Planting for Pollinators: Annuals, Perennials & a Garden That Gives Back

Simple choices that bring butterflies, bees, and beauty to your backyard

Planting with pollinators in mind is one of the most rewarding things a gardener can do. Not only are you supporting the local ecosystem, but you also get a show of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in your backyard.

Just this week, I was admiring the lavender I planted a couple years back. It has exploded with growth this year, and the tufts of purple are gorgeous. As I walked my garden, I noticed several bees and a couple butterflies happily hopping from bloom to bloom. There’s something so satisfying about creating a garden that you get to share with other creatures.

Whether you’re working with a big flowerbed or just a few containers near the kitchen door, there are plenty of annuals and perennials that invite pollinators to stop by and stay awhile.

Here’s a breakdown to help you get started:

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Perennials for Pollinators

Perennials form the backbone of a pollinator-friendly garden. Once established, they return year after year—growing fuller and more dependable over time.

Reliable Picks for Northwest Arkansas: 

• Echinacea (Coneflower)
  Native to much of the central and eastern U.S., these bold blooms are drought-tolerant, easy to grow, and adored by pollinators.
  
  
• Monarda (Bee Balm)
  Vibrant, fragrant flowers that attract hummingbirds and bees alike. Give them some space to breathe and they’ll reward you all summer.
  
  
• Catnip (Nepita)
  Soft, aromatic foliage and a haze of purple-blue blooms make Nepeta a favorite for edging and massing. It’s low-maintenance and thrives in heat and drought.

• Salvia
  These sun-lovers offer long-lasting blooms and draw everything from hummingbirds to bumblebees.
  
  
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
  Cheerful, golden-yellow flowers that add structure, color, and plenty of pollen through the heat of summer.
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• Bluebeard (Caryopteris)
  Bees and butterflies flock to this one. With aromatic foliage and clusters of vivid blue blooms, Caryopteris blooms from late summer into fall. It prefers full sun, well-drained soil, and minimal care.
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• Butterfly Bush
  Fast-growing and drought-tolerant once established, Butterfly Bush produces cone-shaped flower spikes in shades of purple, pink, or white. Plant it in full sun for the best bloom performance and to draw in butterflies all season long.

Annuals for Pollinators

Annuals are perfect for gardeners who like to refresh their spaces each spring. They bloom quickly, grow fast, and keep on giving until frost.

Reliable Picks for Northwest Arkansas: 

• Lantana
  Tough and colorful, lantana handles heat and drought with ease—ideal for containers or sunny borders.
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• Pentas
  Compact and full of nectar-rich blooms, pentas attract butterflies and hold up well in intense sun.
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• Zinnias
  Bold, bright, and low-maintenance, zinnias bloom nonstop and make great cut flowers, too.
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• Shrimp Plant
  With its quirky, shrimp-like blooms, this tropical annual adds texture and color to full-sun spots.
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• Bidens
  A cheerful spiller for containers, bidens offer masses of warm-colored blooms and thrive in summer heat.

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Tips to Make the Most of Your Pollinator Garden

• Group plants in clusters. This helps pollinators find them more easily and gather efficiently.
  
  
• Stagger bloom times. Include early-, mid-, and late-season bloomers so there’s always something in flower.
  
  
• Offer a water source. A shallow saucer with pebbles is all you need to give bees and butterflies a place to drink.
  
  

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A Garden That Hums with Life

There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing your garden isn’t just beautiful, it’s alive with purpose. The flicker of wings, the gentle hum of bees, the flash of a hummingbird at dusk—these are the details that make the work of gardening feel worthwhile.

You don’t need acres of space or years of experience. Just a few thoughtful plant choices can transform your outdoor space into a refuge—for both you and the pollinators that visit it.

And when that first butterfly flutters in and settles on a bloom you planted with intention? That’s a kind of joy only gardeners truly understand.

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