Monarda fistulosa – Wild Bergamot
The wild bergamot boasts of lavender, pinkish blooms. This monarda species is highly functional in the garden as it attracts a wide range of large butterflies, bees and the zippy ruby-throated hummingbird. The bergamot blooms for the summer and will stretch into early fall. This species is deer resistant.
Height : 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) Spread : 2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Blooming Period : July to September
Light : Full to partial sun
Water : Dry to medium
Soil : Sand, loam, clay
Zone : 3-9
Native Ontario Habitat : Prairies, rocky woods and corridors
Landscape Uses : Butterfly gardens, pollinator gardens, hummingbird garden, herb garden, perennial borders and naturalized areas.
Agastache nepetoides – Yellow Giant Hyssop
A large perennial that grows with intent. Yellow flowers with a similar blooms shape to it’s cousin the anise hyssop.
Height : 3-6 feet (90-180cm)
Spread : 2-3 feet (60-90cm)
Blooming Period : July to October
Light : Full sun to partial shade
Water : Dry to moist
Soil : Sand, loam, clay
Zone : 4-8
Deer and Rabbit Resistance :Yes
Native Ontario Habitat : Meadows
Landscape Uses : Butterfly garden, pollinator garden, prairies, naturalization
Solidago rigida – Stiff Goldenrod
A pollinator magnet that blooms from late summer into the fall. It is very attractive to a number of butterfly and bee species. Flowers are bright yellow with broad, hairy stems.
Height : 3-5 feet (90-150cm) Spread : 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Blooming Period : August to September
Light : Full Sun
Water : Medium to Dry
Soil : Sand, loam, clay
Zone : 3-9
Native Ontario Habitat : Open woods, thickets and prairies
Landscape Uses : Butterfly gardens, pollinator gardens, meadows and naturalized areas
Symphyotrichum nova-angliae – New England Aster
The New England Aster is a bold, bright perennial that will add some spice to any garden. This native perennial is deer resistant and very hardy. Boasting of brilliant purple flowers the New England Aster will add color to a garden in the fall as it blooms into October. This perennial is great for pollinators especially butterflies!
Height : 3-6 feet (90-180cm) Spread : 2-3 feet (60-90cm)
Blooming Period : August to October
Light : Full Sun
Water : Medium to Moist
Soil : Sand, loam, clay
Zone : 4-8
Deer and Rabbit Resistance :Yes
Native Ontario Habitat : Moist prairies, meadows and thickets
Landscape Uses : Butterfly garden, cottage style garden, pollinator garden, naturalized areas
Tradescantia ohiensis – Ohio Spiderwort
Displays three-petaled, triangular blooms early in the year. An interesting characteristic is that the blooms, which appear in cluster, open in the morning and begin to close in the afternoon sunshine. A versatile species that can handle a variety of light and soil conditions.
Height : 2-3 feet (60-90cm) Spread : 1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Blooming Period : June to August
Light : Full to Partial Sun
Water : Dry to moist
Soil : Sand, loam, clay
Zone : 4-9
Native Ontario Habitat : Prairies, clearings and meadows
Landscape Uses : Butterfly gardens, pollinator gardens, meadows and naturalized areas
Bonus
Echinacea purpurea – Purple Coneflower
The consummate species of a wildflower garden. Known for its attractive, large purple flowers that bloom for a long period during the summer months. Will attract a variety of pollinators including butterflies. Deer resistant. This North American native is known as an introduced species to Ontario.
Height : 2-5 feet (60-180 cm) Spread : 1-2 feet (3-60 cm)
Blooming Period : June to August
Light : Full to Partial Sun
Water : Dry to Medium
Soil : Sand, loam, clay
Zone : 4-8
Native Habitat : Moist meadows, open woods and prairies
Landscape Uses : Butterfly gardens, pollinator gardens, meadows, wildflower garden, border planting and naturalized areas
