ShrubIndian Hawthorn
Rhaphiolepis indica
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low to Moderate
- Size
- 3-7 feet × 4-8 feet (varies by cultivar)
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
Shrub
ShrubIxora
Ixora coccinea
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 4-6 feet × 4-6 feet (varies by cultivar)
TreeJacaranda
Jacaranda mimosifolia
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 25-40 feet × 40-60 feet
TreeJapanese Blueberry Tree
Elaeocarpus decipiens
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 20-35 feet × 15-25 feet
PerennialJapanese Iris
Iris ensata
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- High
- Size
- 3-4 feet × 1-2 feet
ShrubJapanese Pieris
Pieris japonica
- Light
- Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 4-8 feet × 3-6 feet
ShrubJasmine
Jasminum
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 6-15 feet × 3-6 feet, varies by species and training
ShrubJatropha
Jatropha integerrima
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 8-15 feet × 6-10 feet
PerennialKangaroo Paw
Anigozanthos flavidus
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 2-5 feet × 2-4 feet
VineKiwi Vine
Actinidia deliciosa
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 15-30 feet × 10-15 feet
VineLady Banks Rose
Rosa banksiae
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 20-40 feet × 10-20 feet
GroundcoverLamb's Ear
Stachys byzantina
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 12-18 inches × 12-18 inches
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.
PerennialLanceleaf Coreopsis
Coreopsis lanceolata
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 1-3 feet × 1-2 feet
PerennialLantana
Lantana camara
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 2-4 feet × 3-5 feet (varies by species and cultivar)
PerennialLavender
Lavandula
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 12-24 inches × 12-24 inches (varies by species)
VineLavender Trumpet Vine
Clytostoma callistegioides
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 15-25 feet × 10-20 feet
HerbLemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
- Light
- Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 12-24 inches × 12-18 inches
Evergreen TreeLemon Eucalyptus
Corymbia citriodora
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low to Moderate
- Size
- 40-100 feet × 15-30 feet
HerbLemon Verbena
Aloysia triphylla
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 3-6 feet × 3-4 feet (can be pruned smaller)
ShrubLigustrum
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Size
- 8-15 feet × 8-12 feet - often smaller when pruned as hedge
PerennialLion's Tail
Leonotis leonurus
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Size
- 4-6 feet × 3-4 feet
PerennialLizard's Tail
Saururus cernuus
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- High
- Size
- 2-4 feet × 2-3 feet, spreading by rhizomes
TreeLoblolly Bay
Gordonia lasianthus
- Light
- Part Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- High
- Size
- 35-60 feet × 15-20 feet
PerennialLobster Claw
Heliconia rostrata
- Light
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water
- High
- Size
- 3-6 feet × 3-4 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.