Top 10 Native Plants for Pollinators: A Guide to Planting in Zone 6B

Jan 285 min read

Updated: Feb 14

When it comes to creating a habitat that supports pollinators like butterflies, bees, and other essential wildlife, native plants are your best friends. Not only are they beautifully adapted to thrive in their local environments, but they also provide the right food sources and shelter for the incredible pollinators that keep our ecosystems alive. In this post, we’re diving into the best native plants for pollinators in USDA hardiness zone 6B, so you can help boost biodiversity right in your own backyard! In this article we will learn about my Top 10 Native Plants for Pollinators! Want more butterflies? Let's dig in!

Why Native Plants?

You might be wondering, why native plants? Well, they offer several benefits to pollinators and wildlife. Native plants are naturally suited to local soil and weather conditions, meaning they require less water, less maintenance, and are less likely to need pesticides or fertilizers. But more importantly, they have evolved alongside native pollinators like Monarch butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, providing the food and habitat these creatures need to thrive.

My Top 10 Native Plants for Pollinators in Zone 6B

If you’re looking to add a diverse, colorful touch to your garden that will help attract pollinators, here are some of the best options for your zone 6B garden:

*(bonus for these plants I have included, is that every single one of them does double duty as host plants for numerous species of moths and butterflies!) For more information on what host plants are visit my other article on Host Plants!

Monarch butterfly on milkweed Flower — Female Monarch Butterfly on Milkweed Flower

1. Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) Best for Monarchs!

Milkweed is an essential plant for any pollinator garden. Monarch caterpillars exclusively feed on the leaves of milkweed, It is their host plant, so planting this beauty in your garden is crucial to supporting their lifecycle. This tall, fragrant perennial also attracts bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds with its sweet-smelling flowers. It is an ecosystem powerhouse all on its own!

2. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) Bee & Butterfly Favorite

Echinacea, with its bright purple flowers, is a staple in pollinator gardens. It attracts a variety of bees and butterflies, providing both nectar and pollen. This hardy plant is perfect for Zone 6B’s climate and blooms from mid-summer to fall. Purple Coneflower is the host plant for the Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly, the Southern Skipperling Butterfly and several species of Grammia Moths.

3. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) All-Round Pollinator Magnet

This cheerful yellow flower is a pollinator’s delight. It blooms from early summer to fall, providing an extended food source for butterflies, bees, and even birds. Black-eyed Susans are drought-tolerant, making them an excellent low-maintenance option for your garden. Black eyed Susan is a host plant for several species of butterflies and moths including, the Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly, Wavy Lined Emerald Moth, and Gorgon Checkerspot Butterfly.

4. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) Specially for Butterflies

As another species of milkweed, Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is adored by Monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Its bright orange blooms are stunning, and it’s easy to grow in full sun, making it a perfect addition to any sunny garden spot. Butterflyweed is another form of milkweed it is the host plant for Monarch Butterflies.

5. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) Late Blooming for Extended Nectar

If you’re looking to extend the pollination season, New England Aster is your plant. Its late-season purple flowers are a critical nectar source for bees and butterflies as the season winds down. A must-have for fall pollinator gardens! New England Astor is a host plant for Silvery Checkerspot Butterflies, Pearl Crescent Butterflies, Wavy Lined Emerald Moths, and several other species!

6. Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) Hummingbird and Bee Delight

With its striking red or pink flowers, Bee Balm is not only visually stunning but also attracts pollinators in droves. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to this plant’s nectar, which can be found all summer long. Bee Balm is a host plant for the Hermit Sphinx Moth and the Orange Mint Moth.

7. Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) A Tall, Bee-Attracting Beauty

This perennial has clusters of pinkish-lavender flowers that pollinators love, especially bees. Joe Pye Weed thrives in moist soils, making it a great addition to areas of your garden that may have a bit more moisture. Joe Pye Weed is a host plant for many species of moths including the Three Lined Flower Moth, Great Tiger Moth and others!

8. Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea) For Pollinator Diversity

Purple Prairie Clover has striking purple flowers that are a favorite of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It’s a perennial that can grow in a range of soil types and conditions, making it easy to include in your garden. Purple Prairie Clover is a host plant for the Dogface Sulphur Butterfly and Reakirt's Blue Butterfly!

9. Liatris (Liatris spicata) Bee & Butterfly Favorite

With its striking tall spikes of purple flowers, Liatris is a standout in any pollinator garden. This native perennial attracts a wide array of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, all eager to enjoy its nectar. Liatris also thrives in dry conditions, making it an ideal addition to drought-tolerant gardens. Not only is it a pollinator magnet, but Liatris' beauty and hardiness make it a must-have for adding vibrant color and wildlife support to your landscape. Liatris is the host plant for flower moths including Schinia Gloriosa and Schinia Sanguinea.

10. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) Pollinator Powerhouse

Goldenrod is a late-blooming perennial that helps sustain bees and butterflies well into the fall. Its bright yellow blooms are a beacon for pollinators and can be added to your garden for a late-season food source. Goldenrod is a host plant for so many species of moths they are too numerous to list!

Planting Tips for Zone 6B Pollinator Gardens

Creating a pollinator-friendly garden involves more than just planting the right species—it’s about providing an environment that supports these creatures year-round. Here are some tips for making your Zone 6B garden a pollinator paradise:

Diverse Planting: The more plant species you include, the more diverse your pollinator population will be. Mix native flowers, shrubs, and trees that provide food and shelter for different species.
Year-Round Blooming: Plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times of the year to ensure that pollinators have a food source throughout the seasons. This is also called staggered bloom time
Nesting Spaces: Leave some areas of your garden a bit "wild" to provide nesting opportunities for bees and other pollinators. Consider adding a bee house or leaving plant stems standing in the winter.
No Pesticides: Pesticides can harm pollinators, so it’s best to avoid them altogether. Instead, focus on encouraging natural predators like ladybugs to keep pests at bay.

Final Thoughts

By adding these native plants to your garden, you’re not only creating a beautiful space for yourself but also helping to ensure that pollinators have the resources they need to thrive. Remember, a healthy pollinator population is critical to our ecosystems, and every little bit helps. Get started with native planting today and watch your garden come to life with buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies, and thriving wildlife!

If you want to support your efforts in educating others about the importance of pollinators, check out my educational bookmarks that feature valuable information about pollinators and conservation.

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Love the beauty of nature and want to learn more? Explore my interactive handmade educational bookmarks featuring stunning pollinator imagery and fascinating facts—perfect for every nature lover! A portion of each sale helps protect and create habitats for pollinators and wildlife on our property. Shop now and be part of our conservation effort!