7 [Pacific Northwest] Plants to Transform Your Garden Into a Pollinator Paradise

Remember that incredible blueberry harvest last year? Or those plump, juicy strawberries that were perfect for pies? These delicious bounties aren't just a result of sunshine and water; they're a testament to the hard work of our unsung garden heroes: pollinators. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other fascinating creatures play a critical role in our food system, and sadly, their populations are declining. But the good news is, we can make a difference, one garden at a time. This article provides you with simple, actionable steps to attract more pollinators to your Pacific Northwest garden (zones 4-9) and improve your harvest yield. Let's transform your yard into a buzzing, fluttering, vibrant haven for these essential garden allies!

Plant Power: 7 Pollinator Superstars for the Pacific Northwest

Choosing the right plants is the most effective way to support pollinators. These seven selections are particularly well-suited to the Pacific Northwest, offering nectar and pollen sources, and in some cases, acting as larval host plants.

1. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

• Regional Adaptability: Zones 6-10, but often grown as an annual in cooler zones. Thrives in the dry summers and mild winters of the PNW.
• Pollinator Attractiveness: Bees, particularly native bees, are drawn to the bright orange, cup-shaped flowers abundant with pollen. They're also a larval host plant for the California Dogface butterfly.
• Growing Tips: California poppies are incredibly easy to grow from seed. Direct sow in early spring in full sun and well-drained soil. They prefer poor soil and dislike being transplanted. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
• Companion Planting: Plant alongside other drought-tolerant wildflowers like lupine and yarrow.
• Harvest & Use: The seeds are edible and can be used in baking.

Personal Anecdote: I remember scattering California poppy seeds in a neglected corner of my garden one spring. By summer, it was a vibrant blaze of orange, buzzing with bees! It was such a simple act with such a rewarding result.

2. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• Regional Adaptability: Zones 5-9. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun, making it ideal for many parts of the Pacific Northwest.
• Pollinator Attractiveness: Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects are attracted to lavender's fragrant purple flowers. It's a fantastic nectar source.
• Growing Tips: Plant lavender in well-drained soil, amending with sand or gravel if necessary. Full sun is essential. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Avoid overwatering.
• Companion Planting: Plant with rosemary, thyme, and other Mediterranean herbs.
• Harvest & Use: Lavender is wonderful for making essential oil, soaps, teas, and potpourri.

3. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

• Regional Adaptability: Varies depending on the species. Salvia nemorosa (Zones 4-8) and Salvia greggii (Zones 7-10) are two popular and relatively hardy options for the PNW.
• Pollinator Attractiveness: Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies are all drawn to the vibrant colors and nectar-rich flowers of salvia.
• Growing Tips: Salvia prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
• Companion Planting: Plant with roses, tomatoes, and other plants that benefit from increased pollination.
• Harvest & Use: Some species of salvia are used for culinary purposes, while others are prized for their ornamental value.

4. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

• Regional Adaptability: Zones 3-9. Extremely hardy and adaptable, thriving in a wide range of conditions in the PNW.
• Pollinator Attractiveness: Butterflies, bees, and hoverflies are attracted to yarrow's flat-topped flower clusters. It's a great source of nectar and pollen.
• Growing Tips: Yarrow prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's drought-tolerant and relatively low-maintenance. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
• Companion Planting: Plant with other drought-tolerant wildflowers like California poppy and lupine.
• Harvest & Use: Yarrow has medicinal properties and can be used in teas and tinctures.

5. Lupine (Lupinus spp.)

• Regional Adaptability: Varies by species, but many native lupines thrive in the Pacific Northwest (zones 3-8). Choose a species that's native to your specific area.
• Pollinator Attractiveness: Bees, especially bumblebees, are highly attracted to lupine's tall, showy flower spikes. It's an excellent nectar source. It is also a larval host plant for certain butterfly species.
• Growing Tips: Lupine prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Native species are best suited to the PNW climate. Be aware that some lupines can be toxic to livestock.
• Companion Planting: Plant with grasses and other wildflowers.

6. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)

• Regional Adaptability: Zones 7-10, often grown as an annual in cooler zones. Can overwinter in mild PNW areas with protection.
• Pollinator Attractiveness: Bumblebees are particularly fond of snapdragons. Their strong jaws can pry open the intricate flowers to access the nectar.
• Growing Tips: Plant snapdragons in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. Water regularly and fertilize occasionally. Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth.
• Companion Planting: Plant with petunias, pansies, and other cool-season annuals.
• Harvest & Use: Snapdragon flowers are edible and can be used to garnish salads and desserts.

7. Western Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa)

• Regional Adaptability: Zones 4-8. A native wildflower of the Pacific Northwest, perfectly adapted to our shady, moist forests.
• Pollinator Attractiveness: While the shape of the flower makes it more challenging for some bees, hummingbirds are very attracted to the nectar-rich blooms.
• Growing Tips: Prefers shade to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It's a woodland plant, so mimic its natural environment as much as possible.
• Companion Planting: Plant with ferns, hostas, and other shade-loving plants.

Building a Pollinator Paradise Beyond Plants

Creating a truly pollinator-friendly garden goes beyond just planting the right flowers. Here are some additional tips to make your garden a haven for these vital creatures:

• Water Source: Provide a shallow dish of water with pebbles or marbles for bees to land on. This allows them to drink safely without drowning. A butterfly puddler can be created by burying a dish and filling it with wet sand and a few rocks.
• Shelter: Leave some leaf litter over winter to provide overwintering habitat for beneficial insects. A brush pile in a corner of your yard can also offer shelter.
• Avoid Pesticides: This is crucial. Even organic pesticides can harm pollinators. Opt for natural pest control methods like hand-picking pests, using insecticidal soap, or encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs.
• Composting: Compost enriches your soil and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Create compost by layering "brown" materials (leaves, cardboard) with "green" materials (grass clippings, kitchen scraps) in a compost bin or pile. Turn regularly and keep moist.
• DIY Pollinator House: Build a simple bee house by drilling holes of varying sizes into a block of wood or bamboo. [Here's a great resource for DIY bee house plans: (Link to a reputable external resource, like the Xerces Society's website)].

Harvesting the Rewards & Sustainable Living

A pollinator-friendly garden isn't just good for the environment; it's good for your harvest! Increased pollination leads to bigger, more abundant fruits and vegetables. Imagine biting into a perfectly ripe tomato, knowing that you played a part in creating it by supporting the pollinators that helped it grow. Embrace a more sustainable lifestyle by growing your own food, reducing your reliance on commercially grown produce, and minimizing your environmental impact.

Simple Recipe: Zucchini Bread with Honey

This recipe celebrates the abundance of zucchini, a vegetable heavily reliant on pollination.

• 3 cups grated zucchini
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup honey (from local bees, if possible!)
• 3 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions: Combine wet ingredients, then dry ingredients. Mix well. Stir in zucchini. Pour into two greased loaf pans and bake at 350F for 50-60 minutes.

A Small Change, A Big Difference

Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is an act of hope. Even small changes can make a big difference in supporting these essential creatures and contributing to a healthier planet. So, get out there, plant some flowers, and watch your garden come alive! As we head into fall, it's a great time to start planning your spring garden and thinking about which pollinator-friendly plants you want to include.

Leave a comment below sharing your favorite pollinator-friendly plant! Share a picture of your garden with us on social media using #BetterHomesAndHarvestsPollinators.