NEW YORK IRONWEED
Vernonia noveboracensis, Zones 5 to 9
Add rustic charm to your garden with New York ironweed’s clouds of purple flowers, which butterflies love. Birds like the autumn seed heads. This North American native blooms in August and September on sturdy, statuesque stems. The adaptable, sun-loving perennial flourishes in any moist to normal soil.
ORIENTAL POPPY
Papaver orientale, Zones 2 to 9
This plant can be difficult to grow, since it doesn’t handle transplanting well and requires a sunny site with adequately draining soil. But the oriental poppy’s vibrant, papery blooms are worth the effort. In the right location, this exotic-looking flower fills in quickly and rewards gardeners with years of enjoyment.
PASQUE FLOWER
Pulsatilla vulgaris, Zones 4 to 8
An early-spring bloomer, pasque flower adds an element of texture to any garden. While it’s likely not a go-to perennial for most gardeners, we think this drought-tolerant, fuss-free flower certainly deserves top honors and some attention.
PEAR
Pyrus communis, Zones 3 to 9
A pear tree is a pretty and practical addition to a wildlife garden. Reaching up to 50 feet tall, this tree has lovely spring blooms and autumn foliage. Many types of butterflies—anglewings and admirals—and birds enjoy the fruit.
PENSTEMON
Penstemon spp., Zones 3 to 10
Hummingbirds favor this spiky trumpet-shaped flower, which comes in pink, red, purple, blue and white. Varieties reach heights of up to 4 feet and bloom profusely for most or all of the summer. Full sun and well-draining soil, including the sandy stuff, are ideal.
PINCUSHION FLOWER
Scabiosa spp., Zones 3 to 9
This plant gets its name from the way its stamens stick into the flower head. Whether you choose the annual or perennial variety, 1- to 3-foot-tall pincushion flowers come in purple, maroon, white and near-black.
PINKROOT
Spigelia marilandica, Zones 5 to 9
Hummers will be especially grateful when you add pinkroot to your garden. A rugged and handsome wildflower of modest size—from 1 to 2 feet tall and wide—it blooms from late spring to early summer. The spiky tube-shaped flowers are bright pink and yellow.
RED-HOT POKER
Kniphofia spp., Zones 4 to 9
Terrific in mixed flower borders or small groupings, torchlike red-hot poker plants grow up to 4 feet high and deliver bright plumes of orange, red, yellow, white and green. For best results, well-draining soil is important; the roots will rot in boggy conditions. Nectaring birds and swallowtails love it.
ROCK CRESS
Arabis caucasica, Zones 4 to 8
Add some springtime fragrance to your garden with this delicate bloomer. Rock cress prefers dry soil and full sun. Give this short-and-sweet ground cover a haircut after it’s finished blooming to help it fill out and look tidier for the rest of the growing season.
SEDUM
Sedum spp., Zones 3 to 10
Many cultivars of this late-season favorite boast bold-hued foliage, ranging from red to purple to gold. Other types of this versatile succulent, including the popular Autumn Joy, have broccoli-shaped light-green flower heads that slowly change to pink and deepen to burgundy; later, the seeds nourish songbirds. Most sedums are hardy in all but the harshest climates.
SHOWY MILKWEED
Asclepias speciosa, Zones 3 to 9
This 3- to 6-foot-tall butterfly magnet and monarch host boasts rose-colored flowers of 3 to 5 inches, along with silvery foliage. In the wild, it’s found in Western and Central North America, growing along sandy and rocky shores and in prairies. Showy milkweed thrives in moist, well-draining soil (including rock-filled sites), but also tolerates more arid conditions.
STOKES’ ASTER
Stokesia laevis, Zones 5 to 9
Colorful fringed petals fan out from the center of this native daisy that’s beloved by butterflies. Each amply sized bloom ranges from 3 to 5 inches wide, creating an impressive display in a flower bed border. Regular deadheading will extend the bloom time, sometimes even into fall.
STRAWBERRY
Fragaria spp., Zones 2 to 11
This sweet treat will bring lots of fliers to your yard. Plants have various growing habits, so choose the one that’s right for you. Just remember that you won’t be able to harvest the fruit until the second growing season. The wait will be worth it!
SWAMP MILKWEED
Asclepias incarnata, Zones 3 to 9
A fragrant nectar and host plant, swamp milkweed is a top performer in moist soil. Less pushy than common milkweed, this 3- to 5-foot native blooms in white or pink.
SWEET WILLIAM
Dianthus barbatus, Zones 3 to 9
A biennial beauty, sweet William tends to grow to about 2 feet tall, but dwarf varieties are easy to come by, as well. Each flower-packed stem makes a complete bouquet!
TULIP
Tulipa, Zones 4 to 8
Few flowers announce the arrival of a season the way the tulip does. Available in many sizes, blooming rates and colors, the tulip is the most popular bulb in the world. Why the narrow hardiness area? Most require a long winter to bloom. In warmer areas, you can force tulip bulbs by chilling them in the fridge for eight to 10 weeks before planting.
TURTLEHEAD
Chelone spp., Zones 3 to 9
Bring life to partly shady areas with this distinctive fall butterfly magnet. Pink, purple or white flowers bloom on spikes that grow from 16 to 40 inches high. This native plant thrives in moist soil, so it’s an ideal addition to a bog garden.
VERONICA
Veronica spp., Zones 3 to 9
Ever-popular veronica has a wide range of growing habits, and blooms in cool shades. It thrives in well-draining, fertile soil and full sun, but will likely tolerate a little bit of part shade.
