Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Hi, fellow nature lovers! I’m really excited to share my top 10 favorite native pollinator plants that thrive here in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains (zone 7a). These beauties are not just pretty “faces,”—they welcome so many buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies, and even hummingbirds into my garden, all while being non-invasive and helpful to the local ecosystem here.
Check out my picks for garden native flowers and see what makes each one so special to me and others in this area of the Appalachians.
1. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
This vibrant orange native plant is a magnet for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
- Ease of Growth: A low-maintenance perennial that loves full sun, butterfly weed is also drought-tolerant.
- Concerns: These plants like well-drained soil to avoid root rot.
- Pollinators: Monarchs, bees, and many types of butterflies.
2. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
One of my favorites (I have some in pots and some in the garden), purple coneflower adds a pop of color while drawing numerous beneficial insects. It’s also easy to grow from seed.
- Ease of Growth: They thrive in all types of soil and are drought-resistant when established.
- Concerns: Rarely troubled by pests, though watch for fungal issues if the area stays too damp. Aster yellows disease can also be an issue.
- Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and birds that appreciate its winter seeds.
3. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
I love wild bergamot‘s soft, lavender colors—it smells as good as it looks!
- Ease of Growth: This hardy plant adapts to many conditions, preferring lots of sun.
- Concerns: Mostly pest-resistant but may develop powdery mildew if crowded; proper spacing helps maintain airflow.
- Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
4. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Closely related to wild bergamot, bee balm is a brilliant red showstopper.
- Ease of Growth: Likes rich, moist soil in partial shade to full sun.
- Concerns: It can get powdery mildew if overcrowded, so ensure enough space between plants.
- Pollinators: Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
5. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
The cardinal flower is a stunning native for another splash of dramatic red.
- Ease of Growth: Prefers moist, rich soil and a bit of shade—ideal near a water feature or under a canopy.
- Concerns: It’s a bit fussy about moisture levels; consistent watering during dry spells is important.
- Pollinators: A favorite of hummingbirds, with bees also paying visits.
6. Eastern Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
This charming, nodding flower is delicate and beautiful and fits perfectly into a woodland garden.
- Ease of Growth: Thrives in partial shade and adapts to a range of soil types.
- Concerns: Slugs and snails might nibble on them, so a little pest monitoring can be helpful.
- Pollinators: Draws hummingbirds and bees with their uniquely shaped blooms.
7. Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Nothing says “wildflower garden” like the spiky, purple blooms of blazing stars.
- Ease of Growth: Loves full sun and well-drained soil; it’s very drought-tolerant.
- Concerns: It’s robust and non-invasive when spaced properly to prevent overcrowding.
- Pollinators: Attracts butterflies and bees, creating a lively garden scene.
8. Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa or Solidago canadensis)
Goldenrod is well-known for its nectar-rich blooms. It’s often confused with a similar species, ragweed, which causes seasonal allergies in a lot of people. Fewer are sensitive to goldenrod.
- Ease of Growth: Thrives in poor soils and full sun, making it a resilient addition to any native garden.
- Concerns: Although some species can be aggressive in non-native areas, they are non-invasive in the Smoky Mountains when closely managed.
- Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and a variety of beneficial insects.
9. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
New England asters keep the garden buzzing as the heat of summer fades away into fall’s cooler temperatures.
- Ease of Growth: Prefers moist, well-drained soils and plenty of sun.
- Concerns: It’s hardy, though good spacing helps prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
- Pollinators: Attracts late-season bees and butterflies, offering crucial nectar when other blooms have faded.
10. Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
Last but definitely not least, Virginia bluebells are a springtime delight with their nodding, bell-shaped blooms.
- Ease of Growth: Best suited for partial shade and moist, rich soil—perfect for a woodland setting.
- Concerns: They aren’t particularly pest-prone, though avoiding overwatering during hot spells is important.
- Pollinators: Early bees and other spring pollinators love them.
Each of these gorgeous native pollinator plants brings something unique to my garden (and yours!)—from the fiery charm of butterfly weed to the delicate appeal of Virginia bluebells. They’re not only stunning and easy to care for, but they also support diverse pollinators without the risk of becoming invasive in the local ecosystem.
Grab your gardening gloves, choose your favorites, and celebrate the natural beauty and benefits of this Smoky Mountain flora!
Happy gardening!
Local Nurseries
- Millers Cove Native Plants – Walland, TN
- Overhill Gardens – Vonore, TN
- All Things Good Garden Center, Townsend, TN
Using native plants in your garden is not just a style choice, it’s a critical investment in our future.
-Doug Tallamy, Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife in Your Garden (2009)
Subscribe to the Smoky Mountain Nature Lady newsletter. It’s FREE!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases without any extra cost to you.
Get your Smoky Mountain Nature Lady gear today!
