Annual and perennial plants can help create a safe habitat for beneficials to live, provide necessary food, and encourage them to stay in your garden. Choose the best plants to attract beneficial insects and pollinators to assist you with natural pest control.
When beneficial insects, predators, and parasitoids choose to live and reproduce in your garden, they are ready to spring into action when pest populations climb. The best part? A diverse landscape is also beautiful. You’ll love it, too!
Using Annual Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects & Pollinators for Natural Pest Control
Planting annual plants attractive to beneficial insects will help create a balanced ecosystem. Annual plants are relatively easy to grow. Many annuals start easily from seed and are relatively inexpensive compared to perennial plants. This annual plant list is a great starting point.
Annual Plants for Attracting Beneficial Insects & Pollinators for Natural Pest Control
Allysum, Aster, Anise, Bee Balm, Buckwheat, Chamomile, Clover, Coneflower, Coreopsis, Cosmos, Daisy (Regular and Shasta), Dill, Feverfew, Goldenrod, Lovage, Mint, Oregano, Ratabida, Rudbeckia, Sunflowers, Verbena, and Yarrow
Using Perennials to Attract Beneficial Insects & Pollinators for a Balanced Ecosystem
Perennial plants are long-lived plants that return year after year. There may be more initial up-front costs, but they can be a cost-effective option for gardeners in the long term. Perennials often require minimal maintenance and can provide a long-lasting way to create food and habitat in your garden.
When selecting perennial plants for your garden, choose native plants if possible. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. This can make them more resilient and better able to support the native wildlife in your area.
Perennial Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects & Pollinators in the Sonoran Desert
The best perennial plants to attract beneficial insects will vary by location. These are good choices for the low desert of Arizona or Sonoran desert areas.
Angelita Daisy, Baja Fairyduster, Blackfoot Daisy, Blanketflower, Chocolate Flower, Coral Vine, Creosote, Damianita Bush, Desert Lavender, Desert Marigold, Desert Milkweed, Fairy Duster, Firecracker Penstemon Mt. Lemmon Marigold, Globe Mallow, Lantana, Mealy Cup Sage, Mexican Bush Sage, Morning Glory, Parry’s Penstemon, Passion Vine, Rock Penstemon, Rock Verbena, Rosemary, Salvia, Sandpaper Verbena Shrubby Germander, Spanish Lavender, Skyflower, Tangerine Crossvine, Turpentine Bush, Woolly Butterfly Bush, Yellow Bells
Incorporating plants from these annual and perennial plant lists that attract beneficial insects and pollinators will help promote a beautiful, healthy, diverse ecosystem in your garden.
Are you growing any of these plants, or did I miss one of your favorites? Leave a comment and let me know.
References and Further Reading
- “Native Plants for Pollinators & Beneficial Insects: Southwest – Sonoran Desert“
- Desert Museum Plant List
- Plant Partners, Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden, Jessica Walliser.
Angela Judd
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