1-2 ft
PerennialBlackberry Lily
Belamcanda chinensis
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Low to Moderate
- Size
- 2-3 feet × 1 foot
TreeBluejack Oak
Quercus incana
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 15-30 feet × 15-25 feet
Boltonia
Boltonia asteroides
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate to High
- Size
- 3-6 feet × 2-3 ft
Butterfly Ginger
Hedychium coronarium
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- High
- Size
- 4-8 feet × 4-6 feet
ShrubButtonsage
Lantana involucrata
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 3-5 feet × 1-5 feet
PerennialCalamint
Calamintha nepeta
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-2 feet × 1-2 feet
California Lilac
Ceanothus
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 2-12 ft × 4-10 ft
Candytuft
Iberis sempervirens
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 6-12 in × 12-24 in
Cardinal Climber
Ipomoea multifida
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 10-15 ft × 1-2 ft
Cardoon
Cynara cardunculus
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 5-8 ft (flower stalks to 8 ft; foliage clump 4-5 ft) × 4-6 ft
Catmint
Nepeta faassenii
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade (afternoon shade beneficial in NE FL heat)
- Water
- Low-Moderate
- Size
- 1–2 ft × 1–2 ft
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.