A Sunny Pollinator Border

This border puts nectar and pollen on offer from early summer until the first frost. Three hardy perennials form the backbone, and two quick annuals fill the gaps while the perennials bulk up. It suits a bed about 10 ft long and 4 ft deep (3 × 1.2 m).

Hardiness
Zones 5–8
Light
Full sun
Season
Early summer to frost
Water
Low once established
Upkeep
Low

Plants in this plan

  • Illustration of Sunflower
    Sunflower Helianthus annuus

    Back row. Sow a line of tall, branching sunflowers after the last frost.

  • Illustration of Purple Coneflower
    Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea

    Middle. Plant in groups of three, 18 in (45 cm) apart.

  • Illustration of Black-Eyed Susan
    Black-Eyed Susan Rudbeckia fulgida

    Middle. Alternate with the coneflowers for pink and gold together.

  • Illustration of Zinnia
    Zinnia Zinnia elegans

    Gaps. Direct-sow between young perennials in the first two years.

  • Illustration of English Lavender
    English Lavender Lavandula angustifolia

    Front edge. Space 2 ft (60 cm) apart along the sunniest, driest side.

Planting and care tips

  • Plant each kind in a group of three or more. Pollinators find blocks of one flower more easily than single plants.
  • Choose single-flowered zinnias and sunflowers that produce pollen. Fully double and pollen-free types offer little food.
  • Leave coneflower and rudbeckia seedheads standing over winter for finches, and cut them down in early spring.
  • Avoid insecticides. Hose aphids off with water instead.
  • Set out a shallow dish of water with stones for insects to land on.