Perennials Pollinators Love! 🐝🌸
Pollinator Week is one of our favorite times of the season! Not only is it a chance to celebrate the hardworking bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial creatures in our gardens — it's also the perfect time to plant with a purpose.
Pollinators are essential to healthy gardens, vibrant ecosystems, and even the food we eat. In fact, over 75% of flowering plants and about 35% of our crops depend on pollinators to grow and reproduce. That means every time you plant something pollinator-friendly, you’re helping ensure a thriving, colorful, and more sustainable world.
Why Perennials for Pollinators?
Perennials are a fantastic way to support pollinators in your garden year after year. They come back stronger each season, provide long-lasting blooms, and many are specifically adapted to attract and nourish our pollinating friends. Plus, they offer a beautiful backbone for your garden’s design.
Here are some pollinator-loved perennials that thrive in Wisconsin:
🌿 Coneflower (Echinacea)
Why pollinators love it: Bold, nectar-rich blooms that last from mid-summer to fall.
Bonus: Birds love the seed heads in winter, so skip the deadheading!
🌿 Bee Balm (Monarda)
Why pollinators love it: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds can’t resist the colorful, spiky flowers.
Bonus: It’s deer-resistant and smells amazing.
🌿 Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Why pollinators love it: This cheerful classic is a butterfly magnet.
Bonus: Very low maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.
🌿 Milkweed (Asclepias)
Why pollinators love it: It's the host plant for monarch butterflies.
Bonus: Gorgeous clusters of flowers and a key player in butterfly conservation.
🌿 Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Why pollinators love it: Loads of tiny purple blooms packed with nectar.
Bonus: Silver foliage adds texture and it thrives in sunny spots.
🌿 Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium)
Why pollinators love it: Bees and butterflies flock to its massive pink blooms.
Bonus: Adds height and drama to rain gardens or wildflower beds.
🌿 Blazing Star (Liatris)
Why pollinators love it: Its upright purple blooms are a butterfly buffet.
Bonus: Great cut flower and easy to grow in sunny beds.
Tips to Make Your Garden a Pollinator Paradise:
Plant in groups for better visibility and access.
Aim for blooms spring through fall to support pollinators all season.
Skip the pesticides. Even natural ones can harm pollinators.
Add water! A shallow dish with pebbles gives them a place to rest and rehydrate.
Let’s Grow a Better World Together
We’re stocked with native and pollinator-friendly perennials, ready to plant now! Stop by during Pollinator Week and discover plants that not only beautify your yard, but also help our ecosystem thrive. Whether you’re building a new butterfly garden or just want to tuck a few bee favorites into your beds, we’re here to help.
🌼 Plant for pollinators. Plant for beauty. Plant for tomorrow. 🌼