I've decided to try something new and exciting! I love growing what you can eat. Growing vegetables and herbs makes gardening such a rewarding hobby. The crops that I start from seed as early as February are very important to me. This has lead me to try out methods like companion planting. Companion planting helps with keeping away pests and unwanted bugs. It even attracts some pollinators into your veggie garden.
The common companion flowers like petunias, marigolds and nasturtiums do attract bees and butterflies. I wanted to take it a step further and attract hummingbirds, songbirds and even more types of butterflies. I love seeing all of the activity in my garden. So, like a giant billboard works at attracting attention from your average passerby, I want to do the same using flowers for pollinators. Here is a list of the varieties I've decided to add into the edible garden this year.
1. COREOPSIS
Coreopsis, also commonly known as tickseed, is the perfect flower to brighten up any garden. This year, I'm focusing on the threadleaf coreopsis varieties. It is a heat tolerant plant that will keep on blooming all summer long. It is in the same family as the sunflower and is also native to North America. I have some newly planted coreopsis in front of my peppers to attract pollinators and also lady beetles.
Common Name: Tickseed
Zones: 4-9
Care Level: Easy
Light Requirement: Sun/Partial Sun
Bloom Time: Early Summer Through Fall
Varieties To Try: Grandiflora Presto, Satin & Lace Red Chiffon, Lil' Bang Enchanted Eve
Pollinators That Visit: Bees, Butterflies and Birds
2. CROCOSMIA
Crocosmia is such a vibrant flowering plant. It also has the benefit of being a hummingbird magnet. I first took notice of it when I was visiting Virginia. It seemed to be a hub for all of the pollinators in the area. I instantly knew I had to plant some in my very own garden. It can grow up to 32 inches tall, so it works perfectly growing near all of my indeterminate tomato plants.
Common Name: Sword Lily
Zones: 5-9
Care Level: Easy
Light Requirement: Sun/Partial Shade
Bloom Time: Summer Through Fall
Varieties To Try: Lucifer, Emberglow
Pollinators That Visit: Hummingbirds
3. DAHLIA
This year, I am definitely not taking it easy on the dahlias! Between my cutting garden and adding some into the veggie garden to attract pollinators, hopefully, my yard will be filled to the brim soon. Dahlias come in all different varieties, colors, shapes and sizes. If you worry about not having enough space, decorative border dahlias will stay on the shorter side. They grow to around 16 inches tall, making them a perfect option. I have all different varieties of dahlias growing in my tomato beds this year.
Common Name: Dahlia
Zones: 8-11
Care Level: Medium (Tall Varieties Require Staking)
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Bloom Time: Summer Through Fall
Varieties To Try: HS Date, Gallery Serenade, Art Deco
Pollinators That Visit: Butterflies and Hummingbirds
4. ECHINACEA
The first perennial flower that comes to mind when I think of pollinators is definitely Echinacea, also known as the cone flower. The plant is very easy to care for while being heat and drought tolerant. After the blooms fade, the cones will provide food for songbirds visiting your yard. This North American native has a variety of colors to choose from and also makes the perfect cut flower. I have some coneflowers growing near my eggplants right now. I'm hoping that helps with pollination and provides me with many healthy veggies all season.
Common Name: Cone Flower
Zones: 4-9
Care Level: Easy
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Bloom Time: Summer Through Fall
Varieties To Try: Magnus, Double Decker
Pollinators That Visit: Birds and Butterflies
5. EUCOMIS
Eucomis, also known as the pineapple flower is very exotic and tropical looking. The spikes of flowers look so unique and will surely attract pollinators into your garden. They work perfectly in any container, making them great for small spaces. Right now, I have some potted up near my watermelon plants. It is such a fun plant to grow, is full of nectar and I love how it blooms from the bottom up!
Common Name: Pineapple Flower
Zones: 8-10
Care Level: Easy
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Bloom Time: Summer Through Fall
Varieties To Try: Autumnalis, Leia
Pollinators That Visit: Butterflies and Hummingbirds
6. HELENIUM
This pollen-filled flower is a must for any yard looking to attract wildlife. It's another North American native that is also a wildflower. Helenium is known to repel deer and rabbits away from your garden. The blooms make an excellent cut flower to add to those mid-summer floral arrangements. I planted some near my lettuce and spinach patch to add in some much needed color.
Common Name: Sneezeweed
Zones: 3-9
Care Level: Easy
Light Requirement: Sun
Bloom Time: Summer
Varieties To Try: Moerheim Beauty, The Bishop
Pollinators That Visit: Bees and Butterflies
7. KNIPHOFIA
The first time I saw Kniphofia, also known as red hot poker blooming, I was absolutely amazed. It's orange tubular flowers are full of sweet nectar that will have all the pollinators seeking out your yard. If you are inspired by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss these summer blooms are for you! I have a some growing near my Swiss chard and soy beans hoping they add that much needed splash of color.
Common Name: Red Hot Poker
Zones: 5-9
Care Level: Easy
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Bloom Time: Summer
Varieties To Try: Flaming Torch
Pollinators That Visit: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
8. LIATRIS
I first discovered liatris when I was a beginner gardener. I was instantly hooked. I had never seen so many pollinators visit my garden. It was the most thrilling sight. This flower is native to North America and very easy to grow. It will attract a wide variety of butterflies to your yard, so keep your camera on-hand. It can also make a wonderful long-lasting cut flower and is also deer resistant!
Common Name: Liatris
Zones: 3-10
Care Level: Easy
Light Requirement: Sun/Partial Shade
Bloom Time: Summer
Varieties To Try: Blazing Star
Pollinators That Visit: Butterflies and Bees
9. SCABIOSA
I just recently added this flower to my list of top blooms. I couldn't wait to take some pictures of my new plant! It is growing right next to my Romanesco broccoli in the vegetable garden. It is deer resistant, and makes a great cut flower. The lavender-blue flowers have a frilly appearance and are really unique.
Common Name: Pincushion Flower
Zones: 3-8
Care Level: Easy
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Bloom Time: Summer Through Fall
Varieties To Try: Butterfly Blue, Ritz Roze
Pollinators That Visit: Hummingbirds and Butterflies
10. VERONICA
Veronica, also known as speedwell comes in many different varieties and colors. My favorites have such a strikingly dark blue flower that attracts hummingbirds and bees. No deadheading is necessary with this compact plant. It looks perfect in containers and small-space gardens. I have mine growing alongside with some parsley and oregano.
Common Name: Speedwell
Zones: 8-10
Care Level: Easy
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Bloom Time: Summer
Varieties To Try: Marietta, Melanie White, Ulster Blue Dwarf
Pollinators That Visit: Bees, Hummingbirds
A FEW MORE BLOOMS TO CONSIDER
Zinnias, Bee Balm, Geraniums, Cosmos, Russian Sage, Sunflowers, Calendula, Phlox, Black-Eyed Susan, Marigolds, Lavender, Asters, Fennel, Lantana, Borage, Penstemon, Oregano, Salvia, Yarrow, Queen Anne's Lace, Shasta Daisy, Verbena, Nasturtium
Tuesdays In The Garden
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Beautiful Summer Flowers |
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Vacationers Garden Survival Guide
- Homemade Food Junkie -
Do you have a favorite type of flower that is pollinator friendly? Have you ever tried planting some of those blooms near your vegetable crops? If so, tell me all about it in the comment section below! I'd love to hear all about it. Happy planting!
5 Comments
Diane Williams
June 12, 2018 at 6:05 pmYou photography is SO beautiful I just want to plant all of these lovelies!
Michelle Marine
June 12, 2018 at 1:52 pmI always enjoy your garden photos, Angie! They are so pretty. I have a lot of these flowers growing around the homestead – love them all. <3
Jami
June 12, 2018 at 1:51 pmI can’t wait to see your vegetable area, Angie! I try to grow flowers near the vegetables, but it’s usually a cutting garden. I do love sunflowers, though and plant them with the veggies. 🙂
Patti
June 12, 2018 at 1:35 pmSuch great choices. I’ve grown them all except for Eucomis. Now I have to find one to add to my own collection. So fun having a new flower in the garden. Thanks!
Shelly
June 12, 2018 at 11:04 amAll of the flowers are so lovely. We let a few of our artichokes go to flower each year and they bring in the bees like crazy. My grandparents always grew Dahlias near their garden. We’ve grown sunflowers, black eyed susans and marigold. Although I don’t like the smell of marigolds my mom always grew them in the garden.