About This Collection
Zone 7 is a pollinator paradise. The long growing season (7-8 months), mild winters, and diverse native plant communities support an extraordinary range of pollinators: bumblebees, mason bees, sweat bees, monarch and tiger swallowtail butterflies, and ruby-throated hummingbirds all thrive in Zone 7.
The Mid-Atlantic and Southeast — the heart of Zone 7 — are particularly important for monarch butterfly conservation. Zone 7 gardens serve as critical refueling stops on the monarch's fall migration to Mexico. Planting late-season nectar sources like asters, goldenrod, and ironweed can directly support monarch survival.
PlantWise identifies Zone 7 plants that attract pollinators and matches them to your sun exposure and yard conditions. Every plant includes bloom time information so you can plan for continuous pollinator visits throughout the season.
Find Zone 7 Pollinator Plants → or browse the interactive directory.
Featured Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
What pollinators are most common in Zone 7?
Zone 7 supports bumblebees (several species), eastern carpenter bees, mason bees, monarch butterflies, tiger swallowtails, spicebush swallowtails, and ruby-throated hummingbirds. The Southeast also has zebra swallowtails and Gulf fritillaries.
What are the best native pollinator plants for Zone 7?
Top native Zone 7 pollinator plants include purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, native asters (Symphyotrichum), goldenrod (Solidago), bee balm, native salvias, and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa). All are Zone 7 hardy and support native pollinators.
How do I create a four-season pollinator garden in Zone 7?
Spring: Virginia bluebells, native phlox, catmint. Summer: coneflower, bee balm, agastache, black-eyed Susan. Fall: native asters, goldenrod, ironweed. Winter structure: leave seed heads and stems standing for overwintering insects.
Can I attract hummingbirds year-round in Zone 7?
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are summer visitors (April-October) in most of Zone 7. In the Pacific Northwest portion of Zone 7, Anna's hummingbirds are year-round residents. Plant tubular red and orange flowers like salvia, trumpet vine, and cardinal flower.