Annual and Herbs that Attract Pollinators

Annual and Herbs that Attract Pollinators

Posted by Jessie Jacobson on May 4th 2026

Annual and Herbs that Attract Pollinators

Now is the time to plant plants for pollinators! Annual plants offer bright, sunny color to attract pollinators to the garden. Herbs feed us while they also feed pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds will not be shy when their favorite flowers welcome them into your garden all seasons long!

Hot Tips

  • Plant in large swaths of repetitive color and variety to direct pollinators into the garden.
  • Avoid using pesticides, both organic and conventional, unless absolutely necessary.
  • Vary flower shapes and size to attract a wide range of foragers.
  • Read more about planting for pollinators on the blog, 10 Tips for Pollinator Planting.

Annual Plant Picks

Basil

Instead of harvesting all the basil for your pesto, let some plants flower. Bees like basil too! Shop here.

Dill

Wispy foliage is a great addition to any garden, and is the primary food source of swallowtail butterfly caterpillars. Delicious too! Shop here.

Heliotrope

We love the delicate scent and so do pollinators. Bees appreciate these flat flowers as a landing pad for collection. Shop here.

Marigold

The quintessential garden plant! So easy to grow, and they pair well with herb and veggie gardens. Shop here.

Pentas

Large clusters of star-like flowers that are made to thrive in our hot summer conditions. Excellent in the landscape or staring in a patio container. Full sun all the time! Shop here.

Salvia

The true blue flowers of our favorite variety "Black and Blue" set this plant apart. Salvia blooms from mid-spring into fall. The foliage has an anise- or sage-scented aroma that is irresistible to bees and hummingbirds. Shop here.

Tithonia

Also known as the Mexican sunflower, tithonia boasts orange-red flowers and is a favorite of pollinators. Grows up to 5 feet tall! Shop here.

Verbena bonariensis

While not a stunner on the greenhouse bench, this is a tall, upright verbena that carries 2-3" clusters of pinkish-purple blooms on wiry, self-supporting stems. Attractive to many species of bees and also butterflies. Shop here.

Zinnias

Ka-Pow! Truly the best bang for your pollinator buck. Various heights and colors available. Use Profusion zinnias in the front of the garden, Zesty zinnias for mid-height and Benary's Giant & State Fair Mix for big height and cutting gardens. Shop here.


Above all, plant plants! It’s important for our pollinators!


If you have any questions about annuals & herbs that attract pollinators, or what varieties are currently available, feel free to stop in and ask! Otherwise, email us at hello@tonkadale.com - we're here to help!

See you at Tonkadale!