Flowers are the essential part of many plants’ life cycles. They are also crucial to the life cycle and nourishment of insects and birds. Many beneficial insects need the sweet nectar from a flower to sustain themselves. Ladybugs are a great example of this, if there aren’t enough aphids around for lunch they look for flower pollen and nectar. The more flowers, the more beneficial insects and bees can thrive.
Here is a great list of beneficial flowers that make great cuttings as well!
Coneflower – (Echinacea) – Great for beneficial insects, humming birds, seeds are eaten by birds. Drought tolerant, perennial.
Bee Balm – great for beneficial insects, but not drought tolerant
Liatris – native varieties, great for butterflies. Perennial, semi-drought tolerant.
Iris – lots of colors to choose from, drought tolerant perennial.