10 Hardy Wildflowers That Thrive Anywhere (and Attract Pollinators)

Wildflowers are vibrant, resilient additions to any garden. You don’t need a green thumb or perfect soil to grow these beauties. Plus, many are beloved by birds, bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. Below, we’ve listed 10 wildflowers known for their ability to grow almost anywhere, complete with planting instructions and pollinator appeal.  While wildflowers can grow in the wild, a little fertilizer goes a long way towards success, and it doesn't hurt to add a bit of water as well!  I have also included research about how each of these have received their names.  

1. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

These sunny, golden-yellow flowers with dark centers are an iconic wildflower.

• Planting: Sow seeds directly in well-drained soil after the last frost. They thrive in full sun but tolerate partial shade.
• Pollinator Appeal: Butterflies and bees adore the nectar, while birds enjoy the seeds in the fall.                                                                                                      The name "Black-eyed Susan" is a result of the flower’s look and I also discovered it’s a result of literature tied to an old English power by John Gay written in the 18^th century which was titled “Black-Eyed Susan” which talks about a woman named Susan bidding farewell to her lover who was a sailor.  Strange combination, but interesting nonetheless.  I have inserted a copy of the poem at the end of this blog if you are curious. 
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2. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Coneflowers are tough, drought-resistant blooms with purple-pink petals and spiky centers.  

Coneflowers get their name from the shape of the flower head which is like a cone surrounded by colorful, drooping petals, making it look different.  The flowers also look like a “hedgehog” which is the spiky texture of the cone.

• Planting: Scatter seeds in a sunny, well-drained spot in either spring or fall. Keep them watered until they establish.
• Pollinator Appeal: Butterflies flock to coneflowers, and hummingbirds occasionally visit. Goldfinches love the seeds.

3. Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis)

With tall, spiky blooms in shades of blue, purple, and pink, lupines add elegance to any garden.  

Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) gets its name from the Latin word lupus, which means “wolf.” People used to think lupines were bad for the soil, like a wolf might wreck the land around it. But that’s not true at all! Lupines are actually legumes, and they help improve the soil by adding nitrogen with their roots.

As for the “wild” part of the name, that just refers to the fact that this species grows naturally in places like prairies, open woods, and sandy areas. It helps set it apart from the types you’d typically find in gardens.

• Planting: Lupines prefer sandy soil but adapt well. Plant seeds in a sunny area after outdoor temperatures rise above freezing.
• Pollinator Appeal: Bees are especially drawn to lupines, making them great for supporting pollinator habitats.

4. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

These cheerful, multi-colored blooms resemble mini sunsets, ranging from yellow to deep red.  The name probably came from the native tribes and gets its name from its vibrant, multicolored blooms, which resemble the intricate patterns and bright colors of traditional Native American blankets. These flowers often feature warm hues like red, orange, and yellow, blending together in a way that mimics the rich, woven designs of blankets.  A bit of flower fertilizer does wonders for these beautiful plants. 

• Planting: Start seeds directly in soil during spring. Blanket flowers thrive in full sun and dry to average soils.
• Pollinator Appeal: Bees and butterflies love these flowers, and they handle heat and drought with ease.

5. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow’s tiny blooms cluster together in flat-topped arrangements, usually in white or pastel shades.  Yarrow flowers (Achillea millefolium) get their name from Greek mythology. The genus name Achillea is derived from the legendary hero Achilles. According to myth, Achilles used yarrow to treat the wounds of his soldiers during battle because of its reputed healing properties.   Kind of strange that this would be from that history such a long time ago....

• Planting: Broadcast seeds lightly over soil in early spring or late fall. Yarrow tolerates a variety of soils but prefers well-drained conditions.
• Pollinator Appeal: Butterflies sip nectar from its fragrant flowers, while bees visit frequently.

6. Bee Balm (Monarda)

With uniquely shaped red, pink, or purple petals, bee balm adds structure and color to any garden.  Bee Balm was named by the Spanish botanist Nicolás Monardes, who described plants from the New World in the 16th century. Its common name, "Bee Balm," comes from its ability to attract bees and its historical use as a soothing balm for bee stings.  I'm not sure how you use it for bee stings, thus you might want to reach out to a pharmacist or doctor if you get serious stings...

• Planting: Choose a sunny or part-shade area with rich, moist soil. Sow seeds in early spring and water regularly.
• Pollinator Appeal: Bee balm is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds! It’s aptly named for good reason.

7. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)

Known as “tickseed,” coreopsis produces masses of daisylike yellow, orange, and red flowers.  The name "Coreopsis" is derived from the Greek words "koris" (meaning bug) and "opsis" (meaning like or resembling), referring to the seeds' resemblance to ticks. This is why it is also commonly called "tickseed".  Because the seeds look like tiny brown specs the size of ticks, my guess is that may have a bearing as well...but ticks traditionally don't reside in the plant! 

• Planting: These seeds germinate easily when broadcast over bare soil in spring or fall. They thrive in full sun and tolerate poor soil.
• Pollinator Appeal: Bees and butterflies love the bright flowers, and birds eat the seeds once blooming is done.

8. Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja spp.)

These vibrant, fiery red flowers are striking additions to meadows and gardens.  It is actually the state flower of Wyoming.  The name is a result of the striking red color that looks like it was just recently painted.  The name Castilleja was chosen by Mutis as an honor for the Spanish naturalist Domingo Castillejo who was a professor of medical materials and botany at the Cadiz Royal College of Surgery between 1770 and 1786. Not sure about the connection between the two, but that's a fact....

• Planting: Scatter seeds in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil during fall. Be patient, as germination may take time.
• Pollinator Appeal: Hummingbirds go wild for the vivid blooms. Bees and butterflies also stop by.

9. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

Milkweed is famous for its role in supporting monarch butterfly populations.  Milkweed gets its name from the milky white latex sap that is exuded when any part of the plant is broken. This sap is a characteristic feature of plants in the Asclepias genus, which includes milkweed. The genus name, Asclepias, honors Asklepios, the ancient Greek god of medicine, reflecting the plant's historical medicinal uses.  I planted a bunch of it in the corner of my yard this year and very excited to see results.  We love butterflies and hummingbirds. 

• Planting: Sow seeds in spring or fall in full sun. Milkweed tolerates a range of soils but does best in well-drained areas.
• Pollinator Appeal: An essential host plant for monarch caterpillars and a nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

10. Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

With delicate, bell-shaped red and yellow flowers, columbine is a woodland favorite.

1. The genus name, Aquilegia, comes from the Latin word "aquila," meaning eagle, referring to the spurred petals of the flower that resemble an eagle's talons1.
2. The common name "columbine" is derived from the Latin word for dove, as the flower's buds or blooms are thought to resemble a group of doves.  Thus based on my research, these names are a result of the finder liking wild things like eagles and doves....

• Planting: Seed in early spring or fall in part shade or full sun. It thrives in average, well-drained soil.
• Pollinator Appeal: Hummingbirds love the dangling flowers, while bees and butterflies also visit.

Final Thoughts

Planting wildflowers is a simple, rewarding way to add beauty and pollinator support to your yard. These hardy flowers are reliable, easy to grow, and most importantly, they make the world a little brighter for the creatures that pollinate our gardens. Just pick a sunny spot, sow some seeds, and watch the magic unfold!  Just always remember, plants love healthy soil, thus using a liquid lawn & garden aerator will suit them just fine! 

As promised....

Black-Eyed Susan