Plants that Attract Beneficial Insects & Pollinators
By planting a variety of plants that beneficial insects love, you can increase the likelihood of them residing in your garden. This guide will help you choose the right plants to attract beneficial insects and pollinators for natural pest control.
When beneficial insects, predators, and parasitoids choose to live and reproduce in your garden, they are ready to spring into action when pest populations climb. The best part? A diverse landscape is also beautiful. You’ll love it, too!
Using Annual Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects & Pollinators for Natural Pest Control
Incorporating annual plants attractive to beneficial insects in your garden is a simple way to help create a balanced ecosystem. Annual plants are relatively easy to grow; many start easily from seed and are relatively inexpensive compared to perennial plants.
Annual Plants for Attracting Beneficial Insects & Pollinators for Natural Pest Control
This annual plant list is a great starting point for selecting plants to create a haven for beneficial insects and pollinators.
Allysum, Aster, Anise, Bee Balm, Buckwheat, Chamomile, Clover, Coneflower, Coreopsis, Cosmos, Daisy (Regular and Shasta), Dill, Feverfew, Goldenrod, Lovage, Mint, Oregano, Ratabida, Rudbeckia, Sunflowers, Verbena, and Yarrow
Download printable “Annuals for Natural Pest Control”
Using Perennials to Attract Beneficial Insects & Pollinators for a Balanced Ecosystem
Perennials can provide a long-lasting way to create food and habitat in your garden. They are long-lived plants that return year after year. Although they may have more initial up-front costs, they often require less maintenance and can be a cost-effective option for gardeners in the long term.
When selecting perennial plants for your garden, choose native plants if possible. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. This can make them more resilient and better able to support the native wildlife in your area.
Perennial Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects & Pollinators in the Sonoran Desert
The best perennial plants to attract beneficial insects will vary by location. These are good choices for the low desert of Arizona or Sonoran desert areas.
Angelita Daisy, Baja Fairyduster, Blackfoot Daisy, Blanketflower, Chocolate Flower, Coral Vine, Creosote, Damianita Bush, Desert Lavender, Desert Marigold, Desert Milkweed, Fairy Duster, Firecracker Penstemon Mt. Lemmon Marigold, Globe Mallow, Lantana, Mealy Cup Sage, Mexican Bush Sage, Morning Glory, Parry’s Penstemon, Passion Vine, Rock Penstemon, Rock Verbena, Rosemary, Salvia, Sandpaper Verbena Shrubby Germander, Spanish Lavender, Skyflower, Tangerine Crossvine, Turpentine Bush, Woolly Butterfly Bush, Yellow Bells
Download printable “Sonoran Desert Perennials for Pollinators”
Incorporating plants from these annual and perennial plant lists that attract beneficial insects and pollinators will help promote a beautiful, healthy, diverse ecosystem in your garden.
Are you growing any of these plants, or did I miss one of your favorites? Leave a comment and let me know.
References and Further Reading
- “Native Plants for Pollinators & Beneficial Insects: Southwest – Sonoran Desert“
- Desert Museum Plant List
- Plant Partners, Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden, Jessica Walliser.
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