Perennials Pollinators Love! 🐝🌸

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. 🌼

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