1. LAVENDER
Lavender is one of the first plants that comes to mind when thinking of providing for pollinators. It's a common sight to see bumble bees buzzing around these fragrant flowers during spring and summer. 'Lavender produces a high amount of linalool – the chemical that makes flowers have a pleasant smell – which is what attracts bees,' says Donna Letier, the founder and CEO of Gardenuity.
2. RUDBECKIA
If you're looking to create bright containers that will attract butterflies to your backyard, then you should learn how to grow rudbeckia. These sunny flowers are loved for their bright yellow color and black center, giving them their common name 'black-eyed Susans.'
3. DILL
It's not all about ornamental plants, as many edible plants in your kitchen garden also produce flowers rich in nectar – plus, they often add fragrance to your pots. From midsummer to fall, dill produces gorgeous yellow umbels that a wide range of pollinators love.
4. ECHINACEA
To add some versatility to your pollinator pots, add one of the best coneflower varieties. Also known as echinaceas, these classic pollinator flowers come in a range of colors and can be used for different planting styles.
5. GERANIUM
Another bright and compact flower perfect for pots is geranium. In fact, some geranium varieties can even be grown to trail making them perfect for hanging baskets and adding another level to your container display.
6. COSMOS
Learning how to grow cosmos is an excellent choice for producing flowers that will provide bright pops of color all summer. They come in a range of colors, from paler pinks to vibrant yellows.
7. VERBENA
Last but certainly not least, verbena is a must-have in a container for pollinators. These bright umbel blooms flower from spring all through summer and it's incredibly easy to grow verbena from seed.