PerennialGiant Apostle's Iris
Neomarica caerulea
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 3-4 feet × 2-3 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
PerennialPerennialGiant Ironweed
Vernonia gigantea
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate to High
- Size
- 3-10 feet × 2-4 feet
PerennialGolden Alexanders
Zizia aurea
- Light
- Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 1-3 feet × 1-2 feet
TreeGolden Trumpet Tree
Handroanthus chrysotrichus
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 25-35 feet × 25-35 feet
Gray-headed Coneflower
Ratibida pinnata
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 3–5 ft × 1–2 ft
Greek Oregano
Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 12-18 in × 12-18 in
Grevillea
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 3-20 ft × 4-15 ft
Guava
Psidium guajava
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 15-25 ft × 15-25 ft
PerennialHalberdleaf Rosemallow
Hibiscus laevis
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- High
- Size
- 4-6 feet × 3-4 feet
PerennialHammock Snakeroot
Ageratina jucunda
- Light
- Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 2-3 feet × 2-3 feet
Hardy Plumbago
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 6-12 inches × 12-18 inches
TreeHazel Alder
Alnus serrulata
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- High
- Size
- 5-30 feet × 5-10 feet
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.
Hebe
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 1-5 ft × 2-4 ft
Hummingbird Mint
Agastache
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 2-4 ft × 1-2 ft
GrassIndian Grass
Sorghastrum nutans
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 3-5 feet × 1-2 feet
Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley
Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate to High
- Size
- 12-18 in × 9-12 in
Jacob's Ladder
Polemonium caeruleum
- Light
- Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 18-24 in × 12-18 in
TreeJamaican Caper
Capparis cynophallophora
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 6-20 feet × 8-12 feet
Jasmine Tobacco
Nicotiana alata
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 2-4 ft × 1-2 ft
Fruit TreeKumquat
Citrus japonica
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 8-15 feet × 6-10 feet
Larkspur
Consolida ajacis
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 24-48 in × 6-12 in
Leek
Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 18-24 in × 6-9 in
Evergreen TreeLemon
Citrus ×limon
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 15-20 feet × 12-15 feet
ShrubLeucadendron
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 4-6 feet × 4-6 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.