Sonja Sunflower

With their bright colors and an abundance of pollen and nectar, sunflowers are among the most inviting pollinator plants.  Their broad, flat faces provide a great landing spot for bees, butterflies and moths.

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Life cycle: Annual

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Height: 3-4’

Soil type: Average to dry

Sun requirements: Full sun

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Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, moths

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Okay in planter tub? No

Purple Coneflower

Also known as Echinacea, Purple coneflower is a staple in native pollinator gardens in Kentucky.  The brightly colored center provides an excellent landing pad for butterflies.

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Life cycle: Perennial

Height: 3’

Soil type: Average

Sun requirements: Full sun

Pollinators: Bees, butterflies

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Okay for planter tub? No

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Holy Basil

This hardy, low maintenance plant attracts a multitude of pollinators, including hummingbirds. The spicy leaves of this herb are edible and it is a common ingredient in Thai cuisine.

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Life cycle: Annual

Height: 12-18”

Soil type:  Average - moist

Sun requirement: Sun - part shade

Pollinators: Bees and other pollinator insects

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Okay in planter tub? Yes

Scabiosa

Also known as mourning bride or pincushion flower, these colorful blooms are enticing to butterflies, bees, and moths.  Scabiosa blooms throughout the season, providing color late into the summer.

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Life cycle: Annual

Height: 2-3’

Soil type: Rich, well-drained

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Sun requirement: Full sun

Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, moths

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Okay in planter tub? No

Borage

This beautiful purple flower is a bee favorite; it attracts many species including bumblebees, honey bees, and many native, wild bees.  It is easy to grow, and will readily reseed itself to provide blooms all season long.

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Life cycle: Annual

Height: 12”

Soil type: Average

Sun requirement: Full sun

Pollinators: Bees

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Okay in planter tub? Yes

Catmint

Not to be confused with catnip, this aromatic herb produces showy, purple flowers that attract butterflies and bees.  It is easy to grow and does best in part shade, although it can tolerate full sun.

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Life cycle: Perennial

Height: 12-18”

Soil type: Average

Sun requirement: Part shade

Pollinators: Bees and butterflies

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Okay in planter tub?  No

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Yarrow

The colorful, flat tops of yarrow flowers appeal to many types of pollinator insects.  Yarrow is a native to our region.

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Life cycle: Perennial

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Height: 1-2’

Soil type: Average

Sun requirements: Full sun

Pollinators: Bees and other beneficial insects

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Okay for planter tub? Yes

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Anise hyssop

This native perennial is a member of the mint family, and it has a slight licorice aroma.  Its purple flower spikes attract an array of insects and sometimes hummingbirds.

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Life cycle: Perennial

Height: 2-3’

Soil type: Average

Sun requirements: Sun - part shade

Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths

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Okay in planter tub? No

Dill

The small yellow blossoms produced by dill attract small bees, but the plant also provides food to butterflies and caterpillars. Its flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish.

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Life cycle: Annual

Height: Varies

Soil type: Any

Sun requirement: Full sun

Pollinators: Bees and other pollinator insects

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Okay in planter tub? Yes

Mountain Mint

The white flowers of this aromatic herb invite a great diversity of pollinators.  It is easy to grow and its edible leaves can be used to make tea.  It can tolerate partial shade. 

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Life cycle: Perennial

Height: 2-3’

Soil type: Average - moist

Sun requirement: Full sun

Pollinators: Bees and many others

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Okay in planter tub? No

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