Pollinator Pots: Container Gardens for Bees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds

Fill pots with nectar-rich California natives to attract pollinators. Contractor Steven Rowland (Villa Park, CA) finds natives low-water, low-feed, and nearly care-free. Bees are the most important pollinators; shrinking habitats threaten them. Growing nectar flowers is a public service.

Potting Tips

• Fast-draining, lightweight soil, not too rich in organics.
• Controlled-release fertilizer at planting; replenish yearly.
• Water thoroughly when top inch is dry.

Irresistible Plants (California Natives)

• Coast sunflower (Encelia californica): bees.
• Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium): butterflies.
• Coral bells (Heuchera): hummingbirds.
• Coyote mint (Monardella villosa): bees, butterflies.
• Creeping snowberry (Symphoricarpos mollis): bees.
• Penstemon (P. centranthifolius, P. spectabilis): bees, hummingbirds.
• Prickly poppy (Argemone corymbosa): bees.
• Salvia (S. clevelandii, 'Dara's Choice', S. greggii): bees, butterflies, hummingbirds.
• Sticky monkey flower (Mimulus aurantiacus): hummingbirds.

Mountain/desert gardeners: substitute firecracker penstemon (P. eatonii)—hummingbirds love it.