While there are many sun-loving pollinator plants, there is also an array of perennials with gorgeous blooms and sweet nectar for these critical species to enjoy in the part-shade or full shade. Many gardening resources list-full sun plants, but nectar from shade plants can still attract pollinators in troves and provide essential habitats to keep them thriving.

These plants can perform well in the shade due to their adaptability to environmental conditions, with some even thriving in both part sun and full sun. So as a shade gardener looking to welcome pollinators, this may be a perfect time of the year to start planning for next year’s garden. Here are just a few you might consider adding to your shade garden.

Columbine (Aquilegia)
Hummingbirds and butterflies can’t get enough of the drooping bell-shaped flowers with tubular nectar spurs! This native perennial can do well in full sun, but also thrives in part shade environments with well-drained soil and medium moisture. Easy to grow, too!

Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral bells feature striking and versatile foliage with flowers extending upwards that pollinators absolutely love. Large bells produce sweet nectar, and their sturdy leaves create a space for pollinators to gather.

Astilbe (Astilbe)
The beautiful fluffy plumes from astilbe are an absolute magnet to pollinators like bees, butterflies, and moths! Astilbe is also deer-resistant and easy to grow, making it an excellent carefree companion plant.

These aren’t the only plants. Barrenwort, rhododendron, toad lily, foamflower, chelone turtlehead, and hosta are more shade-tolerant plants that attract bees, butterflies, birds and more.

Bee Friendly Plants for Shaded Areas:  
Generally, bees prefer to buzz around plants in full sun, but there are some shade plants that bees love just as well. Honeybees are usually attracted to yellow, white, blue, and purple flowers. Native bees, like the mason bee — who actually pollinates more plants than honeybees, are attracted to fruit tree blossoms and native shrubs and perennials.

Besides bees, butterflies and moths also pollinate plants. Butterflies are usually attracted to plants with red, orange, pink, or yellow flowers. Most butterflies and moths prefer plants with flat tops that they can land on, however, the hummingbird sphinx moth can flutter around small tube flowers to collect nectar and pollen.

SOURCES:
(1) ButterflyBushes.com
(2) GardeningKnowHow.com