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Plant These in May to Attract Bees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds

Posted on by sunrise-sixteen
06
May

Top nectar plants, host plants, and showy varieties to bring your garden to life

As spring settles into full bloom here in Western Massachusetts, May is the perfect time to plant a pollinator-friendly garden. Whether you’re aiming to support the essential work of bees, create a haven for butterflies, or enjoy the mesmerizing hover of hummingbirds, Sixteen Acres Garden Center has everything you need to turn your yard into a living ecosystem.

With the right combination of nectar-rich blooms, larval host plants, and colorful, tubular flowers, you can welcome a vibrant variety of pollinators all season long.

Why Pollinators Matter

Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are more than just garden guests — they’re essential to healthy ecosystems and food production. By planting with pollinators in mind, you’re supporting biodiversity and helping nature thrive right in your own backyard.

Nectar Plants: Fuel for Flight

Nectar-rich flowers are the main food source for adult pollinators. When choosing what to plant in May, look for continuous bloomers that produce ample nectar throughout the summer.

Sixteen Acres Favorites:

  • Bee Balm (Monarda) – A magnet for bees and hummingbirds with vibrant red, pink, and purple blooms.

  • Salvia (especially ‘Black & Blue’) – Long-lasting blooms and a favorite of hummingbirds.

  • Zinnias – Easy to grow, loaded with nectar, and butterfly-approved.

  • Coneflowers (Echinacea) – Long bloom time and loved by bees and butterflies alike.

  • Lantana – A hummingbird favorite in containers or borders.

Host Plants: Raising the Next Generation

To truly support pollinators, add host plants — these provide food for caterpillars and larvae.

Top Picks:

  • Milkweed (Asclepias) – The only host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars.

  • Parsley, Dill & Fennel – Essential food sources for swallowtail butterfly larvae.

  • Asters & Goldenrod – Late-season hosts that help sustain pollinators into the fall.

Showy, Tubular Blooms for Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are drawn to bright colors and tubular-shaped flowers that accommodate their long beaks.

Try These:

  • Cuphea (Cigar Plant) – Loaded with nectar, perfect for pots.

  • Coral Bells (Heuchera) – Delicate, bell-like blooms that attract hummingbirds and bees.

  • Trumpet Vine – Great for vertical interest, just give it room to grow!

Planting Tips for Pollinator Success

  • Group plants in clusters to create a larger target for pollinators.

  • Include a mix of bloom times so something is always flowering.

  • Avoid pesticides — even organic ones can harm beneficial insects.

  • Add a water source, like a shallow birdbath with pebbles, to keep pollinators hydrated.

Get Even More Gardening Help on Our App

Need help identifying plants or planning your pollinator garden? Download the Sixteen Acres Garden Center App for expert advice, exclusive coupons, and weekly plant picks that support bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

👉 Download the app today!

We’re Here to Help You Grow Wild

Visit Sixteen Acres Garden Center this May to shop our full selection of pollinator-friendly plants. Our staff is happy to help you design a garden that’s as beautiful as it is beneficial.

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