PerennialGarden Phlox
Phlox paniculata
- Light
- Part Shade, Full Sun (Part Shade preferred; Full Sun with afternoon shade)
- Water
- Moderate to High
- Size
- 2-4 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
Perennial
PerennialGaura
Oenothera lindheimeri
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 2-4 feet × 1-2 feet
PerennialGazania
Gazania rigens
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 0.5-1 feet × 1-2 feet
PerennialGerbera Daisy
Gerbera jamesonii
- Light
- Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 1-1.5 feet × 1-1.5 feet
HerbGerman Chamomile
Matricaria recutita
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low to Moderate
- Size
- 8–24 in × 6–12 in
VineGlorybower
Clerodendrum
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 10-15 feet × 10-20 feet
GroundcoverGolden Creeper
Ernodea littoralis
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-2 feet × 3-6 feet
ShrubGolden Dewdrop
Duranta erecta
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 10-18 feet × 10-15 feet
TreeGolden Rain Tree
Koelreuteria paniculata
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 30-40 feet × 30-40 feet
PerennialGoldenrod
Solidago
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 2-5 feet × 2-3 feet
AnnualGomphrena
Gomphrena globosa
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-2 feet × 1-1.5 feet
GroundcoverGopher Apple
Licania michauxii
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 0.5-1 feet × 6-10 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.
Fruit TreeGrapefruit
Citrus paradisi
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 15-20 feet × 10-15 feet
ShrubGrayleaf Teabush
Melochia tomentosa
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 6-10 feet × 6-8 feet (smaller with pruning)
GroundcoverGreen and Gold
Chrysogonum virginianum
- Light
- Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 0.25-0.5 feet × 1-2 feet
PerennialGreen Eyes
Berlandiera subacaulis
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-1.5 feet × 1-2 feet
PerennialGround Cherry
Physalis grisea
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 1.5-2.5 feet × 2-3 feet
PerennialHardy Hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- High
- Size
- 3-7 feet × 3-5 feet
AnnualHeliotrope
Heliotropium arborescens
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate-High
- Size
- 1-3 feet × 1-2 feet
PerennialHollyhock
Alcea
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 4-8 feet × 2-3 feet
PerennialHosta
- Light
- Part Shade
- Water
- High
- Size
- 6 inches to 3 feet × 1-4 feet (varies dramatically by cultivar)
HouseplantHoya
- Light
- Part Shade
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 2-6 feet long (trailing/climbing vine) × 1-3 feet
ShrubHydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla
- Light
- Part Shade (morning sun, afternoon shade)
- Water
- Moderate to High
- Size
- 3-8 feet × 3-8 feet (varies greatly by species)
SucculentIce Plant
Delosperma cooperi
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 0.25-0.5 feet × 1-2 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.