15 Plants that Attract Wildlife to Your Garden
Top 15 Pollinator-Friendly Perennials for a Thriving Wildlife Habitat
A thriving habitat for local wildlife can be created in your garden by growing pollinator-friendly perennials. Bonnie Ferrero, a renowned gardening expert, has highlighted a list of perennials that attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity and ecological health.
- Bee Balm (Monarda didyma): Vibrant, tufted blooms make this plant a favourite among pollinators. Cutting back in late summer helps reduce disease and encourages growth.
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Drought-tolerant with feathery foliage and flat flower clusters, Yarrow attracts pollinators and reblooms when cut back.
- Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.): Bold trumpet-shaped blooms support pollinators and are reliable in perennial gardens.
- Blanket Flower (Gaillardia): Dainty, daisy-like blooms in shades of red, yellow, and orange attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and lacewings.
- Denim 'n Lace: Silvery foliage and lavender blooms attract pollinators including bees and butterflies.
- Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.): Popular for their longevity in perennial gardens and attractiveness to pollinators.
- Crocosmia: A vibrant addition to pollinator gardens, referenced by Ferrero as part of effective pollinator gardens.
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): Attracts pollinators and adds bright color to gardens.
- Catmint (Nepeta): A resilient perennial favoured by pollinators and gardeners alike.
- Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): A vigorous ground cover with bright foliage that attracts pollinators. Note its invasiveness in some areas, best used with caution or in containers.
Other perennials Ferrero has noted for pollinator benefits or recommended for wildlife-friendly gardens include:
- Lavender Alternatives: Plants with lilac-purple clusters producing generous nectar, frequented by pollinators.
- Various native perennials that are drought-tolerant and support local ecological balance.
Additional perennials Ferrero suggests for a pollinator habitat include:
- Penstemon (Penstemon digitalis): Does well in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil and is hardy in Zones 3-8.
- Culver's root (Veronicastrum virginicum): Produces elegant white or pale purple spikes that attract native bees, bumblebees, and butterflies.
- Blazing star (Liatris spp.): Thrives in Zones 3-9 and prefers moist, well-draining soil. Its tall spikes of purple blooms attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
These perennials, while not part of a single, explicit list of 15, are consistently highlighted by Ferrero as key species for creating a thriving pollinator habitat.
1.Enhance your home-and-garden lifestyle by planting a variety of pollinator-friendly perennials, such as Bee Balm, Yarrow, Daylilies, Blanket Flower, Denim 'n Lace, Coneflowers, Crocosmia, Black-eyed Susan, Catmint, and Creeping Jenny, to attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects.
2.The vibrant tufted blooms of Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) not only contribute to your decor but also serve as a vital food source for pollinators, providing a thriving wildlife habitat.
3.To create an engaging and eco-friendly garden, consider incorporating perennials like Culver's root (Veronicastrum virginicum), Blazing star (Liatris spp.), and Lavender Alternatives, which support local biodiversity and ecological health.
4.By opting for native perennials in your garden, you can contribute to a sustainable lifestyle while also supporting the local ecological balance and creating an inviting home for pollinators.
5.Expand your garden's charm and purpose through the inclusion of perennials like Penstemon and the classic yet captivating Daylilies, which not only beautify your garden but also cater to the diverse needs of pollinators.
