29 Beautiful Plants That Attract Bees and Butterflies for a Thriving Garden Ecosystem

There’s nothing more enchanting than a garden buzzing with bees and fluttering with butterflies. These hardworking pollinators play a vital role in the ecosystem, and choosing the right plants can make your garden a haven for them.

Bees are drawn to nectar- and pollen-rich blooms, while butterflies seek out plants with ample landing space and a steady nectar supply.

For many years, I’ve learned that planting a variety of flowers, herbs, and shrubs ensures a vibrant, thriving garden filled with life. Here are 29 of the best plants to attract bees and butterflies, along with tips on how to care for them.

#1. Lavender

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Scientific Name: Lavandula spp.
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: 5–9

With its fragrant purple flowers and silvery-green foliage, lavender is a top choice for pollinators. Bees can’t resist its sweet scent, and butterflies flock to its nectar-rich blooms.

This drought-tolerant plant thrives in dry, well-draining soil and requires little maintenance beyond occasional pruning. It’s also deer-resistant, making it a fantastic addition to any pollinator-friendly garden.

#2. Bee Balm

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Scientific Name: Monarda spp.
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)
Hardiness Zones: 3–9

Bee balm is a standout with its bright red, pink, or purple flowers. It produces an abundance of nectar, making it irresistible to bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.

The plant thrives in moist, well-draining soil and spreads easily, so it’s perfect for filling garden beds. Deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms throughout the season.

#3. Coneflower

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Scientific Name: Echinacea purpurea
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)
Hardiness Zones: 3–9

Recognizable by its bold, daisy-like blooms, coneflower is a butterfly favorite. Its raised central cone provides a perfect landing pad for pollinators.

Bees love it for its abundant pollen, while birds feast on its seeds in fall. It’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, thriving in average garden soil with minimal watering.

#4. Black-Eyed Susan

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Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)
Hardiness Zones: 3–9

This golden yellow wildflower attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich blooms. Its long-lasting flowers provide food from summer to fall, making it an essential pollinator plant.

Black-eyed susan is easy to grow, tolerating drought and poor soil conditions. Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooming.

#5. Milkweed

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Scientific Name: Asclepias spp.
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: 3–9

Milkweed is essential for monarch butterflies, as it serves as both a nectar source and a host plant for their caterpillars. Bees are also drawn to its small, fragrant flowers.

This hardy perennial thrives in well-draining soil and is drought-resistant. Avoid pesticides, as they can harm butterfly larvae.

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#6. Sunflower

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Scientific Name: Helianthus annuus
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: 4–9

Towering and cheerful, sunflowers are a magnet for pollinators. Bees collect pollen from their large central disks, while butterflies sip nectar.

These easy-to-grow plants thrive in well-drained soil and love warm temperatures. Once flowers fade, birds enjoy feasting on their seeds.

#7. Zinnias

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Scientific Name: Zinnia elegans
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0)
Hardiness Zones: Annual

Zinnias are beloved by butterflies due to their brightly colored, long-lasting blooms. Bees also visit them frequently. These annuals grow quickly and bloom all summer with minimal care.

Regular deadheading promotes continuous flowering, making them a vibrant, low-maintenance choice for pollinator gardens.

#8. Lantana

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Scientific Name: Lantana camara
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: 8–11

Lantana produces small, clustered flowers in a variety of colors that change as they age. Its nectar is irresistible to butterflies and bees.

This heat-tolerant plant thrives in well-draining soil and can withstand drought. In warmer zones, it grows as a perennial shrub, providing year-round nectar.

#9. Aster

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Scientific Name: Aster spp.
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)
Hardiness Zones: 4–8

Blooming in late summer and fall, asters provide a crucial nectar source when many other flowers have faded. Their daisy-like flowers come in shades of purple, pink, and blue, drawing in butterflies and bees.

They thrive in well-draining soil and appreciate regular watering during dry spells.

#10. Goldenrod

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Scientific Name: Solidago spp.
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: 3–9

Often mistaken for ragweed, goldenrod is an important late-season nectar source for pollinators. Its bright yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

It thrives in poor soil and requires little care, making it a great addition to naturalized gardens.

#11. Butterfly Bush

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Scientific Name: Buddleja spp.
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: 5–10

True to its name, the butterfly bush produces long, fragrant flower spikes that draw in swarms of butterflies and bees.

It blooms continuously from summer to fall and is easy to grow in well-draining soil. Pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages more blooms.

#12. Salvia

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Scientific Name: Salvia spp.
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: 4–10

Salvia is a powerhouse for pollinators, offering rich nectar for both bees and butterflies. With tall spikes of blue, purple, pink, or red flowers, it stands out in any garden.

This hardy perennial thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates drought, making it an excellent low-maintenance option. Regular deadheading will extend its bloom period.

#13. Verbena

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Scientific Name: Verbena spp.
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: 7–11 (perennial), grown as an annual in cooler climates

Verbena’s small, clustered flowers provide an abundant nectar source for butterflies and bees. Its long blooming season, from spring to frost, ensures a continuous food supply for pollinators.

Thriving in well-draining soil, it’s a resilient choice that tolerates heat and drought well. It looks especially stunning cascading from containers or growing in garden borders.

#14. Phlox

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Scientific Name: Phlox paniculata
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)
Hardiness Zones: 4–8

Phlox produces fragrant, colorful clusters of pink, purple, white, or red flowers that attract butterflies in droves. Bees also love its nectar-rich blooms.

It thrives in moist, well-draining soil and benefits from regular watering. Deadheading encourages a longer blooming season, making it a fantastic summer-to-fall pollinator plant.

#15. Catmint

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Scientific Name: Nepeta spp.
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.0–8.0)
Hardiness Zones: 3–9

Catmint’s lavender-blue flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in dry, well-draining soil and requires little care beyond occasional pruning.

Its aromatic foliage also helps repel unwanted pests, making it a great companion plant for vegetables and herbs.

#16. Joe-Pye Weed

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Scientific Name: Eutrochium purpureum
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0)
Hardiness Zones: 4–9

This tall, native wildflower is a butterfly favorite, especially for monarchs. Its large, fluffy pink or purple blooms appear in late summer, providing nectar when other flowers begin to fade.

Thriving in moist soil, it’s perfect for rain gardens or near ponds. Its towering height adds a dramatic presence to any landscape.

#17. Blazing Star

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Scientific Name: Liatris spicata
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: 3–8

With its tall, spiky purple flowers, blazing star is a butterfly and bee favorite. Its long-lasting blooms provide nectar for weeks, and it pairs beautifully with other wildflowers.

It thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates drought, making it a low-maintenance yet eye-catching garden addition.

#18. Hollyhock

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Scientific Name: Alcea rosea
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: 3–8

Hollyhocks bring a cottage-garden charm with their tall stalks and large, colorful flowers. Their open-faced blooms are a favorite landing spot for butterflies, while bees love collecting their pollen.

They thrive in rich, well-draining soil and may require staking to support their towering height.

#19. Snapdragons

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Scientific Name: Antirrhinum majus
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.2–7.0)
Hardiness Zones: 7–11 (grown as an annual in cooler climates)

Snapdragons have unique, tube-like flowers that attract bumblebees and butterflies. Their vibrant blooms appear in spring and fall, thriving in cool temperatures.

They prefer moist, well-drained soil and benefit from deadheading to encourage more blooms.

#20. Coreopsis

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Scientific Name: Coreopsis spp.
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: 4–9

Coreopsis, or tickseed, boasts cheerful, daisy-like yellow or red flowers that pollinators adore. It blooms profusely from summer to fall and thrives in poor, dry soil.

Bees and butterflies visit it frequently, and deadheading keeps the flowers coming.

#21. Chives

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Scientific Name: Allium schoenoprasum
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)
Hardiness Zones: 3–9

Chives produce round, purple blooms in late spring, attracting bees and butterflies. The entire plant is edible and doubles as an ornamental herb. It prefers well-draining soil and thrives with occasional trimming.

#22. Thyme

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Scientific Name: Thymus spp.
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: 5–9

Thyme’s tiny purple flowers may not look like much, but they are a prime nectar source for bees. This fragrant herb grows well in rocky, well-drained soil and is a great ground cover option. It thrives on neglect, making it perfect for drought-prone gardens.

#23. Basil

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Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: Annual

If you let basil flower, it becomes a pollinator magnet. Bees and butterflies love its tiny white or purple flowers. It grows best in warm temperatures with consistent moisture. Harvesting leaves before flowering keeps the plant producing longer.

#24. Blueberry Bush

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Scientific Name: Vaccinium spp.
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH: Acidic (4.5–5.5)
Hardiness Zones: 3–8

In spring, blueberry bushes produce small, bell-shaped flowers filled with nectar. Bees love these blooms, and the plant later rewards you with delicious berries. It thrives in acidic soil and requires regular watering.

#25. Rosemary

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Scientific Name: Salvia rosmarinus
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: 7–10

Rosemary’s early blooms provide nectar when few other plants are flowering. Bees love its tiny blue flowers, and the plant thrives in dry, well-draining soil.

#26. Passionflower

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Scientific Name: Passiflora spp.
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: 6–10

Passionflower is a striking vine with intricate, exotic-looking blooms that draw butterflies, especially Gulf Fritillaries, which lay their eggs on the leaves.

The plant’s nectar-rich flowers also attract honeybees. Thriving in warm, humid climates, it prefers well-drained soil and regular watering. This fast-growing vine makes an excellent trellis or fence cover.

#27. Marigold

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Scientific Name: Tagetes spp.
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)
Hardiness Zones: Annual (some varieties perennial in zones 9–11)

Marigolds are vibrant and easy-to-grow flowers that attract bees with their bright colors and nectar. While butterflies may not rely on them as a primary food source, they are often drawn to their sunny hues.

These cheerful blooms also deter garden pests, making them a great companion plant. They thrive in well-draining soil and bloom continuously from spring to frost with minimal care.

#28. Geranium

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Scientific Name: Pelargonium spp.
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)
Hardiness Zones: 9–12 (grown as an annual in cooler climates)

Geraniums add splashes of color to any garden, and while they are not the top choice for honeybees, some varieties do attract butterflies, especially in warm climates.

Their scented leaves can deter certain pests, making them a valuable addition to flower beds. They require well-drained soil and moderate watering, thriving best when deadheaded regularly to encourage fresh blooms.

#29. Cosmos

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Scientific Name: Cosmos bipinnatus
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: 2-11

Cosmos are butterfly magnets! Their delicate, daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, white, and orange offer ample nectar, making them a favorite for pollinators.

Bees also visit them frequently, drawn to their pollen-rich centers. These easy-to-grow flowers thrive in poor soil, require little maintenance, and bloom continuously, bringing effortless beauty and pollinator activity to any garden.