PerennialBaby's Breath
Gypsophila paniculata
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 2-3 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
Perennial
PerennialBacopa
Sutera cordata
- Light
- Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- High
- Size
- 4-8 inches × 12-24 inches (trailing)
ShrubBahama Coffee
Psychotria ligustrifolia
- Light
- Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 3-4 feet × 3-4 feet
PerennialBanana
Musa
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- High
- Size
- 6-20 feet × 6-10 feet
ShrubBanana Shrub
Magnolia figo
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 8-15 feet × 6-10 feet
HerbBasil
Ocimum basilicum
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 1-3 feet × 1-2 feet (varies by variety)
TreeBasswood
Tilia americana
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 50-80 feet × 35-50 feet
HerbBay Laurel
Laurus nobilis
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 10-20 feet × 4-8 feet (zone 9b typical size)
VineBeach Bean
Canavalia rosea
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 0.5-1.5 feet × 20-40 feet
ShrubBeach Elder
Iva imbricata
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 2-4 feet × 2-4 feet
VineBeach Morning Glory
Ipomoea imperati
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 4-8 inches × spreading up to 30 feet along ground
PerennialBeardtongue
Penstemon australis
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-3 feet × 1-2 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.
ShrubBeautyberry
Callicarpa americana
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 3-8 feet × 4-8 feet
AnnualBell Pepper
Capsicum annuum
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 18-36 inches × 18-24 inches
AnnualBidens
Bidens ferulifolia
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 8-12 inches × 10-24 inches (trailing)
AnnualBilly Buttons
Craspedia globosa
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low to Moderate
- Size
- 1-3 feet × 6-12 inches
AnnualBitter Sneezeweed
Helenium amarum
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-2 feet × 10-16 inches
PerennialBlack Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 2-3 feet × 2-3 feet
ShrubBlackberry
Rubus fruticosus
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 4-6 feet × 3-4 feet
PerennialBlanket Flower
Gaillardia pulchella
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-2 feet × 1-2 feet
PerennialBlazing Star
Liatris spicata
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 3-5 feet × 1-2 feet
VineBleeding Heart Vine
Clerodendrum thomsoniae
- Light
- Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 10-15 feet × 3-6 feet
GroundcoverBlue Daze
Evolvulus glomeratus
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 12-18 inches × 24 inches
PerennialBlue Mistflower
Conoclinium coelestinum
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 1.5-3 feet × 2-3 feet (spreading clumps)
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.