Evergreen TreePersian Lime
Citrus latifolia
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 15-20 feet × 10-15 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
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Pollinator Friendly Plants
Evergreen TreeShrubPiedmont Azalea
Rhododendron canescens
- Light
- Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 8-12 feet × 6-10 feet
CactusPincushion Cactus
Mammillaria
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 2-12 inches × 2-12 inches
AnnualPincushion Flower
Scabiosa atropurpurea
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 24-36 in × 12-18 in
TreePurple Leaf Plum
Prunus cerasifera
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 15-20 feet × 15-20 feet
GrassPurple Top Grass
Tridens flavus
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 3-5 feet × 2-3 feet
ShrubQuailberry
Crossopetalum ilicifolium
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 0.5-1 foot (typically 6-12 inches) × 1-3 feet
PerennialRed Yucca
Hesperaloe parviflora
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 3-5 feet × 4-6 feet
TreeRedbud
Cercis canadensis
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade (afternoon shade recommended in NE FL)
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 20-30 feet × 20-25 feet
TreeRobin Holly
Ilex attenuata
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 15-20 feet × 8-12 feet
ShrubRockrose
Cistus hybridus
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 3-4 feet × 5-6 feet
ShrubRoselle
Hibiscus sabdariffa
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 5-7 feet × 3-4 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.
Royal Catchfly
Silene regia
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low to Moderate
- Size
- 2-4 ft × 1-2 ft
PerennialRussian Sage
Salvia yangii
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 3-5 feet × 3-4 feet
PerennialRustweed
Polypremum procumbens
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 2-6 inches × 6-12 inches
ShrubSaltbush
Baccharis halimifolia
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Low to Moderate
- Size
- 5-12 feet × 4-8 feet
TreeSand Live Oak
Quercus geminata
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 20-50 feet × 20-50 feet
ShrubSasanqua Camellia
Camellia sasanqua
- Light
- Part Sun, Full Sun (with afternoon shade protection)
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 4-15 feet × 6-10 feet
Saxifrage
Saxifraga
- Light
- Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 0.5-1.5 ft × 0.5-1.5 ft
Scallion / Bunching Onion
Allium fistulosum
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 12-18 in × 6-9 in
PerennialScarlet Rosemallow
Hibiscus coccineus
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- High
- Size
- 4-8 feet × 3-4 feet
PerennialScorpion Tail
Heliotropium angiospermum
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Low to Moderate
- Size
- 1-3 feet × 2-3 feet
PerennialSea Oxeye Daisy
Borrichia frutescens
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low to Moderate
- Size
- 2-4 feet × 2-3 feet
TreeServiceberry
Amelanchier arborea
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 15-25 feet × 15-20 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.