Looking for a way to bring butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees right to your doorstep? Pollinator pots are an excellent solution for attracting wildlife to your porch while supporting local ecosystems. These container gardens use native plants to create a haven for pollinators, offering both beauty and environmental benefits.
Here's how to create your own pollinator pot using native plants, following expert tips from Garden Thoughtfully and Garden for Wildlife.
What are Pollinator Pots?
Pollinator pots are containers filled with a variety of plants that support essential pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. By planting native species, you’re helping these creatures thrive while adding vibrant colors and life to your outdoor space.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own pollinator pot.
1. Choose the Right Location
When setting up your pollinator pot, location is key. Pollinators need plants in areas with plenty of light, so aim to place your pot in a spot that gets full sun to part sun for most of the day. Whether it’s on a porch, balcony, or deck, make sure the area receives at least 6 hours of sunlight.
2. Select Native Plants for Continuous Bloom
To provide a steady supply of nectar, choose native plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season. This ensures that pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds have access to food from spring through fall.
Recommended Native Plants for Pollinator Pots:
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Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) – Essential for monarch butterflies, this plant provides nectar for adults and is a critical host plant for caterpillars.
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Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – Attracts butterflies and provides nectar throughout the summer.
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Oxeye sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) – These vibrant flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees.
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Black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – A hardy plant that offers long-lasting blooms.
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Grayleaf goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis) – Beautiful golden blooms, which contrary to popular belief, are not the cause of your seasonal allergies!
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Smooth blue aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) – Provide essential nectar during the late season, keeping pollinators fed before winter.
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Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) – A magnet for hummingbirds, its bright red blooms are hard to resist.
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Golden alexander (Zizia aurea) – A perfect companion to earlier blooming plants, it supports a variety of pollinators.
3. Arrange and Plant
When planting your selected species, group them together in the pot. Choose a large enough container to allow for growth, and make sure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Position taller plants like sunflowers and milkweed towards the center or back, while shorter plants like black-eyed susan can fill in the front. This will create a layered look that’s both functional and beautiful.
4. Water Regularly
Pollinator pots need consistent watering, especially in the first few weeks as the plants establish themselves. Water the pot thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Native plants, once established, often require less water, but be sure to check frequently during hot, dry spells.
Gardening Tips for Creating a Wildlife Haven
It may go against what you're accustom to as a gardener but don't deadhead your flowers. Let the seed heads remain on your plants in the fall and winter to provide birds with a valuable food source during colder months.
Adding a small water source like a shallow dish or birdbath can also support birds and attract pollinators to your porch. Be sure to change the water regularly to keep it fresh and prevent mosquitoes. They're also pollinators but probably not the kind you want!
Don't forget to include host plants like butterfly milkweed to support the complete life cycle of butterflies. This will allow you to observe the fascinating transformation from caterpillar to butterfly.
And while it may be tempting to spray for pests, many insecticides (especially neonicotinoids) are harmful to pollinators. Our plants are specifically grown without harmful chemicals so you don't want to contaminate your plants once they're planted! Instead, create a wildlife-friendly environment that invites natural predators like ladybugs or birds to control pest populations, and let nature’s balance take over.
Finally, if you have the space, consider adding a trellis for tall plants, like sunflowers, that may need extra support. This adds height and variety to your garden, providing additional foraging opportunities for pollinators while maximizing vertical space. Plus, you can add some native vines like coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) that support hummingbirds and bees.
Little Garden, Big Impact with Pollinator Pots
Creating a pollinator pot not only adds beauty to your space but also contributes to the health of your local ecosystem. Your pot provides a continuous source of nectar, which helps sustain butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Birds will appreciate the seeds left in the fall and winter. With a mix of native plants, your porch will bloom with a range of colors throughout the season, providing constant visual interest.
By choosing native plants for your pollinator pot, you’re not only beautifying your porch but also playing a vital role in the survival of local wildlife. Get started with one of our starter kits, including popular options like Monarch Munchables, Hummingbird Heroes, and Firefly Delight.
For more plant options native to your region, search by zip code or try our Plant Finder Quiz.