Pennsylvania Pollinator Garden: 27 Pollinator Plants, Trees & Shrubs

At Bedner’s Farm & Greenhouse, we believe that every yard—no matter the size—can play a vital role in supporting pollinators. Whether you have a sprawling landscape or a small back patio, you can help provide the food, shelter, and safety these essential creatures need to thrive.

In this guide, Russ Bedner walks us through some of our top plant picks for creating a pollinator-friendly garden—from long-blooming perennials to nectar-rich annuals and even flowering trees and shrubs. Let’s dig in.

What Is a Pollinator Garden?

A pollinator garden is more than just pretty flowers. It’s a habitat that offers:

• Food (nectar, pollen, and host plants)
• Water
• Shelter (including undisturbed soil, hollow stems, and brush)
• Safe nesting areas

Pollinators include butterflies, birds, hummingbirds, bees (native and honeybees), wasps, beetles, and even some flies. By designing your garden with their needs in mind, you’re giving these hard-working helpers a place to call home.

Smart Tips for Supporting Pollinators

• Stagger your bloom times: Choose plants that flower in spring, summer and fall to provide a continuous food source.
• Rethink fall cleanup: Leave perennial stems and garden debris standing through winter. Many pollinators overwinter in these spots.
• Use host plants: Certain plants like Asclepias (milkweed) are critical for species like the Monarch butterfly.
• Plant in groups: Large clumps of flowers are easier for pollinators to spot and access than scattered individual plants.

Annuals That Pollinators Love

Even seasonal color can serve a greater purpose. Here are some of Russ’s favorite annuals that butterflies and hummingbirds can’t resist.

For Full Sun (6+ hrs):

• Calibrachoa (Mini Petunia) – Over 20 color varieties.
• Verbena – Trailing blooms that hummingbirds adore.
• Pentas – Bushy plant with clusters of starry blooms.
• Cuphea – Try ‘Honey Bells’ or ‘Firecracker’ for drought tolerance and hummingbird appeal.
• Lantana – Arguably the top performer for attracting pollinators.
• Angelonia – Vertical “thriller” plant in mixed pots.
• Bidens – Bright and butterfly-friendly.
• Salvia – From ‘Black & Bloom’ to classic red varieties—this one’s a staple.
• Fuchsia ‘Gartenmeister’ – A sun-tolerant hummingbird magnet.

For Shade (4–5 hrs, ideally morning sun):

• Classic Fuchsia – Elegant, drooping blooms.
• Fuchsia with chartreuse leaves – Adds texture and color contrast.
• New Guinea Impatiens – Bright, bold blooms in many colors.
• Double Impatiens – Rosy blooms and pollinator power in the shade.

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Top Perennials for Pollinators

These hardworking perennials provide long-lasting blooms and reliable nectar sources:

Monarda (Bee Balm)

• Bloom: Early Summer
• Bonus: Attracts bees and butterflies, with some varieties adding stunning fall color.

Nepeta (Catmint)

• Reblooms when cut back after flowering.
• Compact size with excellent drought tolerance.

Sorghastrum (Indian Grass)

• Tall, narrow native grass with a golden fall plume.
• Great late-season butterfly magnet.

Phlox ‘Jeana’

• Upright clusters of soft pink flowers.
• Butterfly favorite, especially Swallowtails.

Lonicera (Honeysuckle Vine)

• Compact vine with tubular blooms loved by hummingbirds.

 Spigelia

• Vibrant red and yellow blooms.
• Sun-loving and hummingbird-approved.

Eupatorium (Joe Pye Weed)

• Tall native perennial with late-summer blooms.
• Supports bees and butterflies.

Agastache

• Long bloom time, fragrant leaves, great for cutting.

Perovskia (Russian Sage)

• Late bloomer with silvery foliage.
• Bees and butterflies flock to it.

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Trees & Shrubs That Feed Pollinators

Don’t forget the backbone of the garden—pollinators love flowering shrubs and trees too.

Viburnum ‘Winterthur’

• Spring blooms for bees, summer berries for birds.

Cephalanthus (Buttonbush)

• Large white blooms followed by seed heads birds love.

Amelanchier (Serviceberry)

• Early spring blooms, edible berries, and beautiful fall color.

 Heptacodium (Seven Sons Flower)

• Late bloomer with white-to-red flowers and peeling bark.

Blueberry

• Dual-purpose! Feed yourself and the birds. (Plant two for better pollination.)

Fothergilla

• Early spring blooms and brilliant fall color.

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Make Your Garden Count

Whether you’re planting perennials for lasting impact or tucking annuals into containers, your garden can be a haven for pollinators. Bonus? You’ll get to enjoy the buzzing, fluttering beauty all season long.

Need help picking plants? Stop by the garden center—we’ll walk you through our best pollinator-friendly options.

Don’t forget to share! Tag us in your garden photos using
#GardenWithBedners and #HomegrownHappiness

Together, we’re nurturing growth—one pollinator at a time.