As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to dip, many of us gardeners begin to wind down for the year. But just because summer is ending doesn’t mean your garden has to stop being a haven for pollinators. In fact, fall is a critical time for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects as they prepare for the colder months ahead. By planting fall-blooming flowers, you can provide a crucial food source when it's needed most—and keep your garden looking vibrant to boot!

Here’s a guide to some of the best fall pollinator plants that will keep your garden buzzing well into the autumn.

1. Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)

Asters are a fall garden favorite, and for good reason. These daisy-like flowers bloom profusely from late summer through fall, offering nectar-rich blooms in shades of purple, pink, blue, and white. Asters are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them an essential addition to any fall garden. They’re also hardy and can tolerate a variety of conditions, so they’re a low-maintenance choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Planting Tip: Asters prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Give them room to spread, and they’ll reward you with a beautiful display year after year.

2. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

Goldenrod (pictured above) often gets a bad rap because it’s mistakenly blamed for fall allergies (that’s actually ragweed’s fault!). But in reality, goldenrod is a powerhouse for pollinators. Its bright yellow blooms provide a late-season feast for bees and butterflies, and it’s particularly loved by native bees. Goldenrod is also incredibly hardy and can thrive in a range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade.

Planting Tip: Goldenrod can spread quickly, so if you’re worried about it taking over, look for clump-forming varieties that are easier to control.

3. Sedum (Sedum spp.)

Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a succulent that produces clusters of star-shaped flowers in late summer and fall. The blooms come in shades of pink, red, and white, and are a favorite of butterflies and bees. Sedum is drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soil, making it a great option for rock gardens or any spot with well-drained soil.

Planting Tip: Plant sedum in full sun to ensure the best color and flowering. It’s also a great choice for container gardens.

4. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.)

Don’t let the name fool you—Joe-Pye weed is a beautiful, tall perennial that can add height and drama to your fall garden. Its large, mauve-pink flower heads bloom from late summer into fall, attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Joe-Pye weed is particularly attractive to monarch butterflies, making it a must-have for anyone looking to support these important pollinators.

Planting Tip: Joe-Pye weed prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade. It can grow quite tall, so plant it at the back of your border or in a spot where it won’t overshadow shorter plants.

5. New England Blazing Star (Liatris scariosa)

Liatris, also known as blazing star, is a striking perennial that blooms in late summer and fall. Its tall spikes of purple flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and bees. Liatris is drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels. Plus, its unique flower spikes add a vertical element to your garden design.

Planting Tip: Liatris prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s also deer-resistant, which is a bonus if you have a lot of wildlife in your area.

6. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

With its airy spikes of lavender-blue flowers and silvery foliage, Russian sage is a showstopper in the fall garden. This perennial blooms from mid-summer into fall, providing a long-lasting food source for bees and butterflies. Russian sage is also extremely drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a tough yet beautiful addition to any garden.

Planting Tip: Plant Russian sage in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a great choice for adding color and texture to a mixed border or as a standalone specimen.

Tips for a Pollinator-Friendly Fall Garden

• Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can harm pollinators, so it’s best to avoid using them in your garden, especially when plants are in bloom.

• Provide Water: Pollinators need water, too! A shallow dish with pebbles or a birdbath with fresh water will keep them hydrated.

• Leave Some Leaf Litter: Many pollinators, like butterflies, overwinter in leaf litter or hollow stems. By leaving some of these natural materials in your garden, you’re providing a safe haven for them through the colder months.

By incorporating these fall pollinator plants into your garden, you’re not only extending the bloom season but also supporting the vital pollinators that keep our ecosystems thriving. So, don’t pack away your gardening tools just yet—there’s still plenty of time to enjoy a buzzing, blooming garden this fall!