June Perennial Planting Guide
Posted by Annie Algren on Jun 7th 2026
June Perennial Planting Guide: A Garden that Feeds the Buzz
June is when the garden comes into full swing: full of color, movement, and life. With many blooms at their peak, it’s the perfect time to plant with purpose. Plant with bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in mind all while adding vibrant, eye-catching color!
Why these plants work:
- Long bloom periods
- Nectar-rich flowers
- Sun-loving, resilient growers
- Low maintenance once established
Quick Care Tips
Feed blooms: Side dress with FlowerTone to keep flowers coming strong
Keep it going: Deadhead regularly using pruners to encourage more blooms
Plant diverse flower shapes: Diverse flower shapes = diverse pollinator species! Ensure that pollinators of all shape and sizes can access food.
Nectar Superstars
Echinacea (Coneflower)
Full sun • 2–4 ft
Tough, drought-tolerant native with long-lasting blooms that bees can’t resist.
Salvia
Full sun • 18–36 in
Spiky blooms that flower for weeks and respond well to deadheading.
Nepeta (Catmint)
Full sun • 12–24 in
Soft, mounding habit with continuous lavender-blue blooms and excellent heat tolerance.
Agastache (Anise Hyssop)
Full sun • 2–4 ft
Highly fragrant foliage with long bloom time and constant pollinator activity.
Monarda (Bee Balm)
Full sun–part sun • 2–4 ft
Bold, shaggy blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds alike.
Arrangement including Agastache 'Morello'
Butterfly Favorites
Coreopsis
Full sun • 18–24 in
Bright, cheerful blooms that flower nonstop through summer.
Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)
Full sun • 2–3 ft
Classic golden flowers with dark centers; extremely reliable and easy to grow.
Yarrow (Achillea)
Full sun • 18–36 in
Flat-topped blooms that are great for pollinators and excellent for cutting/drying.
Phlox (Garden Phlox)
Full sun–part sun • 2–4 ft
Fragrant clusters of flowers that add strong mid-to-late summer color.
Swallowtail butterfly perched upon Phlox paniculata
Hummingbird Favorites
Penstemon (Beardtongue)
Full sun • 1–3 ft
Tubular flowers perfectly shaped for hummingbirds; very drought tolerant.
Salvia
Full sun • 18–36 in
A repeat bloomer that hummingbirds visit constantly for nectar.
Lobelia
Part sun • 12–24 in
Bright, tubular flowers that shine in containers or garden edges.
Penstemon in bloom
Long Season Anchors
Eutrochium (Joe Pye Weed)
Full sun–part sun • 4–6 ft
Tall native that creates structure and draws in pollinators late in the season.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Full sun • 12–24 in
Succulent foliage with late-season blooms that pollinators rely on.
Aster
Full sun • 1–4 ft
Essential late-season nectar source for bees and butterflies.
Little Bluestem
Full sun • 2–3 ft
Native ornamental grass with striking blue-green blades and fall color.
Prairie Dropseed
Full sun • 2–3 ft
Fine-textured native grass with graceful form and subtle fragrance in bloom.
Assorted Sedum
Plant it now, and your garden won’t just look alive, it’ll be alive - buzzing with energy all summer long.
If you would like assistance troubleshooting perennial planting, feel free to stop in and ask! Otherwise, email us at hello@tonkadale.com - we're here to help!