5 In Edibles/ Flowers/ Gardening

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

I've decided to try something new and exciting! I love growing what you can eat. Growing vegetables and herbs makes gardening such a rewarding hobby. The crops that I start from seed as early as February are very important to me. This has lead me to try out methods like companion planting. Companion planting helps with keeping away pests and unwanted bugs. It even attracts some pollinators into your veggie garden. 

The common companion flowers like petunias, marigolds and nasturtiums do attract bees and butterflies. I wanted to take it a step further and attract hummingbirds, songbirds and even more types of butterflies. I love seeing all of the activity in my garden. So, like a giant billboard works at attracting attention from your average passerby, I want to do the same using flowers for pollinators. Here is a list of the varieties I've decided to add into the edible garden this year.

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Greens Growing

1. COREOPSIS

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Coreopsis ‘Satin & Lace Red Chiffon’

Coreopsis, also commonly known as tickseed, is the perfect flower to brighten up any garden. This year, I'm focusing on the threadleaf coreopsis varieties. It is a heat tolerant plant that will keep on blooming all summer long. It is in the same family as the sunflower and is also native to North America. I have some newly planted coreopsis in front of my peppers to attract pollinators and also lady beetles. 

Common Name: Tickseed

Zones: 4-9

Care Level: Easy

Light Requirement: Sun/Partial Sun

Bloom Time: Early Summer Through Fall

Varieties To Try: Grandiflora Presto, Satin & Lace Red Chiffon, Lil' Bang Enchanted Eve 

Pollinators That Visit: Bees, Butterflies and Birds

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Coreopsis ‘Presto’

2. CROCOSMIA

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’

Crocosmia is such a vibrant flowering plant. It also has the benefit of being a hummingbird magnet. I first took notice of it when I was visiting Virginia. It seemed to be a hub for all of the pollinators in the area. I instantly knew I had to plant some in my very own garden. It can grow up to 32 inches tall, so it works perfectly growing near all of my indeterminate tomato plants. 

Common Name: Sword Lily

Zones: 5-9

Care Level: Easy

Light Requirement: Sun/Partial Shade

Bloom Time: Summer Through Fall

Varieties To Try: Lucifer, Emberglow

Pollinators That Visit: Hummingbirds

3. DAHLIA

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Dahlia ‘HS Date’

This year, I am definitely not taking it easy on the dahlias! Between my cutting garden and adding some into the veggie garden to attract pollinators, hopefully, my yard will be filled to the brim soon. Dahlias come in all different varieties, colors, shapes and sizes. If you worry about not having enough space, decorative border dahlias will stay on the shorter side. They grow to around 16 inches tall, making them a perfect option. I have all different varieties of dahlias growing in my tomato beds this year.

Common Name: Dahlia 

Zones: 8-11

Care Level: Medium (Tall Varieties Require Staking)

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Bloom Time: Summer Through Fall

Varieties To Try: HS Date, Gallery Serenade, Art Deco

Pollinators That Visit: Butterflies and Hummingbirds

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Dahlia ‘Gallery Serenade’

4. ECHINACEA

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Echinacea ‘Magnus’

The first perennial flower that comes to mind when I think of pollinators is definitely Echinacea, also known as the cone flower. The plant is very easy to care for while being heat and drought tolerant. After the blooms fade, the cones will provide food for songbirds visiting your yard. This North American native has a variety of colors to choose from and also makes the perfect cut flower. I have some coneflowers growing near my eggplants right now. I'm hoping that helps with pollination and provides me with many healthy veggies all season. 

Common Name: Cone Flower

Zones: 4-9

Care Level: Easy

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Bloom Time: Summer Through Fall

Varieties To Try: Magnus, Double Decker

Pollinators That Visit: Birds and Butterflies

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Photo Taken When Visiting Washington D.C.

5. EUCOMIS

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Eucomis ‘Autumnalis’

 

Eucomis, also known as the pineapple flower is very exotic and tropical looking. The spikes of flowers look so unique and will surely attract pollinators into your garden. They work perfectly in any container, making them great for small spaces. Right now, I have some potted up near my watermelon plants. It is such a fun plant to grow, is full of nectar and I love how it blooms from the bottom up!

Common Name: Pineapple Flower

Zones: 8-10

Care Level: Easy

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Bloom Time: Summer Through Fall

Varieties To Try: Autumnalis, Leia

Pollinators That Visit: Butterflies and Hummingbirds 

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Eucomis ‘Leia’

6. HELENIUM

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’

This pollen-filled flower is a must for any yard looking to attract wildlife. It's another North American native that is also a wildflower. Helenium is known to repel deer and rabbits away from your garden. The blooms make an excellent cut flower to add to those mid-summer floral arrangements. I planted some near my lettuce and spinach patch to add in some much needed color. 

Common Name: Sneezeweed 

Zones: 3-9

Care Level: Easy

Light Requirement: Sun

Bloom Time: Summer 

Varieties To Try: Moerheim Beauty, The Bishop

Pollinators That Visit: Bees and Butterflies

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Helenium ‘The Bishop’

7. KNIPHOFIA

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Kniphofia ‘Flaming Torch’

The first time I saw Kniphofia, also known as red hot poker blooming, I was absolutely amazed. It's orange tubular flowers are full of sweet nectar that will have all the pollinators seeking out your yard. If you are inspired by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss these summer blooms are for you! I have a some growing near my Swiss chard and soy beans hoping they add that much needed splash of color.

Common Name: Red Hot Poker

Zones: 5-9

Care Level: Easy

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Bloom Time: Summer

Varieties To Try: Flaming Torch

Pollinators That Visit: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds 

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

8. LIATRIS

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

I first discovered liatris when I was a beginner gardener. I was instantly hooked. I had never seen so many pollinators visit my garden. It was the most thrilling sight. This flower is native to North America and very easy to grow. It will attract a wide variety of butterflies to your yard, so keep your camera on-hand. It can also make a wonderful long-lasting cut flower and is also deer resistant!

Common Name: Liatris

Zones: 3-10

Care Level: Easy

Light Requirement: Sun/Partial Shade

Bloom Time: Summer

Varieties To Try: Blazing Star

Pollinators That Visit: Butterflies and Bees

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Bee Visiting My Liatris in July of 2016

9. SCABIOSA

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’

I just recently added this flower to my list of top blooms. I couldn't wait to take some pictures of my new plant! It is growing right next to my Romanesco broccoli in the vegetable garden. It is deer resistant, and  makes a great cut flower. The lavender-blue flowers have a frilly appearance and are really unique. 

Common Name: Pincushion Flower

Zones: 3-8

Care Level: Easy

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Bloom Time: Summer Through Fall

Varieties To Try: Butterfly Blue, Ritz Roze

Pollinators That Visit: Hummingbirds and Butterflies

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

10. VERONICA

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Veronica ‘Ulster Blue Dwarf’

Veronica, also known as speedwell comes in many different varieties and colors. My favorites have such a strikingly dark blue flower that attracts hummingbirds and bees. No deadheading is necessary with this compact plant. It looks perfect in containers and small-space gardens. I have mine growing alongside with some parsley and oregano. 

Common Name: Speedwell

Zones: 8-10

Care Level: Easy

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Bloom Time: Summer

Varieties To Try: Marietta, Melanie White, Ulster Blue Dwarf

Pollinators That Visit: Bees, Hummingbirds 

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Veronica ‘Marietta’

A FEW MORE BLOOMS TO CONSIDER

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | angiethefreckledrose.com

Zinnias, Bee Balm, Geraniums, Cosmos, Russian Sage, Sunflowers, Calendula, Phlox, Black-Eyed Susan, Marigolds, Lavender, Asters, Fennel, Lantana, Borage, Penstemon, Oregano, Salvia, Yarrow, Queen Anne's Lace, Shasta Daisy, Verbena, Nasturtium 

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Do you have a favorite type of flower that is pollinator friendly? Have you ever tried planting some of those blooms near your vegetable crops? If so, tell me all about it in the comment section below! I'd love to hear all about it. Happy planting!

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Top 10 Flowers You Can Add to Your Veggie Patch Today to Attract Pollinators | I've decided to try something new and exciting! I love growing what you can eat. Growing vegetables and herbs makes gardening such a rewarding hobby. The crops that I start from seed as early as February are very important to me. | angiethefreckledrose.com
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5 Comments

  • Reply
    Diane Williams
    June 12, 2018 at 6:05 pm

    You photography is SO beautiful I just want to plant all of these lovelies!

  • Reply
    Michelle Marine
    June 12, 2018 at 1:52 pm

    I always enjoy your garden photos, Angie! They are so pretty. I have a lot of these flowers growing around the homestead – love them all. <3

  • Reply
    Jami
    June 12, 2018 at 1:51 pm

    I can’t wait to see your vegetable area, Angie! I try to grow flowers near the vegetables, but it’s usually a cutting garden. I do love sunflowers, though and plant them with the veggies. 🙂

  • Reply
    Patti
    June 12, 2018 at 1:35 pm

    Such great choices. I’ve grown them all except for Eucomis. Now I have to find one to add to my own collection. So fun having a new flower in the garden. Thanks!

  • Reply
    Shelly
    June 12, 2018 at 11:04 am

    All of the flowers are so lovely. We let a few of our artichokes go to flower each year and they bring in the bees like crazy. My grandparents always grew Dahlias near their garden. We’ve grown sunflowers, black eyed susans and marigold. Although I don’t like the smell of marigolds my mom always grew them in the garden.

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