Pollinator Gardens with Native Plants for Houston
Many of us discovered native plant gardening through a desire to help birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. These creatures are essential to a functioning ecosystem and need a certain mix of plants to thrive.
The Rusty Dog designs for pollinator gardens include a mix of larval host plants to feed butterflies when they are caterpillars, and nectar plants to feed adult butterflies and hummingbirds. The recommended plants include options for year-round interest.
Sunny Pollinator Garden (Type 3-5)
Dimensions: 4 feet wide by 3 feet deep.
| Location | Plant Options |
| Plant A (4) |
Gaura Gulf Muhly Red Yucca |
| Plant B (4) |
Little Bluestem Sunflower |
| Plant C (2) |
Salvia Greggi Mexican Bush Sage Flame Acanthus |
| Plant D (8) |
Purple Coneflower Black-Eyed Susan Native Milkweed Blanketflower Mixed Native Wildflowers |
| Plant E (2) |
Gregg's Mistflower Dill |
| Plant F (4) | Frogfruit |
| Plant G (1, option for a fence/trellis) | Passionflower Vine |
Shaded Pollinator Garden (Type 2-3)
Dimensions: 4 feet wide by 3 feet deep.
| Location | Plant Options |
| Plant A (2) |
Tropical Sage Salvia Miniata |
| Plant B (1) |
Buttonbush Turk's Cap Beautyberry |
| Plant C (6) | Inland Sea Oats |
| Plant D (4) | Native Milkweed |
| Plant E (6) | Frogfruit |
| Plant F (4) | Columbine |
| Plant G (5) |
Sedge Wood Fern |
| Plant H (1, option for a fence/trellis) | Pipevine |