Six native plants selected for their broad pollinator appeal, varied flower shapes, and staggered blooming seasons.
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata)
Fragrant pink flower clusters bloom profusely in mid-summer, attracting monarchs, swallowtails, bees, and countless other pollinators with abundant nectar. This moisture-loving native serves double duty as both a host plant for monarch caterpillars and a nectar source for diverse pollinator species.
Height: 2-5 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms August to September
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 75 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
*Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Cup Plant (Silphium Perfoliatum)
Bright yellow sunflower-like blooms tower up to 8 feet tall in mid-to-late summer, while unique cup-shaped leaves collect rainwater for birds and insects to drink. This architectural native is a pollinator powerhouse, attracting bees, butterflies, beetles, and beneficial flies while providing nesting materials and shelter.
Height: 3-6 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms July to September
Soil Moisture: Dry to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 20 seeds per pack, covers 20 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 4-8
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at depth stated on packet. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis)
Brilliant scarlet flower spikes bloom from mid-summer through fall, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and long-tongued bees with their tubular nectar-rich flowers. This moisture-loving native provides critical late-season resources when many other plants have finished blooming.
Height: 1-3 feet tall
Sunlight: Part Sun to Full Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms July to August
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: 200 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 4-9
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum Novae-Angliae)
Vibrant purple daisy-like flowers with golden centers create spectacular fall displays, providing essential nectar for migrating monarchs, native bees, and other late-season pollinators. This robust native is one of the most important fall food sources for pollinators preparing for winter or migration.
Height: 3-6 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms September to October
Soil Moisture: Medium to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: Over 200 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Blue Vervain (Verbena Hastata)
Slender purple-blue flower spikes rise elegantly from mid-summer through fall, beloved by butterflies, native bees, and beneficial wasps. This adaptable wetland native tolerates various moisture conditions and offers continuous blooms that support pollinators throughout the season.
Height: 2-5 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Period: Blooms July to September
Soil Moisture: Medium to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: Over 200 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at depth stated on packet. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea)
Bold pink-purple petals surround prominent bronze cones from mid-summer through fall, attracting butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees, and later goldfinches who feast on the seeds. This iconic prairie native is drought-tolerant and supports pollinators at multiple life stages from nectar feeding to seed production.
Height: 2-5 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms July to September
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 30 seeds per pack, covers 15 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 4-8
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
