AnnualCleome
Cleome hassleriana
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 3-6 feet × 1-2 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
Annual
VineClimbing Aster
Ampelaster carolinianus
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 6-12 feet × 2-5 feet
VineClimbing Rose
Rosa hybrida
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 8-20 feet × 4-8 feet
ShrubCoastal Rosemary
Westringia fruticosa
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 4-6 feet × 5-8 feet
PerennialCoastalplain Palafox
Palafoxia integrifolia
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 3-5 feet × 2-4 feet
PerennialCommon Mallow
Malva sylvestris
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 2-4 feet × 2-3 feet
VineConfederate Jasmine
Trachelospermum jasminoides
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 10-20 feet × 3-6 feet
CycadCoontie
Zamia pumila
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-3 feet × 2-4 feet
ShrubCoral Bean
Erythrina herbacea
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 5-10 feet (shrub in north FL, dying to roots each winter and resprouting; tree form only in frost-free south FL) × 6-10 feet
PerennialCoral Bells
Heuchera
- Light
- Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 1-2 feet × 1-2 feet
VineCoral Honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 10-20 feet long (climbing vine) × 3-6 feet
AnnualCosmos
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low to Moderate
- Size
- 1-3 feet (C. sulphureus); up to 6 feet for C. bipinnatus × 2-3 feet (varies by cultivar)
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.
PerennialCottony Goldenaster
Chrysopsis gossypina
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-2 feet × 1-2 feet
AnnualCowpea
Vigna unguiculata
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-3 feet × 2-3 feet
TreeCrape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 3-30 feet × 6-25 feet (highly variable by cultivar)
GroundcoverCreeping Raspberry
Rubus hayata-koidzumii
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 0.5-1 feet × 3-6 feet
PerennialCrinum Lily
Crinum asiaticum
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 3-6 feet × 4-7 feet (clumps spread wider over time)
VineCross Vine
Bignonia capreolata
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 30-50 feet × 6-10 feet
PerennialCrossandra
Crossandra infundibuliformis
- Light
- Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 2-3 feet × 1-2 feet
AnnualCucumber
Cucumis sativus
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- High
- Size
- Vining types: 6-8 feet (trellised); bush types: 2-3 feet × 2-3 feet
ShrubCuphea
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 1-2 feet × 2-3 feet
AnnualDahlberg Daisy
Thymophylla tenuiloba
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 6-12 inches × 6-12 inches
PerennialDahlia
- Light
- Full Sun (with light afternoon shade in hottest months)
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 1-6 feet × 1-3 feet
TreeDahoon Holly
Ilex cassine
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- High
- Size
- 20-30 feet × 8-12 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.