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!
Discover more about creating a pollinator-friendly garden in my post, “Perennials for Pollinators in Your Desert Garden”, where I share tips on supporting local wildlife and promoting a healthy garden ecosystem.
Supporting pollinators in the desert takes the right plants and placement. Find out what works in Planting for Pollinators: Create a Simple Insectary Border in Your Garden.
Using Annual Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects & Pollinators for Natural Pest Control
Incorporating annual plants that attract beneficial insects into 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.
- Alyssum – Check out my Growing Guide for Alyssum.
- Coreopsis
- Aster
- Anise
- Bee Balm
- Buckwheat
- Chamomile– Discover how to grow chamomile in my Growing Guide for Chamomile.
- Clover
- Coneflower
- Coreopsis
- Cosmos
- Daisy (Regular and Shasta) – Check out my Growing Guide for Shasta Daisies.
- Dill– Discover how to grow dill in my Growing Guide for Dill.
- Feverfew
- Goldenrod
- Lovage
- Mint – Find growing tips in my Mint Growing Guide.
- Oregano – Learn how to grow oregano in my Oregano Growing Guide.
- Ratibida
- Rudbeckia– Discover how to grow rudbeckia in this growing guide.
- Sunflowers – Check out my Growing Guide for Sunflowers.
- Verbena – Find growing tips in my Vebena Growing Guide.
- Yarrow – Discover how to grow Yarrow in my Growing Guide for Yarrow.
Download the printable “Annuals for Natural Pest Control” at the top of this post.
Incorporating plants from this annual plant list 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.
- 5 Ways to Prevent Garden Pests Organically
- Organic Pest Control That Really Works
- Garden Hacks: 9 Simple Pest Control Tips
- Beneficial Insects as Natural Pest Control
- Plants that Attract Beneficial Insects & Pollinators
- Spider Mite Prevention & Organic Control
- Squash Bug Prevention & Organic Control
- How to Get Rid of Whiteflies (Even in Hot Climates)
- How to Get Rid of Aphids (and When to Ignore Them)
- How to Get Rid of Leaf-Footed Bugs (Effective IPM Strategies)
- How to Get Rid of Thrips on Roses, Citrus & More
In December 2023 I planted Salvia (Mystic Spires Blue). The heat of Summer brought enourmous growth and pollinators have arrived everyday to benefit from the vibrant flower spikes. It’s a Perennial for pollinators for sure. I’m uncertain of the timing to cut back the plants in our Phoenix 9b zone ahead of Spring new growth. November…ish??
You can cut back summer flowering perennials by about 1/3 now. After last frost next spring you can give them another light prune. You can cut back spent flowering spikes anytime. Glad to hear it did well for you.