Here are 5 flowers you should grow to attract pollinators to your New Jersey garden

Lifestyle and Family

Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is not only beneficial for the environment but also essential for a successful vegetable garden. Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and other insects, play a crucial role in fertilizing flowers, resulting in better fruit set and higher yields.

Today, we’ll explore five fantastic pollinator plants that are well-suited for a New Jersey vegetable garden. By including these plants in your garden, you’ll attract pollinators and promote a healthy and thriving ecosystem.

Bee Balm (Monarda): Bee Balm, with its vibrant blooms and distinct fragrance, is a magnet for bees and butterflies. This native perennial plant thrives in New Jersey’s climate. Its tubular flowers, available in various colors including red, pink, and purple, are rich in nectar and attract a wide range of pollinators. Plant bee balm in a sunny location with well-drained soil, and enjoy the beautiful sight of buzzing bees while enhancing pollination in your vegetable garden.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea): Purple coneflower is a hardy perennial that not only adds beauty to your garden but also provides a vital food source for bees and butterflies. Its daisy-like purple flowers with prominent seed heads attract a variety of pollinators. The nectar-rich blooms of purple coneflower make it a favorite among butterflies, including the iconic monarch butterfly. Plant them in well-drained soil and watch as your garden comes alive with pollinator activity.


Liatris (Blazing Star): Liatris, also known as blazing star or gayfeather, is a tall, spiky perennial that adds vertical interest to your garden while attracting pollinators. Its unique bottlebrush-like flowers are a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Liatris blooms from mid to late summer, providing a valuable late-season nectar source when other flowers may be scarce. Plant them in full sun and well-drained soil, and witness the vibrant display of pollinators in your garden.

Agastache (Hyssop): Agastache, commonly known as hyssop, is a fragrant perennial herb that not only attracts pollinators but also repels pests. Its tubular flowers, available in various colors such as purple, pink, and orange, are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Agastache thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. By planting hyssop in your vegetable garden, you’ll not only support pollinators but also benefit from its pest-repellent properties.

Phlox: Phlox is a versatile flowering perennial that comes in many varieties, including tall garden phlox and creeping phlox. These colorful flowers bloom from summer to fall, providing a continuous food source for pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are particularly fond of phlox, making it a must-have plant in a pollinator-friendly garden. Choose a variety that suits your garden’s needs and enjoy the beauty and pollinator activity it brings.

Conclusion: By incorporating these five pollinator plants – bee balm, purple coneflower, liatris, agastache, and phlox – into your New Jersey vegetable garden, you’ll create an inviting habitat for beneficial pollinators. These plants not only enhance the visual appeal of your garden but also play a vital role in pollination, leading to healthier and more abundant vegetable harvests. So, transform your garden into a pollinator paradise and reap the rewards of a thriving ecosystem while enjoying a fruitful vegetable garden. Happy gardening!

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