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Pollinator Gardens · Zone 9b

Bring Your Garden to
Life with Pollinators

Transform your St. Augustine garden into a buzzing haven for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Discover the best pollinator-friendly plants for Northeast Florida's Zone 9b climate.

Browse Pollinator PlantsGarden Design Ideas
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Why Pollinators Matter in Northeast Florida

Pollinators aren't just beautiful. They're essential to our local ecosystem and food supply.

1 in 3 Bites

Of food depends on pollinators. Without bees and butterflies, we'd lose tomatoes, squash, blueberries, and more.

Native Species at Risk

Northeast Florida is home to unique butterflies like the Atala and Zebra Longwing (Florida's state butterfly).

Backyard Impact

Your garden can provide crucial habitat. Every yard becomes a pollinator highway connecting green spaces.

Native First

Native plants are 4x more effective at attracting pollinators than non-natives. Our local bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds have adapted to native flowers over thousands of years.

Many native plants also serve as host plants where butterflies lay eggs and caterpillars feed. Beautyberry, Coontie, and Passionflower are critical for specific butterfly species found only in Florida.

Meet Your Garden Visitors

Different pollinators are attracted to different plants. Here's who to expect in Northeast Florida:

Native Bees

Over 300 native bee species live in Florida! Unlike honeybees, many are solitary (bumblebees, carpenter bees, sweat bees). They prefer blue, purple, and yellow flowers.

Best plants: Salvia, Coreopsis, Blanket Flower, Sunflowers, Pentas

Butterflies

Northeast Florida is a butterfly hotspot with species like Zebra Longwing, Gulf Fritillary, Monarch, and the rare Atala butterfly. Butterflies need both nectar plants (for adults) and host plants (for caterpillars).

Nectar plants: Lantana, Pentas, Milkweed, Firebush | Host plants: Coontie, Passionflower, Milkweed

Hummingbirds

Ruby-throated hummingbirds visit St. Augustine and Northeast Florida spring through fall. They're attracted to tubular red, orange, and pink flowers.

Best plants: Firebush, Coral Honeysuckle, Salvia, Trumpet Vine, Turk's Cap

Plant Finder

Find Your Perfect Pollinator Plant

Browse our full collection of pollinator-friendly plants available at the nursery.

Showing 517 of 517 plants

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Mandevilla (Mandevilla sanderi), VineVine

Mandevilla

Mandevilla sanderi

Light
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Size
3-10 feet × 3-5 feet

Non-toxic to dogs and cats

Viburnum, ShrubShrub

Viburnum

Light
Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade
Water
Moderate
Size
4-20 feet × 4-15 feet

Non-toxic to dogs and cats

Encore Azalea, ShrubShrub

Encore Azalea

Light
Part Sun (morning sun, afternoon shade preferred)
Water
Moderate
Size
2-5 feet, varies by cultivar × 3-5 feet (varies by cultivar)

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Senna, ShrubShrub

Senna

Light
Full Sun
Water
Low to Moderate
Size
4-20 feet × 4-15 feet

not on file, check before planting where pets chew

Critical Butterfly Host Plants

These natives are where butterflies lay eggs and caterpillars feed. Essential for butterfly life cycles!

Coontie (Zamia)

Host for the rare Atala butterfly, found only in Florida

Endangered species support

Passionflower Vine

Host for Zebra Longwing (FL state butterfly) and Gulf Fritillary

State butterfly host

Milkweed (Asclepias)

ONLY host plant for Monarch butterflies

Essential for Monarchs

Pollinator Garden Design Ideas

Create an irresistible habitat with these proven design strategies

1. Plant in Drifts

Group 3-5 plants of the same species together. Pollinators are attracted to "masses" of color, not scattered single plants.

Example: 5 Pentas together > 5 different plants

2. Bloom Succession

Choose plants that bloom at different times to provide food spring through fall (or year-round in Zone 9b).

Mix early (Salvia), mid (Lantana), late (Firebush)

3. Layer Heights

Create a "buffet" with groundcovers (6-12"), perennials (1-3'), and shrubs (3-6'). Provides shelter and food at multiple levels.

Bottom: Gaillardia → Middle: Pentas → Back: Firebush

4. Add Water

Butterflies need shallow water sources ("puddling"). A simple saucer with pebbles and water works perfectly.

Refresh water every 2-3 days

Sample "Pollinator Paradise" Garden Bed

6' x 10' full-sun bed for Northeast Florida

Back Row (Shrubs): 3 Firebush (hummingbirds) + 2 Beautyberry (bees, birds)

Middle Row (Tall Perennials): 5 Pentas (mixed colors) + 3 Salvia

Front Row (Low Perennials): 7 Gaillardia + 5 Coreopsis

Edge (Groundcover): 3 Lantana (trailing variety)

Year-round blooms · Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds · Heat-tolerant · Minimal water once established

When Do They Bloom?

Plan for continuous nectar availability throughout the year

Spring (Mar to May)

  • • Coreopsis
  • • Black-Eyed Susan
  • • Gaillardia
  • • Salvia
  • • Pentas

Summer (Jun to Aug)

  • • Firebush
  • • Lantana
  • • Pentas
  • • Zinnias
  • • Sunflowers

Fall (Sep to Nov)

  • • Firebush
  • • Salvia
  • • Beautyberry (berries)
  • • Lantana
  • • Gaillardia

Winter (Dec to Feb)

  • • Firebush (Zone 9b)
  • • Pentas (mild winters)
  • • Snapdragons
  • • Pansies
  • • Alyssum

Pollinator Garden Care Tips

Help your garden thrive while supporting local pollinators

Skip the Pesticides

Pesticides kill beneficial insects along with pests. Use organic methods like hand-picking, insecticidal soap, or neem oil only when absolutely necessary.

Avoid Deadheading Everything

Leave some spent flowers to go to seed. Goldfinches and other birds feed on seedheads in fall/winter. Plus, perennials may self-sow!

Leave the Leaves (Sometimes)

Many native bees overwinter in hollow plant stems or leaf litter. Leave a "messy" corner of your garden undisturbed through winter.

Water During Establishment

Once established, most native pollinator plants are drought-tolerant. But water regularly for the first 6-12 months while roots develop.

Frequently Asked 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.

See All FAQs

Ready to Create Your Pollinator Garden?

Visit Southern Horticulture for expert advice and the best selection of pollinator-friendly plants in Northeast Florida.

Shop Pollinator Plants(904) 471-0440