7 Native Pollinator Perennials for Your Garden

7 Native Pollinator Perennials for Your Garden

With the decline of natural pollinators, interest in native and pollinator-friendly gardening has increased substantially, and for a good reason. If you are looking to create a beautiful garden that supports bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, planting native perennials is one of the best investments you can make. Native plants have evolved alongside local wildlife, making them excellent sources of nectar, pollen, and habitat while requiring less maintenance than many non-native ornamentals. In addition to native Milkweed, which is an essential host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars, here are seven additional native pollinator plants for the northeast. 

Coreopsis (Tickseed): Coreopsis is one of the longest-blooming native perennials, producing cheerful yellow flowers from early summer into fall. Its bright blooms attract native bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects throughout the growing season.

● Full sun

● Well-drained soil

● Drought tolerant once established

● Deadheading spent flowers can encourage further  blooming

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A true garden favorite, purple coneflower is as tough as it is beautiful. Its large purple blooms are magnets for butterflies and native bees, while its seed heads become an important winter food source for goldfinches and other birds.

● Full sun 

● Average, well-drained soil

● Highly drought tolerant

●Leave seed heads through winter for wildlife

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Black-eyed Susan are iconic native wildflowers known for their golden petals surrounding dark centers. They bloom heavily throughout summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects while adding color to the landscape.

● Full sun

● Adaptable to most soil types

● Drought tolerant

Bee Balm (Monarda): Bee balm, also known as wild bergamot, is a standout native perennial with vibrant blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, or white. Its nectar-rich flowers are especially attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and its aromatic foliage adds another layer of garden appeal.

● Full sun to partial shade

● Moist, well-drained soil

●Divide clumps every few years to keep plants vigorous.

Blazing Star (Liatris spicata): With its tall spikes of fluffy purple flowers, blazing star adds dramatic vertical interest while serving as one of the best nectar plants for butterflies, native bees, hummingbirds, and even hummingbird moths.

● Full sun

● Well-drained soil

● Moderate drought tolerance

● Plant in groups for the visual impact

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): Cardinal flower is a stunning native perennial with brilliant red blooms that are especially attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees. Its tall flower spikes add bold color to garden spaces from midsummer into early fall and it is perfect for shadier, moist spots.

Growing Tips:

● Partial shade 

● Moist, rich soil

● Keep soil consistently damp

● Great for rain gardens, pond edges, and woodland borders

New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae): When most summer flowers begin to fade, New England aster steals the show. Its vibrant purple flowers bloom from late summer into fall, providing critical nectar for migrating monarch butterflies and late-season pollinators.

● Full sun

● Moist, well-drained soil

● Pinch stems in early summer for bushier growth

● Excellent for naturalized landscapes

By incorporating these native plants into your landscape, you can enjoy months of colorful blooms while creating a valuable habitat for pollinators. Together, Coreopsis, Echinacea,  Black Eyed Susan, Bee Balm, Liatris, Cardinal Flower and New England Aster provide nectar and pollen from early summer through fall, helping sustain bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial wildlife.

Whether you are planting a dedicated pollinator garden or simply adding a few native perennials to existing beds, every flower makes a difference. Your garden won’t just look beautiful, it will become part of a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.

Author: Lee Miller @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2026. All rights reserved.

Prickly Pear Cactus: Native and Sustainable

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa)

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! You may have encountered this plant growing in the more northeastern regions of the U.S. and been intrigued by it. Native to North America, the eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa) is the only species of cactus widespread in northern gardens. A member of the genus Cactaceae, it is known for its showy bright yellow blooms followed by vibrant reddish-colored edible fruit in summertime. Its flat, paddle-shaped foliage consists of modified stems that are covered in small, hair-like spines, which provide the plant with protection from herbivores. This species has adapted to thrive in arid and semi-arid environments, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and sustainable gardening.

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa)

Prickly Pears are low maintenance and thrive best with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily and planted in a well-draining sand/gravel based soil. These cacti also perform well in containers where the use of a standard cactus mix is ideal. Prickly Pears are drought-tolerant once established and require infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering to prevent root rot. This plant can be propagated through pads or seeds. To propagate from a pad, let it callous over for a few days before planting it in soil. Roots should develop within a few weeks. It is important to note that while Prickly Pear are native to North America, they can become invasive in some regions, competing with other native vegetation. Properly managing this plant is important in maintaining an ecological balance. 

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa)

Along with its attractive blooms and fruit, Prickly Pear Cactus serves many culinary and medicinal uses. Both the pads (nopales) and fruits (tunas) are edible. The fruits are sweet and can be eaten fresh, juiced, or made into jams and candies and the foliage is often grilled or boiled and used in Mexican cuisine. Prickly pear fruit was wildly eaten fresh and raw by native Americans, as some tribes made candy and chewing gum from the fruit or mashed the foliage into a type of applesauce. Medicinally, Prickly Pear Cactus extracts have been used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The Aztecs would use the juice from this cactus to treat burns and other ailments, while considering the plant to be sacred. 

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa)

If you're looking for a garden addition which is a little unique, sustainable and low maintenance, Prickly Pear Cactus offers numerous benefits. By understanding its needs and characteristics, you can successfully cultivate and enjoy this beautiful cactus in your home or garden.

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! 

 Plan your Garden with my Books! 

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening 

Landscape Design Combinations

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener 

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2024. All rights reserved. 

This Month in the Garden: Sustainable Gardening-Design of a Lawnless Landscape

This Month in the Garden: Sustainable Gardening-Design of a Lawnless Landscape 

Welcome to This Month in the garden! With today’s busy lifestyles and overwhelming schedules, many homeowners prefer to forego a lawn, yet still desire a functional and welcoming landscape. This could be a challenging task, but with careful planning, the goal can be achieved with optimum results.

Front Garden Before

I received a request for such a garden a couple of years ago from a client that no longer wanted the challenge of having to mow a lawn every week or hire someone else to do it. The client wanted to achieve a garden that could be enjoyed and also desired a place where seasonal vegetables and strawberries could be grown. As a designer, the planning of the garden took several steps and my job was to incorporate both hardscape and plantings into a functional, yet aesthetically pleasing garden. 

Front Garden After

The process started with the clearing of a large tree that was very close to the house and had overgrown its space. Afterward, environmental conditions were noted and careful measurements were taken of the site. Landscape flags were used to lay out curving bed-lines and list of desirable low maintenance evergreens, flowering shrubs and perennials was compiled along the the client. 

Front Garden After

Once the area for the garden beds was marked, I imagined a “lawn” composed of pea gravel with irregular bluestone stepping-stones, which would serve the purpose of guiding visitors from the front driveway to the main entrance, to an adjacent pond area and then towards the backyard. In the backyard, raised vegetable planters would be positioned in a central region allowing for easy access with plantings along the perimeter. Additional stepping-stones were used to access the raised beds. The lack of lawn also would create a more sustainable landscape with less watering needed.

Back Garden Before

The front gardens consist of various evergreens, such as holly, euonymus, Skip Laurel, Blue Globe Spruce, Hinoki Cypress and Japanese Garden Juniper with flowering shrubs such as Magic Carpet Spirea and Hydrangea. Various long-blooming perennials such as Salvia ‘May Night', Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ and Daylily ‘Stella D Oro’ were added for summer color into fall. Evergold Sedge and Variegated Liriope were incorporated to a add a low maintenance grass-like element to the garden and pond area.

Conceptual Rendering

The back gardens consist of Emerald Green Arborvitae and Skip Laurel along the perimeter, giving a sense of privacy, along with various flowering shrubs such as Little Lime Hydrangea, Double Knock Out Roses, Crape Myrtle and Tree Hydrangea. Assorted perennials were also added for continuous color throughout the growing season. Above is a computer generated conceptual layout of the backyard design.

Back Garden After

The area comprising the "lawn area" in both the front and back yards was cleared and prepared with a compacted RCA base. Paths were constructed of landscape fabric and edging with a 2-3 inch thick layer of 3/4" pea gravel with Pennsylvania irregular bluestone inserts added for walking. Two Railroad Tie Planter Boxes (approximately 3.5 x 7 x 26”H) were each constructed with open gravel filled bases for drainage. Drip Irrigation lines were run in preparation for plantings.

Pennsylvania Irregular Bluestone Walkway in Pea Gravel Base

Pennsylvania irregular bluestone on a pea gravel base with landscape edging makes for an informal and inviting walkway.

Back Garden After

The completed project turned out to be a huge success and created both an enjoyable and functional atmosphere to be enjoyed by the homeowner for years to come.

Front Garden 1 Year Later

 Here is the front garden one year later. As you can see, the plantings are already starting to mature...

Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit'

 and here is a view of  Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit' that the homeowner sent me. 

This Month in the Garden: Sustainable Gardening-Design of a Lawnless Landscape 

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for June. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. of each month for This Month in the Garden, as I share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! Linking with: Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, Friday Photo Journal, Image-in-ing Weekly Photo Link-Up and Dishing It & Digging It.

For more gardening information and tips...Visit My Author Page/Purchase My Books

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations and my latest...

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener

~As Always...Happy Gardening! ~

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2020. All rights reserved.

This Month in the Garden: How to Create a Bird-Friendly Winter Garden-Plant Suggestions

This Month in the Garden

Welcome to This Month in the Garden. Winter can be a challenging time for backyard birds as food sources, water and shelter become scarce. Shorter days mean less time for foraging and many insects are in hibernation, making it even more difficult for birds to obtain food. In addition, many seed-bearing plants have already been consumed, while deciduous trees have lost their leaves, no longer offering protection from the harsh winter winds. With freezing temperatures water can also become inaccessible. 

There are steps you can perform in creating a bird-friendly garden that can be beneficial, and even life-saving for our feathered friends. For starters, planting a mixture of evergreens and deciduous shrubs provides shelter during winter months and nesting areas for birds during springtime. Generally, Juncos and Towhees prefer to nest beneath bushes, while species such as Cardinals, Morning Doves, Mockingbirds and Nuthatches prefer the sanctuary of dense foliage. Depending on species, a bird's food preferences can vary, but most enjoy feeding off insects, berry producing shrubs and trees and the dried seed heads of perennials. Here is a list of bird-friendly plants that you can incorporate into your winter garden.

 Callicarpa dichotoma 'Early Amethyst' (American Beautyberry)

The first is Callicarpa or Beautyberry. Callicarpa maintains a tidy habit of 3-4 feet high by wide, displaying beautiful arching branches and loads of colorful fruit. Clusters of pale lavender-pink flowers form in summer and develop into masses of glossy amethyst berries in fall. The fruits tend to persist longer on the shrub than others, offering some (but limited) winter interest and are a desired food of the Northern Bobwhite. Callicapra is hardy in USDA zones 5-8, prefers full fun to partial shade and a moderately moist soil.

Juniperus communis-Common Juniper (Photo Credit Wikipedia)

Common Juniper is an evergreen found across the northern United States and southern Canada, which is also native to Europe and Asia. This small evergreen can be an excellent plant for backyard wildlife gardeners, forming bluish-black berries that are an attraction to a variety of birds including catbirds, thrashers and woodpeckers. Juniper is slow growing, hardy in USDA zones 2-6 and prefers to be grown in full to partial sunlight. The plant reaches a mature height and width of 5-10 feet by 8-15 feet; however there is a dwarf variety, Juniperus communis 'Compressa', that grows to a height of just 2-3 feet. Besides Juniper communis, other edible species include Juniperus drupacea, Juniperus phoenicea, Juniperus deppeana, and Juniperus californica.

Ilex (Nellie Stevens Holly)

One of the most attractive of hollies, 'Nellie Stevens' Holly is a vigorous grower with dense branches, making it an excellent screening plant. 'Nellie Stevens' grows in a pyramidal shape to a height of 15-20 feet tall by 8-12 feet wide, while displaying oblong, glossy, dark green leaves with spiny margins. Inconspicuous greenish-white flowers appear in spring followed by abundant amounts of berry-like bright red fruits which ripen in fall and persist into winter. Ilex 'Nellie Stevens' is hardy in USDA zones 6-9, prefers full sun to partial shade and a moderately moist soil. This species of holly will form berries without cross-pollination; however, planting near a male Chinese holly will promote more fruit. Nellie Stevens Holly are especially preferred by Blackbirds for food and nesting.

Sambucus (Elderberry) Photo Credit Wikipedia

Elderberry is known for its white flowers followed by blackish-red fall berries which can be harvested for making elderberry wine and jam, or left on the plant to attract birds and other wildlife. This shrub grows to a height and width of 6-8 feet tall by wide and is hardy in USDA zones 4-7. Elderberry prefers full sun to partial shade and a moderately moist soil, but is adaptable to most sites. A new cultivar of Elderberry known as 'Black Lace' is a stunning development in Elderberry breeding, displaying intense purple black foliage, pink flowers in summer, followed by blackish-red fall berries. 

Viburnum 'Cardinal Candy'

Viburnum 'Cardinal Candy' displays creamy white flowers in spring followed by bright red, berries that make for a stunning display in the fall. Fruiting appears to be strong even without another pollinator in the area and are favored by birds and butterflies. Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, Viburnum 'Cardinal Candy' matures to 4-5' tall by wide and prefers to be grown in full sun to partial shade. Its well-branched habit allows it to fit nicely into the landscape. This variety of viburnum has improved hardiness compared to other dilatatum varieties.

Mahonia (Oregon Grape Holly)

Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, Mahonia aquifolium is an evergreen shrub that is noted for its mildly fragrant yellow flowers in spring followed by clusters of edible blue-black berries in late summer that resemble grapes. Holly-like foliage emerges red-tinted in spring, maturing to glossy dark green by summer, turning a purplish hue in fall, followed by a burgundy-bronze tone by winter. Berries are somewhat sour fresh off the plant, but make excellent jellies and are a favorite food source for birds. Plants grow to a height of 3-6' tall by 2-5 feet wide, prefer partial shade and a moderately moist soil.

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata ) Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Winterberry is a favorite of several species of birds including Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing and Woodpecker with its profusion of bright red berries. This native deciduous Holly requires a pollinator (such as Jim Dandy) for a beautiful display of berries on bare branches in winter. Winterberry is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and prefers to be grown in full sun to partial shade. It is a slow grower, reaching an eventual height and width of 3-5 feet in the landscape.

Echinacea (Coneflower)

Echinacea, or coneflower are found in eastern and central North America, where they grow in moist to dry prairies and open wooded areas. This family of perennials includes a vast selection of species, ranging in both size and color. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, Echinacea prefers to be grown in full sun and in a well-drained soil. Flowers emerge from mid-summer to mid-fall forming a showy, upright clump which is a favorite feeding station for many butterflies. After blooming, seed heads are a huge attraction to a number of bird species, including Blue Jays, Cardinals and finches.

Eastern White Pine Seed Cone

Eastern White Pine is a rapid-growing, long-lived, needled evergreen tree that is native to the northeastern United States and hardy in USDA zones 3-9. Pyramidal in its earlier years, this evergreen matures to a broad oval habit with an irregular crown, reaching a mature height and width of 50-80 feet tall by 15-20 feet wide.  Soft, bluish green needles appear in bundles of five, accompanied by cylindrical, brown cones at maturity, which are a favorite food of finches, chickadees and woodpeckers.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses include a large selection of species ranging in size and shape, mainly taking the form of an upright clump of arching green leaves. Most are hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and prefer a well-drained soil in full sun. Green or variegated foliage is followed by spikes of soft mauve plumes in fall, that turn to buff or tan as they dry. Plants usually remain attractive well into winter and seeds from the plumes are an excellent food source for over-wintering birds.

How to Create a Bird-Friendly Winter Garden

While natural food and shelter are important in creating your bird-friendly habitat, also be sure to provide a water source for over-wintering birds. In addition, I enjoy making sure that a bird feeder is available during the winter months. Establishing a desirable habitat is the main key and including species of plants such as those mentioned above will not only benefit wildlife, but will add all-season color and interest to your landscape. When planning your garden for next season, consider incorporating some of these selections into your space.

 Author Page

~As Always...Happy Gardening ~

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2019. All rights reserved.

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up January 2019-The Hidden Beauty of Winter

January Garden

Welcome to my Long Island winter garden for the month of January. For this month's Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up, I am going to step out of the box a bit and take you on stroll through my garden, then venture further beyond into the winter landscape. On a winters walk, one can experience all the hidden treasures that nature has to offer. As an avid lifetime gardener, I always try to look for the beauty present in all seasons and even though the landscape has mostly gone to sleep for the winter months, there is still much to be seen. Let's take a stroll.

Here is Weeping Pussy Willow, 'Gold Mop' Cypress and Juniperus 'Blue Star' leading from the patio to pool area, each supplying winter interest.

Skyland's Oriental Spruce Seed Cones are lovely in January.

A Red-bellied Woodpecker is a welcomed guest at the feeding station.

The birdbath is waiting for visitors.

A Mockingbird looks from above from the budding Magnolia tree.

Even something as simple as Sweet Flag in front of Moss Covered Rock can be beautiful.

Even the bronzing of Western Arborvitae foliage with Golden Sedge and Azalea (Right) provides color in winter.

Dwarf Golden Hinoki Cypress and Blue Globe Spruce at Pool Garden with Skyland's Oriental Spruce and Weeping Norway Spruce in the backdrop add evergreen winter interest.

Nellie Stevens Holly displays bright red berries, which are enjoyed by wintering birds.

Hellebore 'Shooting Star' Buds are forming for winter blooms.

Birch Trees

I cannot remember such a mild start to January for quite some time. It has been a bit of a roller coaster ride with temperatures fluctuating from the 50's some days to 30's the next, so there have been warmer days here and there for walks around the community. Within walking distance from my home is a wetland area that is part of the Town of Islip (Suffolk County, Long Island, New York) Open-Space Preservation Program. Since the late 1990's, Suffolk County legislature has put aside greater funding for the preservation of over 12,000 acres of natural area on the island and continues to protect our natural resources to this day. I must say that I am proud to be a member of a community that values saving the natural habitat of many a species. Come along! The first encounter that gets my attention are these Birch trees with their beautiful white bark, which is striking in winter.

Holly Berries

Holly berries appear bright red in winter and are a favorite food of American robins, cedar waxwings, eastern bluebirds, hermit thrush, northern mockingbirds and gray catbirds. 

Swans at Mill Pond

Mill pond is part of the Brown's River Estuary System, which is a shallow three foot deep pond located on the north side of Montauk Highway just east of the Long Island Railroad overpass in the town of Sayville. The six acre pond is the home to Largemouth bass, sunfish and many other inhabitants including ducks and swans. The pond is a seasonal migratory stopover for many species of wildlife.

Shelf (Bracket) Fungi

These shelf (bracket) fungi are commonly found growing on rotting trees or fallen logs in moist woodlands. The sporophores can produce specimens growing up to 16 inches or more in diameter. There are many variations in color on these shelf (bracket) fungi. Although their appearance does signal the eventual demise of the tree, their interesting structure almost looks like artwork. 

Pine Needles

Eastern white pine is a native to the northeastern United States and originally covered much of the north-central and eastern forests of North America. Pines provide a habitat for a number of woodland creatures.

Rose of Sharon Seed Pod

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a profusely flowering member of the hibiscus family which is hardy in USDA zones 5-8. The flowers turn into seed pods which become brown and dry when they are ripe. The pods will then split open to disperse their seeds, leaving the winter interest seen here.

American Sycamore Tree Bark

American Sycamore is known for its lovely bark and production of round seed balls in late autumn that hang from the smaller branches. Did you know that the sycamore tree is considered as a symbol of protection and hope? In many areas of the world it is also looked upon as a symbol of strength, eternity, and divinity. The wood of the American sycamore has a variety of uses,including lumber, paneling, interior trim, furniture parts and butcher blocks. The inner bark has been known to treat dysentery, colds, lung ailments and cough. 

American Sycamore Gum Seed Pod

There are more park and preserves all over Long Island. Here is a handy guide: Guide to Long Island Parks and Preserves.

January Garden

I hope you enjoyed your stroll through my January garden and beyond. Please feel free to stay a while and catch up on some of my other posts. Special thanks go out to our hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens, who makes it possible to see blooms on the 15th of every month with her meme Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day. Also, special thanks to Pam Penick at Digging who has hosted Foliage Follow-Up for all these years, a meme I will still continue to honor. I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Floral Friday Fotos, Macro Monday 2, Nature Notes at Rambling Woods, Dishing It & Digging It on Sunday with Angie the Freckled Rose, Image-in-ing weekly photo share every Tuesday with NC Sue and Gardens Galore Link Up Party on the 17th with Everyday Living. I am also happy to join the Homestead Blog Hop on Wednesdays.

Check out my newest book Dream, Garden, Grow!-a collection of musings as I share memories of childhood and how I grew to become a lifetime gardener. Packed with stories about life, gardening, medicinal uses of plants, garden folklore, seasonal interest, sustainable and indoor gardening, you'll laugh and learn as you explore what makes a gardening addict and the meaning behind mysterious gnomes and garden fairies. While exploring, also learn about moon gardens, witty garden jargon and tried and true gardening tips. Whether you are a gardener or not, have a "green thumb" or "brown", Dream, Garden, Grow will not only entertain and amuse but will teach you inspiring gardening pointers along the way. 

  ~As Always...Happy Gardening! ~

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2019. All rights reserved.