Keep the Pollinators Coming Into Fall

As August arrives on the South Shore, bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators are still busy gathering nectar before the growing season comes to an end. By adding plants that continue blooming into fall, you can enjoy weeks of beautiful color while providing an important food source for the pollinators that help keep our gardens thriving.

A mix of perennials, native plants, flowering herbs, and colorful annuals creates a landscape that’s both beautiful and beneficial.

Plant Long-Blooming Perennials

Perennials provide dependable blooms year after year while supporting a variety of pollinators.

Great choices include:

• Coneflowers (Echinacea)
• Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
• Salvia
• Sedum
• Bee Balm
• Asters

These favorites provide colorful blooms and valuable nectar well into fall.

Include Native Plants

Native plants are perfectly adapted to southeastern Massachusetts and play an important role in supporting local wildlife.

Consider adding:

• New England Aster
• Joe Pye Weed
• Goldenrod
• Blazing Star (Liatris)
• Mountain Mint
• Native Milkweed

Native plants provide nectar, pollen, shelter, and habitat for butterflies, native bees, and many beneficial insects.

Let Herbs Bloom

Herbs aren’t just for cooking. Many become excellent nectar sources when allowed to flower.

Pollinators love:

• Basil
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Chives
• Lavender
• Mint

Allow a few plants to bloom and watch bees and butterflies stop by throughout the day.

Add Annual Color

Annuals keep gardens colorful while providing an ongoing source of nectar.

Excellent choices include:

• Zinnias
• Cosmos
• Lantana
• Verbena
• Sunflowers
• Marigolds

Regular deadheading encourages many annuals to continue blooming until frost.

Plant in Groups

Pollinators are more likely to notice flowers planted in clusters.

Grouping several plants of the same variety together makes it easier for bees and butterflies to gather nectar while creating a more dramatic display in your landscape.

Provide Water and Shelter

Pollinators need more than flowers to thrive.

Help create a welcoming habitat by:

• Providing a shallow water source
• Leaving some seed heads standing
• Planting ornamental grasses for shelter
• Including shrubs for protection
• Limiting pesticide use whenever possible

Even small gardens can make a big difference.

Keep the Blooms Coming

The best pollinator gardens offer flowers from spring through fall.

Combine:

• Summer-blooming perennials
• Native plants
• Flowering herbs
• Long-blooming annuals
• Late-season asters and goldenrod

This provides a continuous supply of nectar while keeping your garden full of color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which flowers attract the most butterflies?

Coneflowers, asters, milkweed, Joe Pye Weed, salvia, zinnias, and butterfly bush are all excellent butterfly favorites.

Why are native plants important?

Native plants provide food and habitat for local pollinators and are naturally adapted to growing conditions in southeastern Massachusetts.

Can flowering herbs attract bees?

Absolutely! Basil, oregano, thyme, chives, lavender, and mint all become excellent nectar sources when allowed to bloom.

Should I deadhead pollinator plants?

Deadhead annuals to encourage more blooms, but consider leaving some perennial seed heads later in the season to benefit birds and wildlife.

Can I still plant pollinator-friendly plants in August?

Yes! Many perennials, native plants, herbs, and annuals establish well in August with regular watering.

Visit Us

Whether you’re creating a pollinator paradise, adding colorful perennials, planting native species, or looking for expert gardening advice, Crystal Lake Garden Shop has everything you need to keep your landscape blooming and buzzing through the season.

Crystal Lake Garden Shop – Plymouth

252 Summer Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 746-4439

Crystal Lake Garden Shop – Carver

19 West Street
Carver, MA 02330
Phone: (508) 866-2873

Hours
Open 7 Days
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Visit either of our locations and let our knowledgeable team help you choose beautiful pollinator-friendly plants that will keep your garden thriving through late summer and into fall.