Perennials for Pollinators: What to Add This Spring
Dear friend,
There’s something downright joyful about stepping outside on a cool April morning here in the Blue Ridge and noticing a fresh burst of color in the garden. That first flush of daffodils is winding down, and the tulips might be having their moment. But soon it’ll be time for the real stars—our perennials—to take center stage. When folks think of perennials, they often imagine a sea of daylilies or a tidy patch of hostas in the shade. But if you ask me, one of the most rewarding reasons to plant perennials is for the pollinators they support.
Now, I’m sure you’ve heard a lot of talk these days about pollinators—bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and all manner of beneficial insects. They’re crucial for the health of our ecosystems, not to mention the success of many fruits and vegetables we grow. But beyond the functional benefits, there’s a sweet delight in seeing a bumblebee stuffed into a coneflower or a swallowtail drifting between patches of phlox. Planting for pollinators invites a bit of magic into your yard, forging a deeper connection to these hills and the creatures that call them home.
So, let’s settle in with a cup of tea (or coffee, if that’s your preference) and talk about which perennial flowers make excellent pollinator magnets here in our mountainous region. And if you’ve been pondering adding some new plants this spring, well, maybe by the time you finish reading, you’ll have a few fresh ideas to try out in your patch of earth.
Why Perennials?
One of the best things about perennials is that you plant them once, and they (usually) return year after year. Sure, some might be short-lived (three or four seasons), but many can persist for decades with the right care. For pollinators, that consistency is pure gold. Imagine if you were a butterfly emerging from overwintering or a newly hatched bumblebee queen—having a reliable patch of nectar-rich perennials nearby can mean the difference between thriving and struggling. Annuals are lovely, too, but perennials often offer deeper root systems that can handle the ups and downs of a Blue Ridge summer, meaning they stay in bloom longer and remain robust during dry spells.
And let’s not forget about structure. Perennials, especially natives, have co-evolved with local pollinators. Their bloom times often sync up with the life cycles of certain insects. That means when you plant, say, a stand of Beebalm (Monarda) or Blazing Star (Liatris), you’re essentially putting out a welcome mat that says: “Come on in, pollinators—breakfast is served!
Choosing Perennials for Pollinators
Now, we could fill an entire library with perennial recommendations, but let’s focus on a handful that do especially well around here and offer a steady buffet to pollinators from spring clear through fall.
Echinacea (Coneflower): Echinacea purpurea, commonly called Purple Coneflower, is a staple in pollinator gardens. Bumblebees, honeybees, and butterflies flock to its large, daisy-like blooms. After the flower fades, birds will snack on the seed heads, so don’t be too quick to deadhead all of them. The color can range from classic purple to pinkish hues, and there are cultivars in all sorts of new shades, but I find the straight species is often the hardiest for our region.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): Another cheery favorite, Rudbeckia sports bright yellow petals with a dark center disk. Bees and butterflies adore it, and like Echinacea, the leftover seed heads feed finches and other seed-eating birds. It’s a rugged performer in our clay-based soils, provided you give it decent drainage.
Bee Balm (Monarda spp.): Aptly named, this vibrant perennial is a hummingbird magnet. The tubular blooms come in shades of red, pink, and purple, providing easy access to nectar for long-tongued pollinators. Bee Balm can be prone to powdery mildew, especially if it’s crowded or stays wet. Good air circulation helps, as does choosing mildew-resistant varieties. ‘Jacob Cline’ is a popular mildew-resistant red cultivar.
Blazing Star (Liatris spicata): Imagine tall spikes of purple or lavender flowers rising above a bed of green. Bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds find Liatris irresistible. It does best in full sun and can handle moderate drought once established. If you tuck it among other mid-height perennials, you’ll create a layered meadow look that pollinators can’t resist.
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): If supporting monarch butterflies is on your heart, then you’ll want some milkweed in your garden. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) can spread aggressively, so maybe opt for Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) or Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) depending on your soil moisture. Monarchs lay eggs on milkweed leaves, and the resulting caterpillars feast on them—essential for their life cycle.
Salvia (Salvia nemorosa, Salvia greggii): The spires of purple or red salvia blooms keep pollinators coming back from late spring into summer. Some salvia species rebloom if you deadhead them. Hummingbirds, in particular, are fond of red salvia, while bees flock to purple and blue cultivars.
Coreopsis (Tickseed): Bright and sunny, these golden daisies offer a simple shape that bees can easily land on. Coreopsis is typically quite hardy, and many cultivars are available. Some can bloom for a long stretch if you keep up with deadheading. They’re also fairly deer-resistant, which might be a selling point if the neighborhood deer have a taste for your garden.
Phlox (Phlox paniculata): Garden phlox is a summer favorite. The clusters of sweetly scented flowers draw in swallowtails, skippers, and bees galore. Powdery mildew can be a concern, so look for resistant varieties like ‘David.’ Phlox loves sun but can manage partial shade, especially if it’s afternoon shade that eases the summer heat.
Of course, this is just a sampler—there’s also catmint (Nepeta), ironweed (Vernonia), goldenrod (Solidago), penstemon, and many more. The key is to choose a variety of bloom shapes, colors, and bloom times so that something is always on the menu. Bees, for instance, love single, open-faced flowers where they can land and gather pollen. Hummingbirds like tubular blooms. Butterflies need a combination of landing pads and nectar wells. By mixing it up, you’ll cater to a broad range of pollinators throughout the season.
Planting and Care Tips
Once you’ve picked out your pollinator-friendly perennials, planting and nurturing them properly will help them settle in and spread their wings—so to speak.
Site Selection: Most pollinator perennials want at least six hours of sun. If you’ve got a shady spot, look for natives like columbine or woodland phlox, but know that a majority of the classic pollinator flowers thrive in open sunlight.
Soil Preparation: We do have our share of clay soil in these parts. You can amend with compost to improve drainage and fertility, but be careful not to overdo it. Many of our native perennials don’t require overly rich soil—just make sure it drains well enough that water doesn’t pool.
Watering: Keep newly planted perennials watered for their first season as they establish roots. After that, many become quite drought-tolerant. If we hit a stretch of dry weather (which happens more often than we might expect), give them a deep soak rather than a light sprinkle.
Mulching: A layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperature and hold moisture, but don’t smother the crowns of the plants. Leave a small gap around the stems to prevent rot.
Avoid Pesticides: If your goal is to support pollinators, try to minimize or eliminate pesticide use. Even organic sprays can harm beneficial insects. Healthy plants in well-chosen spots often fend off pests naturally. Encourage predatory bugs (ladybugs, lacewings) and rely on a diverse ecosystem to keep pest numbers in check.
Deadheading and Division: Many perennials benefit from deadheading (removing spent blossoms) to prolong their bloom period. Every few years, you might need to divide overcrowded clumps to keep them vigorous. That’s also a great chance to share divisions with neighbors and friends.
A Tapestry of Life
One of my fondest memories of a pollinator garden was the first time I planted a big swath of Black-Eyed Susans by my porch. For a week or two in July, it seemed like every bumblebee in the county showed up. Their fuzzy bodies would bump gently from flower to flower, so laden with pollen that they looked like little flying pom-poms. Then, as evening fell, I’d notice a mix of moths flitting around, and even a few fireflies lighting up the dusk. That cluster of perennials wasn’t just something pretty to gaze at—it was a mini ecosystem in constant motion.
Over time, you might find that inviting pollinators encourages a chain reaction of life. Birds that eat insects will frequent your yard, frogs or toads might appear if you keep a shallow water dish around, and the entire place takes on a liveliness you can’t quite put into words. It’s a humbling and heartwarming reminder that we humans are just one piece of this big puzzle, and sometimes, the best thing we can do is set the table and let nature do the rest.
Beyond the Backyard
If you find yourself smitten with pollinator-friendly perennials, you could consider joining forces with neighbors, local community gardens, or even schools. A row of coneflowers or bee balm along a sidewalk can change a dull stretch of pavement into a pollinator corridor. Kids especially love seeing butterflies and learning how insects help grow their favorite fruits and veggies. It’s a small act of stewardship that can ripple outward, showing others how easy it is to create pockets of habitat—even in urban or suburban settings.
And while you’re at it, remember that pollinators need more than just flowers. If you can, offer water sources (like a shallow birdbath or a saucer with pebbles) and avoid the yard becoming too manicured. A few logs or leaf litter tucked in a corner can provide nesting sites for solitary bees or other beneficial critters. Letting a portion of your lawn grow a bit wilder with clover and dandelions can also feed bees early in the season, though that might require negotiating with your inner neat-freak (or your homeowner’s association).
In Bloom and in Harmony
As April unfolds and the days stretch longer, I hope you’ll find time to wander through nurseries, peruse local plant sales, or even swap cuttings with a friend. Seek out the perennials that spark joy in you—a swirl of color, a certain fragrance, or a memory from your grandmother’s garden—and then double-check they’re pollinator-friendly. We can have it both ways: a garden that pleases our senses and nourishes the winged visitors who bring the world to life.
So here’s my gentle challenge to you: pick at least two or three pollinator-focused perennials to plant this spring. Try something you haven’t grown before. Watch as the bees discover it, the butterflies dance around it, and maybe even a hummingbird or two darts by in the golden light of summer. Each bloom you add can become a beacon, drawing in life, weaving you deeper into the natural rhythms of the land.
And if you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure—wondering whether you’ve picked the right varieties or placed them well—remember that gardening is a dance of experimentation. Some plants might sulk or succumb to a pest, others might thrive beyond your wildest hopes. The real joy is in being part of that dance, hands in the dirt, heart open to possibility. Pollinators will thank you, and the Blue Ridge will echo your efforts with its own gentle bounty.
Until next time, keep an eye on the blooms, greet the bees with a friendly hello, and relish the wonder that April brings. I can’t wait to hear about the colorful, buzzing paradise you create.
With spring’s promise in every petal,
Logan