Flowers That Attract Bees and Butterflies

Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects do more than add charm to your garden; they keep your outdoor space vibrant and productive. These pollinators help fertilize plants by transferring pollen, which leads to more fruits, seeds, and colorful blooms. Whether you’re managing an herb garden, maintaining a traditional lawn, or designing a rock garden, adding pollinator-friendly plants provides essential habitat for ground nesting bees, swallowtail butterflies, and even hummingbird favorites.

Lawns can coexist beautifully with pollinator zones. Planting native plants and flowers that attract bees and butterflies around your lawn creates a balanced ecosystem. A pollinator-friendly garden not only enhances curb appeal, it naturally deters pests, attracts pollinators like mason bees and bumble bees, and increases bloom density throughout the growing season. Combined with GrowTrax™ seed mats, your lawn becomes more than just turf; it becomes a welcome mat for many pollinators.

Best Flower Picks for Bees

Bees are drawn to tubular flowers, bright colors like deep purple flowers and bright gold, and blooms that offer sweet nectar. Planting a variety of flowers that attract bees ensures pollination success across your garden beds and surrounding lawn zones.

✔️ Lavender:  Fragrant and drought resistant, it thrives in full sun and well drained soil. Loved by bees and hummingbirds alike.

✔️ Bee Balm (Monarda): This native wildflower also known as wild bergamot features showy flowers and flower spikes that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Excellent in partial shade.

✔️ Borage:  This vigorous plant produces tiny flowers rich in nectar and reseeds itself. Great for attracting bees and other pollinators.

✔️ Black-eyed Susan: Classic daisy-like flowers with upright habit. Drought tolerant and one of the best plants to attract bees and butterflies.

💡 GrowTrax Tip: Want to attract more bees and butterflies near your flower borders? Try the GrowTrax Lavender Wildflower Mix—a fragrant, pollinator-friendly blend that helps suppress weeds while supporting host plants. Comes pre-seeded in a biodegradable mat for easy installation.

Top Flower Picks for Butterflies

Butterflies love flat-topped flowers, long lasting blooms, and sweet nectar. Many butterfly favorites also serve as host plants, supporting monarch butterflies and other species through their entire life cycle.

✔️ Milkweed (Asclepias): Vital for monarch butterflies and offers nectar and a host plant for caterpillars. Found in the GrowTrax Annual & Perennial Mix.

✔️ Zinnias: These larger flowers bloom quickly and come in shades that butterflies love. Great for cut flower arrangements and full sun spots.

✔️ Coneflowers (Echinacea): Perennials with upright habits and colorful blooms. Ideal for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

✔️ Butterfly Bush (Buddleia): Produces flower spikes through early summer to early fall. A go-to for attracting many pollinators in sunny areas.

💡 Try This: Mix in GrowTrax’s Pollinator Mix: Bird, Butterfly & Honey Bee Wildflowers. It includes favorites like zinnias and coneflowers for vibrant borders or part-shade patches that bloom beautifully and attract pollinators.

How to Plant for Pollinators Made Easy

Designing a pollinator friendly garden is simple when you understand what attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Whether you're planting in a rock garden, part shade, or full sun, small changes deliver big impact.

✔️ Plant lots of native plants – They bloom longer, require less water, and support local pollinators like mason bees and bumble bees.
✔️ Stagger bloom times – Start with early spring bloomers and end with late summer to early fall flowers.
✔️ Group flowers – Bees and butterflies find clusters easier than scattered single plants.
✔️ Provide water – Shallow dishes or moist soils help pollinators stay hydrated.
✔️ Avoid double flowers – They look pretty but often lack nectar and pollen for insects.

💡 Quick Tip: Add wildflowers and drought tolerant species alongside GrowTrax seed mats for balanced moisture retention and reduced weed growth.

Can Flowers and Lawns Coexist? Absolutely.

You don’t need to choose between turf and blooms. By integrating pollinator friendly plants into your lawn design, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

✔️ Border plantings – Use the best flowers like bee balm, coreopsis (coreopsis attracts many pollinators), and coneflowers to outline your lawn.
✔️ Patch plantings – Turn underused corners into vibrant spots full of native flowers and drought resistant color.
✔️ Mix wildflowers into the existing lawn – Include seed heads from perennials and annuals that attract bees and butterflies.
✔️ Let a section go wild – Allow partial shade zones or moist soils to grow native flowers and attract beneficial insects.

💡 Use GrowTrax Lawn Repair Seed Rolls to repair bare patches while encouraging bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to thrive.

GrowTrax Tip – Build a Pollinator Patch with Ease

Pollinator patches don’t need to be high-maintenance. With GrowTrax’s pre-seeded mats, you can frame your pollinator garden with ease and without added water waste or heavy labor.

✔️ Suppress weeds and support ground nesting bees
✔️ Define pollinator zones around perennials, pink flowers, and host plants
✔️ Enjoy reliable bloom results across seasons
✔️ Ideal for sunny edges, part shade, and sloped areas prone to runoff

💡 Combine with your favorite cut flowers or herb garden plants to support bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season.

Conclusion: A Yard That Gives Back

Creating a pollinator-friendly garden doesn’t require a full redesign. With just a few pollinator friendly plants, some well-placed wildflowers, and support from GrowTrax seed mats, you’ll create a thriving habitat that attracts bees and butterflies, supports native ecosystems, and beautifies your home.

✔️ Build biodiversity with native plants
✔️ Attract bees and butterflies, plus other beneficial insects
✔️ Reduce maintenance and enjoy colorful blooms from early spring to late summer

👉 Ready to plant a pollinator patch? Explore GrowTrax Wildflower Blankets for smart, sustainable solutions that turn your lawn into a pollinator-friendly paradise.