10 Plants and Flowers to Attract Birds and Pollinators

If your main goal is to attract pollinators, then you need to plant some marigolds. These bright and cheery yellow-orange flowers will grow in any type of soil, in addition to being a natural aphid repellent. You can even find varieties with larger centre openings to give insects easier pollen access. Their dried seeds will attract birds as well.

Sunflowers are another beautiful and easy-to-grow option for many gardens. They’ll attract songbirds like goldfinches, and the “Lemon Queen” sunflower variety is particularly well loved by bees.

The delicate flowers of daisies attract songbirds like cardinals, finches, and sparrows, and some varieties even repel harmful insects. Best of all, these popular perennials sprout up again year after year.

Elderberries are great for making jam, but you might have to race the birds for them! The elderberry plant starts blooming around June, attracting birds like red-eyed vireos and brown thrashers.

Also known by its medicinal name—echinacea—cornflower is both an herbal medicine and an easy way to draw all sorts of pollinators. Its blooms attract bees, butterflies, and birds, while its seeds are eaten by finches. This perennial plant thrives in full sun and comes in red, orange, yellow, pink, white, and popular purple varieties.

In addition to the right plants and flowers, another great way to attract more birds to your garden is with a birdhouse. These handy little homes provide birds with food, as well as with shelter from predators and harsh weather. You can offer shelter for pollinators as well. For example, leaving a part of your lawn or a hedge more overgrown than the rest is great for ground-nesting bees.

Another sure-fire way to keep birds and pollinating insects happy is with a water feature. Birdbaths, fountains, and purposefully created puddles are all perfect spots for bathing and drinking. Place some stones and pebbles around the water element to provide butterflies with a warm place to dry off and sunbathe after cleaning up.