Aster x frikartii
In early summer to fall, butterflies often sun as they sip on these daisylike blooms. Perennial; full sun.
Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii)
Slender cones of flowers in spring and summer. Evergreen or deciduous; sun to light shade.
Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Slender cones of flowers in spring and summer. Evergreen or deciduous; sun to light shade.
Fennel
Airy umbrellas of yellow florets in summer also attract bees. Annual or perennial; full sun.
Lantana
Tiny flowers in tight clusters all year in mild climates. Evergreen shrub (annual in colder climate); full sun.
Bee balm (Monarda)
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Star-shaped flowers appear in summer. Annual; sun or partial shade.
Oregano
Sunflower
Bright and bold, they’re beacons for honeybees. Be sure to choose pollen-bearing varieties. Annual; full sun.
Alstroemeria
Summer blossoms are great for bouquets, but leave a few on the plant for hummingbirds. Perennial; sun (afternoon shade in hot climates).
Lion's tail (Leonotis leonurus)
Tubular flowers with furry coats cluster along stems in summer and fall. Evergreen shrub; full sun.
Lavender (Lavandula)
Cape Fuchsia
Black scabiosa (Scabiosa atropurpurea ‘Black’)
Growing 2-3 feet tall and 1 foot wide, this scabiosa produces rich, velvety blooms on exceptionally long stems. Thrives in full sun and when given moderate water. Zones 1-24, H1, H2.
Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)
Salvia
Sweet alyssum
Blanket flower
Blanket flower (Gaillardia) features gorgeous golden tips and requires moderate water.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Colorful and super tough, ‘Ruby Star’ coneflower from Monrovia nurseries has large pinkish-purple blooms with pronounced coppery centers. The plant grows 2-feet tall; the flowers are 4 inches across. Among the many showy hybrids are ‘Orange Meadowbrite’, butter-yellow ‘Sunrise’, and reddish-orange ‘Sundown’.
Achillea ‘Moonshine’ (Yarrow)
Blankets of yellow flowers top this easy-care perennial from spring to fall. The flat flower heads form a landing platform for bees and butterflies to collect pollen. ‘Moonshine’ reaches 2 feet tall and wide with flowers held above finely divided grey leaves. Low water once established.